newy.com.au – Singleton Mayor Sue Moore has received the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Singleton Council won the Excellence in Gender Equity Award, while Ms Hamer, MidCoast Council’s manager of water planning and assets, was highly commended in the Breaking Barriers category.
The honours were presented at Parliament House on Thursday, 22 October, at a ceremony jointly hosted by NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
The NSW Government said a record 188 nominations were received, two thirds of them from rural and regional councils. Nineteen awards were presented across the statewide program.
Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise women across council workforces and elected roles, from trainees and frontline staff to senior executives, councillors and mayors.
Elsewhere, Central Coast Council’s director of community and recreation services, Melanie Smith, received the Champion of Change Award. Gunnedah Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM and Walgett councillor Jane Keir OAM received Excellence in Councillor Leadership awards.
Ms Harrison said recognising women’s achievements could encourage more people to consider a career in local government.
“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.”
The NSW Government has provided further information about the awards.
