Outstanding achievers in local government have been recognised, with 13 category winners announced for the 2026 National Awards for Local Government.
Now in their 40th year, the awards celebrate inspirational service delivery, acknowledging the important role local government plays in improving the daily lives of Australians.
This year's winners include:
- City of Moreton Bay for providing 22 new social housing dwellings to provide long-term housing stability for those at risk of homelessness
- Hawkesbury City Council for the Reconstruction of Thomas James Bridge following extensive damage from the July 2022 floods, preserving its historic significance while improving infrastructure resilience and safety
- City of Palmerston for the Zuccoli Community Hub Pump Track, an inclusive, multi-purpose recreational facility for the growing community encouraging active lifestyles and promoting community engagement.
Sixty-nine local governing bodies across Australia made a total of 191 submissions for projects addressing critical topics such as regional growth, affordable housing and cohesive communities.
The achievements of smaller remote and rural councils are also recognised by the awards.
This year's winners are below and honourable mentions are at: 2026 National Awards for Local Government
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
"With the National Awards for Local Government now in their 40th year, I am proud to continue to recognise standout councils going above-and-beyond for their communities every year.
"Local governments deliver vital services that Australians right across our nation rely on and these awards provide an opportunity to highlight and recognise this excellent work.
"I'm once again struck by the diverse projects councils have delivered this year, providing innovative projects and solutions with great benefits for their local communities."
2026 National Awards for Local Government category winners:
| Winning Council | Project Name | Award Category |
| Wollongong City Council | Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Recognition |
| City of Greater Dandenong | Voices for Safety: A Community Led Stand Against Violence | Addressing Violence against Women and Children |
| City of Moreton Bay | Community Leasing for Social and Affordable Housing | Affordable Housing |
| Burwood Council | Ford Lane: From Laneway to Live Music Destination | Arts and Culture |
| Burwood Council | Burwood Lunar Lanes 2026: A City United through Culture, Connection and Community | Cohesive Communities |
| Hawkesbury City Council | Reconstruction of Thomas James Bridge | Disaster Readiness and Recovery |
| City of Vincent | City of Vincent - GreenTrack: A Simple Way to Deliver More Sustainable Homes | Environmental Sustainability |
| City of Vincent | Near Miss Pilot Program - Fitzgerald Street and Angove Street | Road Safety |
| Quilpie Shire Council | Quilpie Shire - Q1000 | Outstanding Rural and Remote Council |
| City of Palmerston | Zuccoli Community Hub - Pump Track | Productivity through Infrastructure |
| Sunshine Coast Council | Library + Caloundra | Regional Growth |
| Shire of Manjimup | Director of Infrastructure - Catherine Mills | Women in Local Government |
| City of Port Adelaide Enfield | Women in City Assets Program | Workforce and Skills |
