Local Government NSW President, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has been recognised for her three decades of service to the people of Forbes and to the Local Government sector in general.
Mayor Miller received the highest honour at the 23 October announcement of the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government held at Parliament House, Sydney.
The Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award is named after Cr Lilliane Brady who served as mayor of Cobar Shire for more than 20 years and sat on the local council for 40 years. At the time of her death in 2021, Mayor Brady was the longest-serving female mayor in the history of NSW.
The winner of the Award is determined by the Minister for Local Government and recognises and honours the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member or elected representative.
Mayor Miller said receiving the award in honour of Lilliane Brady was particularly special as she had worked closely with the late Mayor over many decades.
“I had the tremendous honour of working closely with Lillian for over two decades, so this is such an honour to receive an award in her name. As a fellow country mayor, we had a lot in common – we exchanged ideas and we solved problems together. We even stayed at each other’s houses. She was an amazing servant to the community of Cobar, and I hope that I have similarly helped the great people of Forbes over the years,” Mayor Miller said.
Other recipients at the Ministers’ awards ceremony were:
• Alternate Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes. Metro: Jessica Speechly (Blacktown City Council). Regional/Rural: Kira Mendes (Bathurst Regional Council)
• Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council. Metro: Vanessa Parkes (Blacktown City Council) Regional/Rural: Naomi Searle (Tweed Shire Council)
• Elected Representative Award – a female councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives. Metro: Cr Carolyn Corrigan (Mosman Municipal Council) Regional/Rural: Cr Leah Anderson (Port Stephens Council)
• Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative, or who has a positive influence on others Metro (joint winners): Katie Anderson (Randwick City Council) and Helen Bradley (Inner West Council) Regional/Rural: Karen Partington (Lake Macquarie City Council)
• Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding female staff member (including trainees and apprentices) aged 25 and under. Metro: Ceyda Nalbantoglu (Liverpool City Council) Regional/Rural: Rani Diggs – (Gilgandra Shire Council)
On behalf of the local government sector in NSW, Mayor Miller extended a warm congratulations to her fellow recipients.
“These awards recognising the work of women in local government are so important,” said Mayor Miller.
“We desperately need to highlight the strong, fierce, determined and inspiring women doing incredible work in their communities. I really love that these awards recognise projects and initiatives that are aimed at increasing female participation in local government.”
“I congratulate all of today’s winners and thank them for their service to their communities who are so lucky to have them as part of their council.”
“I also want to thank Minister Hoenig and Minister Harrison and indeed the NSW State Government for hosting the awards and providing this much needed recognition,” Mayor Miller said.
