The awards, which were staged at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney on Thursday night, celebrate councils who demonstrate excellence across a range of categories such as arts and culture, events, communications and planning.
Murray River Council took home three RH Dougherty Awards; Winner of ‘Innovation in Special Events’ for Moama Lights, Winner of ‘Reporting to Your Community’ for the cemetery digitisation project, and a Highly Commended for ‘Excellence in Communication’ for the council’s advocacy efforts in the ‘Turn the border green’ campaign.
Mayor Chris Bilkey said it’s a great achievement for the council to be so well regarded in the industry.
“The awards are about recognising some of the most progressive councils in NSW, so we are absolutely thrilled to take home not one, but three awards,” Cr Bilkey said.
“We have been making continual improvements over the last 18-months, to both our services and the initiatives we deliver, so the awards nod is just another acknowledgement that we are not only on the right track, but leading the way.
“It takes a team effort, a great culture, and a can-do attitude to achieve these things, so we are very proud of the whole council team on this achievement.”
Local Government NSW president Darriea Turley congratulated Murray River Council, as well as the other award recipients and nominees.
“As the peak body for local government in NSW, we are so proud to showcase the wonderful work our NSW councils are doing right across the state for the benefit of their communities,” Cr Turley said.
“These awards — as well as Local Government Week — have once again demonstrated how councils have gone above and beyond in what has been another particularly challenging year for many.
“Whether it be rural, regional or metropolitan areas, it is local government that is on the ground and manning the frontlines to keep the heart of their communities beating.”