New Awards recognising the next generation of council workers

The inaugural NSW Local Government Training Awards will recognise people starting their careers in local government, as well as the supervisors, mentors and councils helping them develop their skills.

The awards are being delivered alongside the Minns Labor Government's Fresh Start program, which is expanding apprenticeship, traineeship and cadetship opportunities in councils across the state.

The program is directly funding an additional 1,700 apprentice, trainee and cadet roles in councils, with more than 1,100 people currently working in these roles across the state.

Awards will be presented across 14 categories covering apprentices, trainees and cadets, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, young achievers, workplace supervisors, mentors and metropolitan, regional and rural councils.

The inaugural Awards will be presented at a ceremony at The Calyx, at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney on 8 December 2026.

Nominations close 26 October 2026, at 5:00PM.

To make a nomination visit https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/about-us/awards/nsw-local-government-training-awards

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

"Council work is practical, local and essential. Communities depend every day on skilled people doing their jobs well, and councils need another generation coming through to take on that work.

"More than 1,100 apprentices, trainees and cadets have already started work in councils through the Fresh Start program. These awards are about recognising the people learning the job, as well as the supervisors, mentors and councils giving them the opportunity to build a career.

"Local government offers young people the chance to learn real skills, earn a qualification and do work that matters in their own community.

"I also want these awards to recognise good training. When a council takes the time to properly train and support someone at the beginning of their career, that investment benefits the council and its community for years to come.

"There are talented young people working in councils right across NSW who deserve to be recognised. I encourage councils to put their names forward.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

"Behind every strong council is a skilled workforce, and today's apprentices, trainees and cadets are the next generation who will help keep local communities thriving.

"Through programs like Fresh Start, we're creating more opportunities for people to gain the skills that work while building secure, rewarding careers closer to home.

"These awards are a chance to recognise outstanding achievement and celebrate the people and mentors helping grow the local government workforce of the future."

General Secretary of the United Services Union Graeme Kelly OAM said:

"The Fresh Start Program initiated by the Minns Government investing in the training of 1,700 new apprentices, trainees, cadets and early education childcare workers is groundbreaking.

"No other State Government in our nation has delivered such a meaningful comprehensive reskilling program of local government offering lifelong employment opportunities for so many including reskilling local government.

"I sincerely wish all nominees the best of luck in these very worthy awards."