About this Award

This award is for an initiative or program that demonstrates exceptional collaboration and dedication in fostering meaningful relationships and outcomes between councils, First Nations people and the general community.

This could include, but is not limited to, initiatives in:

• Professional development and education (both from a Council officer perspective and/or the First Nations community)
• Business and economic development
• Leadership in the community
• Recreation and events
• Governance and decision making
• Environment and sustainability

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clear description of approach adopted
• Community involvement and collaboration: Active participation and engagement of First Nations people in the planning, implementation and long term commitment of the initiative or program.
• Evidence of courageous leadership in the face of opposition or adversity
• Clarity and delivery of outcomes within the organisation and the community/municipality
• Measurable benefits to the organisation, Indigenous community, and the broader community/municipality
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect and incorporation of First Nations cultural values and practices in the initiative or program.

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that maximise benefits to the community and showcase partnerships in developing and managing community assets. This section is for projects that cost under $5 million that are new and a one-off activity of a capital nature.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of the initiative’s outcomes
• Innovative features
• Demonstrated leadership
• Cost benefits
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Transferability/key learnings
• Demonstration of sustainability

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that maximise benefits to the community with a population less than 50,000 and showcase partnerships in developing and managing community assets. It is for projects that cost $5 million – $20 million and are new and a one-off activity of a capital nature.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of the initiative’s outcomes
• Innovative features
• Demonstrated leadership
• Cost benefits
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Transferability/key learnings
• Demonstration of sustainability

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that maximise benefits to the community with a population over 50,000 and showcase partnerships in developing and managing community assets. It is for projects that cost $5M-$20M and are new and a one-off activity of a capital nature.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of the initiative’s outcomes
• Innovative features
• Demonstrated leadership
• Cost benefits
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Transferability/key learnings
• Demonstration of sustainability

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that maximise benefits to the community showcasing partnerships in developing and managing community assets. It is for projects that cost over $20 million and are new and a one-off activity of a capital nature.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of the initiative’s outcomes
• Innovative features
• Demonstrated leadership
• Cost benefits
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Transferability/key learnings
• Demonstration of sustainability

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to working with and/or in the community to achieve positive outcomes.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of outcomes and impact on the sector and community
• Level of innovation
• Inclusive contribution and gender equality
• Demonstrated leadership
• Effectiveness of collaboration
• Transferability of the initiative
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

This award recognises excellence in innovation and expertise in utilising electronic tools, devices, systems and resources to enhance the work of councils, from generating, storing or processing data to improving engagement and streamlining administrative processes. It celebrates outstanding commitment to leveraging digital solutions for the betterment of communities, fostering efficiency, transparency and inclusivity in governance.

Initiatives can include those that increase safety and responsibility online or those that increase effectiveness of professional messaging and communication online.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of objectives and outcomes
• Innovative technological solutions
• User-centric design and the ability to meet specific target group needs
• Impact on citizen engagement
• Collaboration and partnerships
• Extent of leading practice
• Sustainability and transferabilityy

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

This award recognises initiatives that help to prevent disasters and mitigate climate change, that support recovery and preparedness, and/or that increase capacity to protect lives and livelihoods while reducing infrastructure damage or loss. This includes initiatives that reduce the impact of disasters, support the identification of risk and increase response capacity.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Level of disaster risk reduction
• Level of innovative thinking in decision-making and consideration of diverse voices
• Level of community engagement
• Collaborative and coordinated approach
• Sustainable outcomes resulting in more resilient communities and enhanced capacity to prepare for and recover from emergencies
• Transferability

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

This category is open to achievements/outcomes that acknowledge, support and celebrate diversity and inclusion in relation to internal practices and/or within the broader community context. This includes, but is not limited to ethnicity, language, ability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, education level, personality, political beliefs and other ideologies. It is about understanding and respecting each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity within each individual - whether it be in an organisational or community context.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Influence and originality
• Capacity for establishing and maintaining partnerships
• Benefits to the organisation and/or community
• Outcomes achieved within the organisation and/or the community
• Establishment of cross functional working relationships

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that demonstrate excellence in the delivery of environmentally sustainable processes or projects. These provide a new way of ensuring programs, projects and developments meet present needs, without compromising future generations.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of the initiative’s outcomes
• Innovative features
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding
• Cost benefits
• Sustainability of project

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Projects demonstrating new ways of leading, facilitating, administering, controlling or ensuring a particular outcome is achieved and that make positive changes to management of an organisation’s practices or projects.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of program/project objectives and outcomes
• Originality and effectiveness of the initiative
• Achievement of project versus intention
• Sustainability/transferability of the initiative
• Demonstrated leadership
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives demonstrating best practice (outstanding action), or the pursuit of excellence in service/s delivery to the community or specified target market and that will continue.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of demonstrated outcomes
• Benefits relative to cost
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Innovate and defining features
• Effectiveness/transferability
• Financial sustainability
• Ability to meet specific clients/target group needs

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

Initiatives that are exceptional and one-off. Projects entered in this category must be original and assist the community over and above Council’s day to day activities.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Clarity of program/project objectives and outcomes
• Demonstration of an effective/innovative approach and outcomes
• Impact of the initiative
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding and resources
• Extent of leading practice
• Cost benefits of the initiative

Initiatives, projects or programs that have been implemented for 12 months or more are generally preferred nominations as they allow enough time to demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits. Due to the pandemic however, some Councils have fast tracked initiatives for more immediate benefit, so LGPro does allow initiatives that have not been implemented for 12 months as long as demonstrable outcomes exist.

Projects that do not have demonstrable outcomes will not score well with the judges and as such projects in their planning phase are not recommended.

About this Award

This category recognises the resource challenges faced by smaller rural Councils. Nominations received by eligible Councils in the existing categories (except for Young Achiever) will automatically be entered into this new category without a separate submission having to be made.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Demonstration of program/project objectives and measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated innovative approach
• Size and complexity of initiative relative to funding
• Impact of initiative on community/organisation, relative to resources and cost
• Transferability of initiative

About this Award

This award acknowledges recognisable achievements by people up to 30 years of age (as of 31 December 2026) and working in Local Government. Nominations will be accepted from both LGPro Members and Non-Members. The person putting forward the nomination must be an LGPro Member however, it is not a requirement for the nominee to be an LGPro Member.

Judging Criteria

The key criteria that will be considered in judging this category are:

• Major achievements of the nominee
• Demonstrated leadership qualities
• Level of commitment in driving change
• Specific individual contribution made to a Council and/or sector
• Commitment to self-development