Left to right: Nick Wright (Manager Parks & Sportsfields), Katie Brown (Active Recreation Officer) and Dale Fillingham (Acting Senior Coordinator Parks Operations) at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards.
The City of Ryde is celebrating two remarkable achievements at recent award ceremonies in Sydney that have acknowledged the expertise and dedicated hard work of Council staff.
On Monday 29 June 2026, the City of Ryde was named Local Council of the Year at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards, which were presented by Sport NSW at Bankstown Sports Club.
In receiving the award, Council was praised for continuing to lead the way in supporting active communities through significant investment in sporting infrastructure and a wide range of inclusive programs.
Sport NSW said that by creating opportunities for seniors, young people and families to get active, Council was helping build a healthier, more connected community.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said the award was a wonderful acknowledgement of Council's Active in Ryde program.
"This award represents sector‑wide recognition of Council's leadership in delivering high‑quality, inclusive community sport and recreation programs, and highlights the measurable impact the Active in Ryde program continues to have across our community," he said.
"Winning the Local Council of the Year category positions Ryde as a leader in the sector and reinforces our commitment to accessible, safe, and welcoming recreation opportunities.
"This is a great achievement for the Active in Ryde program, the Parks & Sportsgrounds team, and for Council, which provide a significant proportion of the infrastructure that underpins the community sports sector."
At the Parks and Leisure NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence held on 25 June 2026 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Council received a commendation in the Strategic Planning category for its Integrated Open Space Strategy (2025-2035).
These awards recognise the people, projects and organisations making a real difference in our communities. From innovative park developments to outstanding community programs, they celebrate the dedication and impact of the people behind the places.
Council's commended strategy was put together completely with in-house resources and project managed by Rob Parsonson in the Open Space and Climate Team.
"I'd like to congratulate the staff from both teams for their remarkable achievements at these two award ceremonies – the recognition is richly deserved and reflects the exceptional services Council continues to deliver for our community," said Mayor Brown.
