Gabrielle Upton
Minister for Local Government
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 7 March 2017
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The achievements, commitment and passion of women in NSW councils were
celebrated today as part of the tenth annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local
Government.
Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton and Minister for Women Tanya
Davies joined this year’s winners at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House, to say
‘thank you’.
Ms Upton congratulated not only those women who were officially recognised today
but every woman making a contribution to their communities through local
government.
“The winners of this year’s Awards have led and encouraged other women and
tackled some of the complex issues facing communities,” Ms Upton said.
The Awards were established in 2008 to recognise the outstanding contributions and
achievements of women in local government in NSW.
Minister for Women Tanya Davies said the Awards recognised the contributions of
women in leadership positions, women making a difference behind the scenes and
trail-blazing women in non-traditional roles such as engineering.
“The NSW Government is encouraging diversity in NSW councils and is recognising
the achievements of women through these Awards,” Mrs Davies said.
“We want to inspire and encourage the younger generation of women to consider a
career in local government.”
2017 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government winners are:
Elected Representative - Metropolitan Council

Councillor Jennifer Anderson, Ku-ring-gai Council
Special Achievement Award

Councillor Judith Rutherford AM, Willoughby City Council
Elected Representative from a Rural or Regional Council

Councillor Kristy McBain, Bega Valley Shire Council
Senior Staff Member – Metropolitan Council

Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council
Senior Staff Member – Rural or Regional Council

Margot Stork, Murray River Shire Council
Non-Senior Staff Member – Metropolitan Council

Petrina Nelson, City of Canada Bay Council
Non-Senior Staff Member – Rural or Regional Council

Debra Hilton, Gunnedah Shire Council
Women in a Non-Traditional Role – Metropolitan Council

Martina Fletcher, Blacktown City Council
Women in a Non-Traditional Role – Rural or Regional Council

Megan Cone, Armidale Regional Council