Kempsey Shire Councillor Annette Lawrence has been named the 2025 recipient of the esteemed Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship.
The proud Dunghutti woman was awarded the prestigious scholarship at last night's Local Government Week Awards, hosted by LGNSW.
The scholarship was established in memory of Cr Pat Dixon, also a Dunghutti woman, who became the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in NSW.
Offered through the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust, and administered by LGNSW, the scholarship recognises and supports the leadership and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and council staff through financial assistance for education, research and professional development.
LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM congratulated Cr Lawrence and acknowledged the enduring significance of the program.
"These scholarships are a powerful way to honour Cr Pat Dixon's legacy as a trailblazer who helped reshape the landscape of local government in Australia," Cr Miller said. "Council Lawrence is a most worthy recipient and I congratulate her on this recognition from her sector.
"There's an incredible depth of knowledge, skill and leadership in NSW councils. Supporting that talent is critical to building stronger, more inclusive and representative local governments that truly reflect our communities."
As the first Dunghutti councillor to serve on Kempsey Shire Council, Cr Lawrence's election marked a significant milestone for both her community and the broader movement toward First Nations representation in local government.
Cr Lawrence said being selected for the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship was a profound honour.
"I'm committed to upholding the legacy of First Nations leadership in local government while continuing to build a safe, connected, and thriving community," Cr Lawrence said.
"I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and furthering my professional development in cultural studies. This scholarship will help empower me with tools and strategies to further support cultural competency across our council."
Cr Dixon's family member and Scholarship Trustee Warren Roberts commended Cr Lawrence on her achievements.
"As a member of Aunty Pat's family, I am encouraged to see her legacy growing in recognition through the presentation of the scholarship in her name at the Local Government Week Awards night," Mr Roberts said
"I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and staff to apply to the Scholarship in 2026 for financial assistance to support further study, research, or professional development."
Scholarship recipients are determined by four trustees: Local Government Aboriginal Network President Cr Dominic Wy Kanak, Cr Trish Frail of Brewarrina Shire Council, Mr Warren Roberts, family representative of the late Pat Dixon, and LGNSW representative Cr Darriea Turley AM.
