Naomi Searle, Director Sustainable Communities and Environment at Tweed Shire Council, was today announced as the winner of the Champion of Change Award at the 2025 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government.
The award ceremony, held at NSW Parliament House and co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, celebrated the achievements of women and advocates for gender equity across councils in NSW. The Champion of Change Award recognises a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women's participation at their council.
Ms Searle was acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and commitment to exceptional innovation, integrity, and initiative across various Council programs. In regards to her support of women, it was noted that Ms Searle has played a role in facilitating Council's International Women's Day (IWD) events and responding to reactions from them. Feedback from the 2024 IWD event highlighted the need for more support for women in the workplace, and Ms Searle has since supported plans for the establishment of a women's network group at Council. As a respected member of Council's Executive team, her sponsorship and support for these initiatives is integral in encouraging women's participation and progression at council.
Well known for her effective handling of sensitive issues and her calm and strategic disposition, Ms Searle's positive influence and potential for future leadership roles have been widely acknowledged by staff and the Mayor. Her compassionate handling of complex issues like assistance dogs' in sensitive environments, along with overseeing a large capital works program and flood recovery efforts, has further cemented her as a distinguished leader in local government. She also played a pivotal role in the development of the ground-breaking 'Part of Your Everyday' communications campaign recently rolled out by Tweed Shire Council.
Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry, accompanied Ms Searle to the Awards ceremony and congratulated her on her on the well-earned recognition.
"Naomi has consistently demonstrated her ability to inspire others, take initiative, and lead by example. Her dedication to innovation, community engagement, and the career growth of all team members has made a significant and positive impact on the Council and the community it serves," Cr Cherry said.
Ms Searle said that she was honoured to take out the award among a very high achieving group of peers.
"All of the women represented at the awards today are people I respect deeply so to be recognised amongst this group is very humbling. I'd like to acknowledge the amazing team I work with at Tweed Council. Every day we work together for the community and to support one another," she said.
The key achievements that earned Ms Searle the award include her work on the following projects:
- The revitalisation of the Ranger Unit
- The smooth transition of Aged Care Services away from Council responsibility and the enhanced NDIS and Aging Well Strategy
- A plan for the optimisation of Holiday Park Management
- Her progress in climate change and conservation
- Advancement of Environmental and Resource Recovery Projects
This recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Tweed Shire Council, which continues to lead by example in sustainability, governance, and community engagement.
