Broken Hill is through to the finals in two categories of the 2026 Local Government Excellence Awards.
The Awards are run by Local Government Professionals Australia, and will be held at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse on June 4.
Council placed nominations in two categories, with the refurbishment of the local netball courts entered into "Projects over $1.5 million - Population Under 100,000", and the inaugural Beyond The Dust Festival nominated for the "Festivals and Community Events - Population Under 50,000" category.
The $5 million netball upgrade included a new playing surface, LED lighting, fencing, and shade shelters, while the Beyond The Dust Festival featured live music, late night shopping, markets, food and drink vendors, bar facilities, camel rides, and children's rides.
Council's General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said he hoped the positive impact of both projects would hold the city in good stead with the judges.
"The netball court refurbishment has been transformational for the local competition, and was well overdue given the poor state of the courts before the upgrade," said Mr Nankivell.
"Meanwhile the Beyond The Dust festival exceeded all our expectations and was really embraced by the community - it's very rare to see an event be that successful in its first year.
"It would obviously be nice to take out an award, but just making the finals is a great endorsement for Broken Hill, and deserved recognition for the hard work and commitment of staff, volunteers, and all stakeholders involved in both projects."
