Karen Partington kicked off her career in local government as a cashier almost a quarter of a century ago, collecting fees for things like land rates and dog registrations.
Now, she's collecting coveted awards for her tireless work, integrity and dedication to her career and the community throughout the past 25 years.
Ms Partington, who has risen through the ranks to become Lake Macquarie City Council's acting Director Planning For the Future, on Thursday received a Women of Distinction Award in the 2025 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government.
The award recognised Ms Partington's "exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative", and her positive influence on others.
Ms Partington has fulfilled diverse roles throughout her career, in strategic land use planning, infrastructure, environmental systems and asset management.
But the award also recognised the key role she played establishing Spark, a networking group for women at Council, and her dedication to increasing female participation in non-traditional roles.
CEO Tony Farrell said Ms Partington's tenure had been marked by her ability to "inspire, empower and create lasting change".
"Karen's work has led to a sustained shift in gender balance, a culture of inclusion and a legacy of opportunity for future leaders," he said.
"She is deeply respected by her peers, Council's executive and elected officials, and most importantly, by the people she leads."
Ms Partington said she was "extremely humbled" to win the award.
"Working in an organisation of around 1300 employees, and given the breadth and complexity of our work, I'm very aware that everything we do requires a team of people," she said.
"Without that team and our shared vision and values for our city, we achieve very little. I share a small part in a broader team effort."
Ms Partington nominated the diversity of her career and the volume of knowledge she'd acquired as factors that kept her motivated and engaged.
"Having a real impact on local communities by providing and improving our services is also really gratifying," she said.
"I always feel most proud watching our community use new businesses, shared paths, parks and playgrounds that I've had a hand in planning and delivering."
For now, though, her focus is on helping Council during a transitional period as it seeks to appoint a new CEO after Morven Cameron stepped down from the position in September.
"There's lots to be done and many challenges ahead," Ms Partington said.
"But that's what makes local government so interesting and rewarding."
