After a difficult year of drought, bushfires and a global pandemic local council's in the New England area have been recognised for their achievements and commitment to their local communities.
The Local Government Awards NSW announced the winners for this year in true 2020 style with a virtual ceremony on Thursday 6th August.
Tamworth Regional Council, Gunnedah Shire Council and Tenterfield Shire Council all received nods across multiple awards.
Tamworth Regional Council won the RH Dougherty Award, Division B (population 30,000-70,000), in the Reporting to Your Community section for 'My TRC Online Community'.
The judges congratulated the council for demonstrating innovation, noting that it “has listened and is prepared to listen and act on what their community wants and needs.”
Tenterfield Shire Council won Division A (populations up to 30,000) in the same section for their reporting to the community and drought management.
The Leo Kelly Arts and Culture Award Division A (populations up to 30,000) was awarded to Gunnedah Shire Council for the Rainbow Serpent Water feature project (Featured image above).
Judges described the project as "An extraordinary story of persistence and admirable Aboriginal-led art. The capacity to engage not only with the women creating the sculpture but the support of the community is innovative."
A highly commended for Division B (populations between 30,000 and 70,000) was awarded to Tamworth Regional Council for the Tamworth Regional Museums Engagement Strategy 2019-2024 that aims to preserve the region's heritage.
Christiane Birkett, Librarian with Gunnedah Shire Council has been announced as the regional winner for outstanding individual contribution.
Judges said Ms Birkett was most deserving and commented "What a great person Christiane Berkett is! Her passion to assist the community in particular to impart knowledge and her love, obviously, for books! The Brain Training initiative is a great idea! A great success story indeed".