Talented women from councils across NSW have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the 2024 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
The award recipients were announced during a ceremony at NSW Parliament House co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
The prestigious awards, now in their 17th year, are held to highlight and celebrate women’s contribution and accomplishments in local government.
The winners of the 2024 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government are:
Alternative Pathways Award – Metro
Alicia Lopez – Chief Information Officer (City of Newcastle Council)
Alternative Pathways Award – Regional/Rural
Ruth Hallett – Civil Engineer (MidCoast Council)
Young Achiever’s Award – Metro
Jazmin Webber – Apprentice Carpenter (City of Newcastle Council)
Young Achiever’s Award – Regional/Rural
Rylee Goodman – Governance Officer (Shoalhaven City Council)
Woman of Distinction Award – Metro
Brooke Endycott – Director Community Life (Burwood Council)
Woman of Distinction Award – Metro (Highly Commended)
Haley Vallone – Strategic Social Planner (Campbelltown City Council)
Woman of Distinction Award – Regional/Rural
Alex Waldron – Chief Executive Officer (Upper Lachlan Shire Council)
Elected Representative Award – Metro
Councillor Linda Downey (Canterbury-Bankstown Council)
Elected Representative Award – Regional/Rural
Councillor Sue Moore – Mayor (Singleton Council)
Employment Diversity Award – Metro
City of Canada Bay Council
Employment Diversity Award – Regional/Rural
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Champion of Change Award – Metro
Emily Scott – General Manager (Waverley Council)
Champion of Change Award – Metro
Greig Schuetrumpf – Director of City Assets (City of Canada Bay Council)
Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural
Eloise Chaplain – Director of Infrastructure Delivery (Narrabri Shire Council)
Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural
David Hughes – Director – Built and Natural Assets (Lake Macquarie City Council)
Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award
Councillor Linda Scott – Australian Local Government Association President (City of Sydney Council)
For 16 years, Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Linda Downey has tirelessly represented her community, so it was only fitting that she was honoured with the ‘Elected Representative’ award at the Minister’s Awards for Women in Local Government.
In a special ceremony at Parliament House Tuesday, 20 August, Cr Downey said she was grateful that people have recognised the work and effort that goes into being a local Councillor. The lifelong resident of the City and local high school teacher has decided to call it quits but will continue to inspire and mentor young women to follow in her footsteps.
“It’s not just an award for me, it acknowledges the work of women in general across the state who contribute their time and effort to their local community,” Cr Downey said.
Cr Downey was elected to the former Bankstown City Council in 2008, where she was the first woman elected to represent the South Ward (which is now Reves by Ward).
“I wanted to represent the views of ordinary people and there weren’t very many women on Council at the time,” she said.
She served eight years on the Bankstown City Council, before being elected to the merged City of Canterbury Bankstown in 2017.
She served as Mayor between 2014-15 and later Deputy Mayor in 2021 for Canterbury-Bankstown. Among her many achievements, Cr Downey played a significant role in the City’s commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli and chaired the ANZAC Commemoration Committee.
“I had a great uncle who died on the Western Front, so I’ve had a bit of an interest of Australians who served there. It was a real highlight to be in Gallipoli for the centenary,” she said.
Other achievements during her time on Council included advocating for the redevelopment of Revesby pool, as well as improved traffic in the area and town centre upgrades.
Cr Downey’s decision not to contest the next election wasn’t an easy one but said she will still play an active role in the local community.
“I’m stepping down as a Councillor, but that doesn’t mean I’m stepping out of the community,” she said.
“I’m the careers advisor at East Hills Girls Technology School and I will continue to illustrate to young girls that there’s really rewarding career paths in Local Government.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Councillor Downey is a shining example for all women in Local Government and the award bestowed upon her is most deserving.
“As a long-time resident of our City, she has been a staunch and tireless advocate for her community and has fought and won many battles on their behalf,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
Cr Downey was joined at Parliament House by her husband and former long-serving State MP, Alan Ashton, her daughters, Gemma and Breanna, and East Hills MP Kylie Wilkinson.
“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do in the community without the support of my family,” Cr Downey said. The award, which recognises the achievements and celebrates the collective significance of women in Local Government across NSW was presented by NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
