Last night, Mayor Leah Anderson was presented with the prestigious Minister's Award for Women in Local Government at the Port Stephens Council meeting.
Now in its 18th year, the award celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of women in NSW Councils.
Mayor Leah Anderson was honoured with the Elected Representative Award, which celebrates female Councillors who have advanced the position of female elected representatives.
Mayor Leah Anderson said she was very proud to receive the award.
"I'm genuinely honoured and humbled to receive this award," Mayor Anderson said.
"I'm passionate about being a strong role model for women and girls, but I know I couldn't have achieved this without the support of Council staff, my fellow Councillors and of course my family.
"I love to see the projects and initiatives that are making a real difference in our community, and it's a great feeling to be part of that," Mayor Anderson added.
Elected in 2022 as the only woman on Port Stephens Council, Mayor Anderson became Deputy Mayor in 2023 and made history in October 2024 as the first popularly elected female Mayor of Port Stephens.
Mayor Anderson established the Port Stephens Homelessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group in 2023, bringing together 18 key agencies to tackle homelessness, with a focus on women impacted by domestic violence and housing insecurity.
In addition to her local government roles, Mayor Anderson serves as a Director of Newcastle Airport, where she is the only woman on its Partnership Board, and as Deputy Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils. In these roles, she plays a key part in regional strategy and advocacy priorities.
"I know the value of our community and look forward to continuing to work with our Council and community to make Port Stephens a great place to live, work and invest," Mayor Anderson said.
