Kempsey Shire Councillor Annette Lawrence has been named the 2025 recipient of the esteemed Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship.
Cr Lawrence, a proud Dunghutti woman and the first Dunghutti person elected to Kempsey Shire Council, received the honour at last week's Local Government Week Awards, hosted by Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
The scholarship pays tribute to the late Cr Pat Dixon, also a Dunghutti woman, who made history as the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in New South Wales, serving on Armidale Regional Council.
Established to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and council staff, the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship provides funding for education, research and professional development. It plays a vital role in strengthening First Nations representation and leadership across the local government sector.
Cr Lawrence said the scholarship will help her complete her bachelor degree and further her professional development.
"I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and furthering my professional development in cultural studies. My journey is about empowering our people, advocating for equity and ensuring our stories and strengths are woven into the fabric of decision-making, both locally and beyond," Cr Lawrence said.
"Being recognised with the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship is a profound honour that reflects the legacy of leadership within our mob. As a proud Dunghutti woman, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, trailblazers like Cr Pat Dixon, and I'm deeply committed to opening doors for those who follow."
"Looking ahead, I'm focused on continuing to grow both personally and professionally. I aim to deepen my understanding of governance and policy, strengthen community engagement and contribute meaningfully to initiatives that close the gap and uplift First Nations voices," she added.
Kempsey Shire Council extends its congratulations to Cr Lawrence on this significant recognition and celebrates her ongoing contributions to the shire and beyond.
