NARRABRI and Walgett Shire Councils have featured at the 2025 Local Government Week Awards, held in Sydney Thursday night.
Narrabri Shire Council was Division A winner for Excellence in Communication in the RH Dougherty Events and Communications Awards for the Narrabri Shire Olympic Activation Project.
The project was in response to declining business confidence and featured a vibrant, community-led celebration of local athletes heading to the 2025 Paris Olympics.
Engaging 76 organisations, the initiative delivered cost-effective activations including themed promotions, green and gold CBD lighting, and widespread community participation.
The project reached more than 30,000 people on social media, boosted local business engagement, and fostered pride and unity among the Shire’s 12,730 residents. Delivered on a modest $700 budget, it exemplified innovation, collaboration, and Impact – strengthening local partnerships and setting the stage for future economic development.
Walgett Shire Council was awarded the Best Small Council with the Most Outstanding Youth Week Program. The program has been a consistent finalist and winner in various NSW Youth Week Awards, demonstrating Walgett Council’s commitment to providing meaningful and impactful initiatives for young people in the shire.
Councils from across New South Wales were recognised for outstanding contributions to their communities.
The awards celebrate excellence across strategic planning, arts and culture, community events and communications.
Established in 1981, the Local Government Week Awards aim to foster greater community awareness and recognition of the vital role councils play across New South Wales.
Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller said the awards provide an opportunity for councils to showcase the inspiring work they do to support, engage and strengthen their communities.
“As the peak body for local government across the state, LGNSW is incredibly proud to celebrate the valuable work being done every day by councils,” Cr Miller said.
“From playgrounds to community halls, youth services to yes, even roads, rates and rubbish – councils’ impact on everyone, every day and it’s important we have a way to acknowledge the incredible work being done not only by our elected Councillors but also by our hard-working staff.”
Cr Miller congratulated all the winners and nominees on their exceptional contributions.
“Local Government Week is a time to shine a spotlight on the sector. These awards are an opportunity to say thank you for the creativity, resourcefulness and dedication of our state’s councils,” she said.
