General News
13 August, 2025
Double award winners
Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) is celebrating “a momentous achievement”, taking home not one, but two prestigious awards at the 2025 Local Government (LG) Week Awards.
At the awards event held in Sydney last Thursday, August 7, GSC won the RH Dougherty Award for Innovation in Special Events (Division A – population under 30,000) and the the LGNSW Planning Award (Division A – population under 30,000).
The special event award was won for The Goin’ to Gil Weekend and Under the Gums Festival 2024 while the planning award was given for the council’s Towards 5000 population strategy. These two new awards follow on from GSCs highly commended award for the GROWORX aged care project at the at the LG NSW Excellence Awards in June.
GSC states that the two LG Week awards are a testament to the strength of Gilgandra’s community spirit, innovation, and future-focused planning.
“From concept to execution, both projects reflect the bold, community-driven vision that continues to place the Gilgandra Region on the map. The Goin’ to Gil Weekend and Under the Gums Festival 2024 took out the RH Dougherty Award for Innovation in Special Events (Division A – population under 30,000), selected from seven strong applications” [including another western NSW event, the Brewarrina Blizzard].
The weekend drew over 3000 attendees, 43 per cent from outside the region, and injected $900,000 plus into the local economy.
“Powered by 250 plus volunteer hours, the event delivered unforgettable #RealCountry moments, from iconic Coo-ee calls to headline music acts by the Castlereagh River,” said a council spokesperson.
“Meanwhile, Planning Towards 5000 Population was named the LGNSW Planning Award (Division A – population under 30,000) winner, recognised from three state-wide nominations. The project showcases Gilgandra Region’s bold, collaborative vision for sustainable growth across housing, youth, childcare, health, and greening - building a vibrant, future-ready community.”
Council’s general manager, David Neeves, shared his pride in the wins and was in attendance with deputy mayor Ashley Walker and planning and development manager Kristy Cosier, to accept the two accolades at the awards in Sydney last week. “This is an incredible recognition of the passion and commitment shown by our teams and our community. Goin’ to Gil captured the spirit of who we are, while our Towards 5000 strategy shows where we’re headed.
“These awards are a celebration of what’s possible when we come together with purpose and pride. Gilgandra might be small in size, but we’re big in vision and it’s fantastic to see that recognised on a statewide stage,” said Mr Neeves.
“Council extends its warmest congratulations to everyone involved - planning crews, staff, volunteers, partners, and community members. These wins belong to you.”
