The outcomes of the 2026 National Awards for Local Government were announced on Monday 22 June 2025 with the winners receiving their awards at a presentation which took place at the 2026 Australian Council of Local Government event in Canberra.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s Recognition
Winner: Wollongong City Council | Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo
Honourable Mention: Diamantina Shire Council | Breaking Ground: Empowering Indigenous Leadership in Remote Australia
Addressing Violence Against Women and Children
Winner: City of Greater Dandenong | Voices for Safety: A Community Led Stand Against Violence
Honourable Mention: City of Palmerston | City of Palmerston’s Domestic Violence Action Plan
Affordable Housing
Winner: City of Moreton Bay | Community Leasing for Social and Affordable Housing
Honourable Mention: City of Kalamunda | High Wycombe South Residential Precinct
Arts and Culture
Winner: Burwood Council | Ford Lane: From Laneway to Live Music Destination
Honourable Mention: Port Phillip City Council | St Kilda Festival
Cohesive Communities
Winner: Burwood Council | Burwood Lunar Lanes 2026: A City United through Culture, Connection and Community
Honourable Mention: City of Gosnells | Yes! City of Gosnells Youth Entertainment Space
Disaster Readiness and Recovery
Winner: Hawkesbury City Council | Reconstruction of Thomas James Bridge
Honourable Mention: Murrindindi Shire Council | LEAP: Community-Owned Emergency Planning and Community Relief Hubs
Environmental Sustainability
Winner: City of Vincent | City of Vincent – GreenTrack: A Simple Way to Deliver More Sustainable Homes
Honourable Mention: City of Gosnells | Sustainability in Action – City of Gosnells
Outstanding Rural and Remote Council
Winner: Quilpie Shire Council | Quilpie Shire - Q1000
Honourable Mention: Gannawarra Shire Council | The Glasshouse
Productivity Through Infrastructure
Winner: City of Palmerston | Zuccoli Community Hub – Pump Track
Honourable Mention: City of Launceston | St Leonards & Waverly Neighbourhood Plan and Infrastructure Funding
Regional Growth
Winner: Sunshine Coast Council | Library + Caloundra
Honourable Mention: Quilpie Shire Council | Quilpie Shire – Q1000
Road Safety
Winner: City of Vincent | Near Miss Pilot Program – Fitzgerald Street and Angove Street
Honourable Mention: Scenic Rim Regional Council | Beaudesert Town Centre Road Safety Initiatives
Women in Local Government
Winner: Shire of Manjimup | Director of Infrastructure – Catherine Mills
Honourable Mention: City of Port Adelaide Enfield | Women in City Assets Program
Workforce and Skills
Winner: City of Port Adelaide Enfield | Women in City Assets Program
Honourable Mention: Diamantina Shire Council | Diamantina Shire Council: Start-Up Week – A Whole-of-Council Approach to Training