Lithgow City Council's Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP) Program has been recognised for its leading practice work in transitions management with an Honourable Mention in the Regional Growth category at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government.
Lithgow City Council's entry was awarded for its outstanding achievement amongst a strong field of 192 total submissions. Lithgow City Council's entry highlighted the LEEP team's work implementing the actions outlined in the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan including its work to deliver targeted education and skills training for the local community through the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub.
Lithgow City Council's Mayor, Councillor Cassandra Coleman said "Lithgow City Council is proud to be recognised for our work implementing the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan with an Honourable Mention at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government. This work shows that Lithgow City Council is actively delivering real, long-lasting benefits for our community - in particular, educational programs for our emerging workforce to help prepare them for future job opportunities".
The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub is supported by an $830,000 grant from the Federal Government, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' Local Jobs National Priority Fund. It provides a space for delivering industry-aligned training to local workers for the jobs of the future that require science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). This program provides a unique curriculum to all schools in the Lithgow LGA, bridging the divide between public, private and independent, and giving students equitable access to expensive STEAM equipment.
In partnership with all three tiers of Government in addition to key business, industry and community stakeholders, the LEEP program is poised to continue to foster a vibrant, cohesive and resilient community with a bright economic future.
