Leeton Shire Council is thrilled that four key initiatives delivered last year have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW Excellence Awards. The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at the Star Event Centre in Sydney.
The four projects are:
Leeton's Gamechanger for Youth - a finalist in the category Community Partnerships - Under 150K Population. This sport and wellbeing program, launched in May 2024, is a collaboration between the Office of Sport and Leeton Shire Council. It addresses barriers to sports participation for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds by providing free access to sports and wellbeing activities. Over 180 children from seven schools participated in the program, which included weekly physical activity sessions, a wellbeing program, and culminated in a Gala Day.
General Manager Jackie Kruger thanked Recreation Facilities & Program Coordinator Maddy Clyne and Recreation Facilities & Program Supervisor Rachael White for their professional and enthusiastic delivery that led to the successful execution of this project, and noted Maddy's leadership and drive getting a good gem of an idea mobilised into action.
Chelmsford Town Square - a finalist in the category Asset and Infrastructure - Over $1.5 million - Under 50K Population. This project transformed Leeton's CBD into an attractive and engaging town square, featuring a raised pedestrian walkway, a water feature tribute to our irrigation history, a refurbished heritage-listed bandstand, a returned services memorial and digital projections on the water tower. The redevelopment respects historical elements while introducing modern functionalities and amenities, creating a dynamic venue for community events and festivals.
General Manager, Jackie Kruger, complimented Josh Clyne, Manager Open Spaces & Recreation, on his fastidious project management of the works, and for brilliantly coordinating the wider team involved with delivering all elements of the build and landscaping.
Innovating for Sustainability: The Digital Twin Water Initiative – a finalist in the category Innovative Leadership - Under 150K Population. Leeton Shire Council's implementation of a "Digital Twin" for water management uses real-time data to address challenges like non-revenue water and water discolouration. A first for a NSW Council, this initiative has significantly reduced water loss and improved operational training, setting a benchmark for innovative and sustainable practices in local government water management.
General Manager, Jackie Kruger, applauded the initiative of Gerard Simms, Manager Information & Operational Technologies, for leveraging Council's partnerships with Qatium & Taggle to introduce a new and innovative practice that is sure to be replicated across the State now that it has been tried and tested.
Going Green in Leeton Shire – a finalist in the category Environmental Leadership. The introduction of a green-lidded Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin in July 2024 resulted in a contamination rate of just 0.3% in its first six months – a phenomenal result. This success is attributed to extensive community engagement and collaboration with neighbouring councils promoting the new three-bin system through educational initiatives and public workshops.
General Manager, Jackie Kruger, took her hat off to Luke Tedesco, Manager Environmental Sustainability, and Guy Retallick, Waste & Recycling Coordinator, who brilliantly leveraged the opportunity to work with RAMJO Councils to achieve more for less for the ratepayers of Leeton Shire Council.
Mayor Cr George Weston said being recognised as finalists is testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of the Council staff who were integral to the successful delivery of these projects.
"Our teams are committed to progressing and advancing Leeton, ensuring it remains a vibrant and sustainable community. These projects and their nominations perfectly reflect Council's efforts in this space," he said.
"Whether we come home with trophies in June or not, doesn't matter. Being selected as finalists is already a win in my book," he added.
