Mosman Councillor Carolyn Corrigan has won the metropolitan Elected Representative Award at the 2025 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government, in recognition of outstanding accomplishments to advance the position of female elected representatives.
Cr Corrigan received the award today (Thursday 23 October 2025) during a ceremony at NSW Parliament House, hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
The annual awards celebrate women's outstanding accomplishments in local government, along with successful council programs aimed at supporting female participation. The categories cover both metropolitan and rural and regional areas.
Cr Corrigan said: "I feel honoured to be acknowledged by the NSW government with this award and delighted to continue witnessing significant increases, over the past 13 years, in the number of women being elected to represent their local communities.
"I strongly believe in the positive power of more women in local government and will continue to encourage and support potential community leaders."
Cr Corrigan dedicated the award to her late father, Dr Brian Corrigan, who she described as an amazing mentor and teacher who gave his working life to public service in the sports medical world. She also thanked her mentor, Professor Anne Keogh, who provided support and strong female leadership in her nursing career.
Among many highlights of her time in local government, founding the annual Mosman Walk for Women holds particular significance for Cr Corrigan. The event encourages community advocacy, raises awareness and sends a united and collective call for action to end violence against women and children.
First elected to Mosman Council in 2012, Cr Corrigan was Mosman's first popularly elected female Mayor from 2017 to 2024. She did not run for Mayor at the last election but continues serving as a Councillor.
During her Mayoral tenure, Cr Corrigan also served as President of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC), advocating regionally on behalf of member councils and championing collaborative leadership, including a focus on women's representation in decision-making roles.
Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber, who also attended today's event, said Cr Corrigan had consistently supported, mentored, and encouraged her and other candidates, fostering a culture that valued female leadership and diverse perspectives.
"Carolyn continues to provide mentorship to me and others in the community, demonstrating her long-term commitment to building female leadership in local government," Mayor Kimber said.
"After serving one term as a councillor and two terms as Mayor, Carolyn made the considered decision not to recontest the Mayoralty, believing in the value of renewal and the importance of bringing new energy and ideas to leadership roles. She continues to serve as a councillor, offering wisdom, continuity, and mentorship, while making space for new voices to emerge, a powerful example of selfless leadership in action."
Mayor Kimber said Cr Corrigan was widely regarded as a role model for women aspiring to contribute to public life.
"Carolyn's example has had a ripple effect across the Mosman community," she said.
"Her legacy is not only in what she has achieved personally but in the many women she has lifted up along the way."
