Nominations have opened for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, now in their 19th year, recognising the women whose leadership and service are strengthening councils across New South Wales.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said the awards recognised women who had shaped their councils and communities.
“Throughout my years in local government, I’ve worked with many outstanding women who have given an enormous amount to their communities. They’ve served as councillors, managers, engineers, planners, community workers and across every part of local government. Their contribution deserves to be recognised,” Mr Hoenig said.
“These awards acknowledge women whose leadership, judgement and commitment have made a real difference in their councils and in the communities they serve.”
Two new categories have been added this year, Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship and Emerging Councillor Leadership. They join six existing awards: Rising Star, for an outstanding female employee aged 25 or under; Champion of Change, for a general manager or senior leader driving cultural change; Breaking Barriers, for a woman who has challenged traditional career pathways; Excellence in Gender Equity, for a council building inclusive workplaces; Woman of Distinction, for a woman demonstrating excellence and leadership; and Excellence in Councillor Leadership, for a female councillor strengthening the voice of elected women.
Nominations are open in every category for both metropolitan and rural and regional councils.
“It’s encouraging to see more women stepping forward to serve their communities, with women now making up 40 per cent of elected councillors in New South Wales following the last local government elections,” Mr Hoenig said.
“That’s significant progress, but we should continue working towards councils that reflect the diversity of the communities they represent.
“I know there are remarkable women making a difference in councils across New South Wales every day. I encourage councils, colleagues and community members to nominate someone whose contribution deserves to be recognised.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the awards were a chance to celebrate women across every level of council work.
“The dedication and leadership I’ve witnessed from women in local government over the years has been truly inspiring, and these Awards continue to be a wonderful celebration of their achievements,” Ms Harrison said.
“Whether they’re serving as mayors, councillors, executives or staff, women are making a lasting difference in all of our councils, championing better services and local priorities, and creating opportunities for new generations to follow in their footsteps.”
The awards will be presented by Mr Hoenig and Ms Harrison at Parliament House on 22 October. Nominations close 28 August and can be made via the Office of Local Government website at olg.nsw.gov.au.
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