Tamworth Regional Council has been recognised as a finalist in three separate categories in the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
The NSW Local Government Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and promote innovation and continuous improvement within NSW local government.
The newly rolled out Aboriginal Branding Project is among 10 finalists in the First Nations Community Partnership category.
This momentous project was developed with the support of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council, resulting in a new artwork element, now featured in corporate branding.
The design was created by Gomeroi artist Tess Reading and integrated into branding by members of the Tamworth Regional Council Marketing and Communications team.
In 2022 Council received community feedback in its Communications Strategy consultation for better inclusivity and respect in its communications, and the inclusion of the Aboriginal artistic element into the corporate brand is an action from that strategy.
“Council was really proud to adopt this piece of artwork, which recognises the connection of the Kamilaroi/Gomeroi people to the Tamworth region. This was a historic step within the organisation, toward our goal of Closing the Gap.” said General Manager Paul Bennett.
One of the driving forces behind the project was Manager, Marketing & Communications, Karlee Cole, who has also been named a finalist in the Emerging Leader category. Karlee is an exceptional leader who is highly regarded and respected by her team and the wider organisation.
In the Community Development category for a Population Under 150,000, Tamworth Regional Council’s Child Safety framework was named a finalist.
This initiative was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, requiring the implementation of 10 Child Safe Standards within Council.
The framework aims to ensure children in the community feel heard, respected and included. Led by the People & Culture team, the project took 16 months and has seen substantial impact. One significant achievement was the roll out of specialised in-house child safe training, which equips all staff members of their responsibilities under the Framework.
“This project has put a focus on child safety in Council’s operations as well as leading the broader community in this space. It has put systems and procedures in place to enable children to have a voice in addition to reporting mechanisms for children and the general public to make complaints.” said Child Safe Leader Hannah Woods.
Winners will be announced at the Local Government Awards Dinner on Thursday 5 June.
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