Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

National Awards for Local Government

Showing Local Government's true colours for 20 years

This year marks the 20th anniversary since the inception of the National Awards for Local Government, previously known as the National Awards for Innovation in Local Government. Since 1986, the Awards have recognised, rewarded and promoted the innovative and leading practices of Local Government. They highlight the outstanding achievements of Local Government across the country and demonstrate the importance of the role undertaken on a daily basis by Local Government in their communities.

While the diversity of issues Local Government faces continues to expand, and is sometimes very geographically specific, the Awards also help to highlight the commonality between Councils and encourage constructive dialogue. Through the Awards programme, and associated Leading Practice Seminar series, Local Government has the opportunity to share ideas, excellence and innovations with their colleagues.

The 2006 Awards will feature 18 categories across four broad areas of Local Government business:

Capacity Building

• Community Business Partnerships -Sponsored by the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership
• Innovation in Regional Development - Sponsored by the Department of Transport and Regional Services
• Strength in Diversity - Sponsored by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
• Strengthening Indigenous Communities - Sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Strong and Resilient Communities - Sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
• Youth Engagement - Sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs: Youth Bureau Community Services
• Health and Well Being - Sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing
• Planning for an Ageing Community - Sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing
• Valuing and Promoting Quality Child Care - Sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Environment
• Community Water Grants - Water Saving - Sponsored by the Australian Government Community Water Grants
• Integrating Biodiversity Conservation into Planning and Management - Sponsored by the Department of the Environment and Heritage
• Local Greenhouse Action - Sponsored by the Department of the Environment and Heritage: Australian Greenhouse Office
• Natural Resource Management: Local Government Integration into NRM Planning and Implementation - Sponsored by the Australian Government NRM Team (Department of the Environment and Heritage, and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Management Practices
• Asset Management - Sponsored by the Department of Transport and Regional Services
• Efficiency Improvement - Sponsored by the Department of Transport and Regional Services
• Increasing Women's Participation - Sponsored by the Department of Transport and Regional Services
• Information Technology - Sponsored by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources: business.gov.au
• Local Government Leadership Award for Injury Prevention and Management - Sponsored by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations: Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council

Entries in the 2006 National Awards for Local Government opened on Friday 28 April. Entry for the Awards is via an online entry form, which will be available during the entry period on the Department of Transport and Regional Services' website www.dotars.gov.au/localgovt This year the closing date for entries will be Tuesday 13 June and all Councils are encouraged to share their experiences with their colleagues through the Awards process and show their true colours!

If you would like more information please call 1800 065 113 (Freecall) or visit the website www.dotars.gov.au/localgovt

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