Narrabri Shire named as finalists for LG Excellence Awards
Published on 17 April 2025
Narrabri Shire Council has been named as finalists in five categories at this year’s NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
The awards celebrate and highlight outstanding achievements by NSW councils and showcase the work being undertaken across the state.
Narrabri Shire Council Interim General Manager Eloise Chaplin said Council was thrilled to be recognised for the awards. “Being named a finalist in five categories is a proud moment for Narrabri Shire. To be considered among the best in the state is a huge credit to the people behind the scenes” she said.
“Their innovation and hard work continue to raise the bar for what local government can achieve” Mrs Chaplin added.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens said “Recognition like this reminds us that great things can, and do, come from regional communities, and Narrabri is leading the way.”
He added, “Council’s success at these awards highlights our proactive approach to meeting challenges and finding smart, community-first solutions”
Winners will be announced at the LG Awards Dinner on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
Narrabri Shire was named as finalists in the following categories:
Asset and Infrastructure (over $1.5m and under 50k population) – Strengthening of the East-West Freight Route – Pilliga to Wee Waa
Council delivered a $7 million upgrade to 21.2km of Pilliga Road, significantly improving freight efficiency, road safety, and flood resilience.
This vital upgrade supports growing regional industries, enhances access for remote communities, and reduces ongoing maintenance costs by 50%.
Supporting Local Enterprise – Narrabri Shire Olympic Activation Program
Council launched the Narrabri Shire Olympic Activation Program in July 2024 to celebrate our Shire’s local sporting talent competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, whilst building on local consumer sentiment to boost sales.
Through energising public spaces, the project offered a creative, budget-conscious approach to boosting the local economy, while celebrating community heroes on an international stage.
Special Project Initiative (under 50K population) - Narrabri Shire Council community discounted desexing, vaccination and microchipping program.
With increasing numbers of animals entering the pound system, Council introduced the community Discounted Desexing, Vaccination and Microchipping Program which saw eligible pet owners pay a one-off fee of $50 for the services in the program.
The program has been well received and is vital in keeping the pets of the community safe and reducing the numbers of animals entering the pound.
Special Project Initiative (under 50K population) - Boggabri Flood Risk Management Study and Plan
Council led a collaborative study that combined technical analysis with extensive community consultation to develop a comprehensive flood risk management plan for Boggabri.
This plan directly addresses local flood risks and supports future development planning, while also strengthening emergency response strategies in partnership with local emergency services.
First Nations Community Partnership – Write Time Write Place
The Write Time, Write Place (WTWP) project was developed in response to the disadvantages encountered by regional and remote students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
The program targeted Aboriginal and marginalised youth (14.8% of the population identify as Aboriginal) and combined cultural and nature-based excursions with creative expression to deliver an interactive two-day workshop.