Tweed Mayor Councillor Warren Polglase has been honoured by the New South Wales Government with an Outstanding Service Award.
Premier Kristina Keneally presented him with the award in Sydney in June.
Councillor Polglase received the award for his 23 years service to Local Government, which he served at Tweed Shire and Murray Shire in the southwest of New South Wales. He served as a Councillor in Murray Shire from 1980 to 1987 before moving to Tweed, where he was a Councillor from 1991 to 2005. He has taken on the role of Mayor twice, both between 2001 and 2005 and 2009 to present.
Premier Keneally presented Councillor Polglase with the award at a ceremony at the Shires Association of New South Wales Annual Conference, where she congratulated him on his service and dedication the two communities over many years.
President of the Shires Association Councillor Bruce Miller also congratulated Councillor Polglase on his award.
“Local Government service, especially as Mayor, is
extremely rewarding, but
can also be very challenging, so I congratulate Warren for his enthusiasm and dedication to the community,” Councillor Miller said.
Councillor Polglase was genuinely surprised to receive the award and was not aware of the honour until the ceremony.
“I did think it was a little unusual that my wife Karlene wanted to come to Sydney to the conference with me, and even more strange that she insisted I wear a suit to this particular ceremony, but I’m certainly glad she did,” Councillor Polglase said.
Despite the unexpected accolade, Councillor Polglase said he was honoured to be recognised for his long service to Local Government.
“I firmly believe that when you live in a local area, you fight for that area, and that’s what I’ve done for 23 years,” he said.
Councillors are eligible for the Outstanding Service Award after serving a total of at least 20 years service to Local Government in New South Wales. The award comprises a medal, a miniature medal, lapel badge and a citation.
