General News
30 October, 2025
Rani, a young achiever
Rani Diggs – Gilgandra’s Young Achiever winner at the 2025 Minsters’ Award for Women in Local Government.
Rani Diggs, local resident and Gilgandra Shire Council employee was awarded the prestigious Young Achievers Award at the 2025 Minister’s Award for Women in Local Government at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday, October 23.
Rani received the award from the NSW Minister of Local Government, the Hon Ron Hoenig MP.
She attended with her mother, Danielle Diggs, Gilgandra Shire Council’s mayor Doug Batten and director of infrastructure Daryl Colwell. Mum, Danielle said she was thrilled with this achievement. “Rani being recognised as the winner of the young achiever award across all councils in NSW, this is a very proud moment for our family.”
Infrastructure director, Daryl Colwell, commented on Rani’s professional development and commitment to her work. “At just 20-years-old, Rani has forged an impressive career at council, standing out as a young, enthusiastic, and hardworking employee, excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field,” he said. “Her determination, professionalism, and skill have seen her exceed expectations well beyond her years, earning respect from colleagues and the community. Rani is very deserving of this award.”
Council’s general manager, David Neeves, said nothing gives him more joy than hearing positive praise from the community about council employees and their work within the community. “Rani has not only gained the respect of her peers but also of the wider community, and it’s always a proud moment to receive positive feedback on the great work our employees are delivering.” Rani thanked council for the opportunity and their ongoing support. “It’s a nice feeling to be recognised as a young woman achieving in my chosen profession, across the whole of the NSW local government industry,” Rani said.
“I enjoy what I do, the people I work with, and seeing my work have a positive outcome on the community.”
Rani began working with council in 2021 as a personal carer at Cooee Lodge Residential Aged Care Facility while still at school, where her care and professionalism helped create a supportive environment for both residents and staff.
In 2023, Rani successfully gained a plant operator civil construction apprenticeship, earning tickets across multiple civil machines, securing her HR truck licence, and completing a Certificate III in Civil Construction, all within just two years. By June 2024, she had progressed into a permanent roller plant operator role.
Now she is acting in the role of a road maintenance team leader/grader operator, Rani delivers a critical service for the community, grading and maintaining council’s unsealed rural road network.
