Women in local government from across NSW were honoured for their achievements at a ceremony at Parliament House today, jointly hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
A record 188 nominations were received for this year’s Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, with two-thirds coming from rural and regional councils.
Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise the fantastic contribution of women at every level of local government, from trainees and frontline staff to senior executives, councillors and mayors.
A high calibre of nominations saw nineteen awards handed out to women working and serving in councils from across the state.
The recipients of the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government are:
Breaking Barriers Award
- Councillor Sherin Akther (City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council)
- Riley Doherty, Trainee Water Services (Wingecarribee Shire Council)
- Highly Commended – Tracey Hamer, Manager Water Planning and Assets (MidCoast Council)
Champion of Change Award
- Melanie Smith, Director Community & Recreation Services (Central Coast Council)
Emerging Councillor Leadership Award
- Councillor Keri Spooner (Waverley Council)
- Councillor Marea Ruddy (Orange City Council)
Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award
- Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM (Gunnedah Shire Council)
- Councillor Jane Keir OAM (Walgett Shire Council)
Excellence in Gender Equity Award
- Singleton Council
Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship Award
- Karyn Worlledge, Manager Children’s Services (Liverpool City Council)
- Amanda Crangle, Manager People and Culture (Shoalhaven City Council)
Rising Star Award
- Tiana Parevska, Graduate Building Surveyor (Cumberland City Council)
- Lucy Kilpatrick, Youth Centre Assistant (Cobar Shire Council)
- Highly Commended – Keira Whitford, Wastewater Operations Manager (Shoalhaven City Council)
Woman of Distinction Award
- Karen Jones, Team Leader Sustainability and Resilience (Sutherland Shire Council)
- Sarah Ainsworth, Business Manager Environment and Health (Goulburn Mulwaree Council)
- Highly Commended – Kelly Stidworthy, Director Corporate Services (Gunnedah Shire Council)
- Highly Commended – Katie Buckman, Director City Performance (Shoalhaven City Council)
Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award
- Councillor Sue Moore, Mayor Singleton Council
Find more information about the Awards.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“A good council depends on good people. After 31 years as a mayor, I saw that firsthand.
“Today we’re recognising women who work across local government to deliver services, lead council teams and represent their communities. It’s work that makes a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
“I’m particularly pleased that so many nominations have come from country NSW. Congratulations to all the award recipients and everyone who was nominated.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“These Awards recognise the outstanding contributions women are making in local government and the positive impact they have on communities across NSW. They celebrate leaders, innovators and changemakers who are helping shape a stronger future for our councils and communities.
“Unfortunately, women still face barriers to running for office, and while female representation is increasing, there is still some way to go.
“By celebrating the achievements of these outstanding women, we hope to inspire more people to consider a career in local government and follow their example in serving their communities.
“Every woman recognised today is helping create pathways for the next generation of leaders to step forward, contribute and succeed in local government.”
