Mayor, council director recognised at Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM has received a state award recognising her leadership in local government, while council’s director of corporate services Kelly Stidworthy has been highly commended at the

Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Mayor Fuller received the Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award at last week’s awards ceremony held in Sydney.

Ms Stidworthy was highly commended in the Women of Distinction Award, recognising her work and leadership within local government.

The awards were presented by the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, and the Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, celebrating women making a difference in councils and communities across NSW.

A record 188 nominations were received for this year’s awards, with two-thirds coming from rural and regional councils.

Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said the achievements of Cr Fuller and Ms Stidworthy were particularly significant given the strong representation of regional councils.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, mayor Colleen Fuller OAM, Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.

“These awards are a well-deserved recognition of Colleen’s and Kelly’s respective efforts and contributions to our shire and local government,” he said.

“They are both passionate about local government and play a key role in ensuring that Gunnedah Shire Council is in a strong position for the future.

“Colleen has a heart for the community, and Kelly has proven to be a powerful mentor for staff and an inspiring figure within the organisation.

“Her strong work ethic, dedication to excellence and valuable experience in local government are an asset to not only council, but also this community.”

Cr Fuller was first elected as a councillor in 2004 and served as deputy mayor from 2009 to 2013 before becoming Mayor in 2024.

She has also held leadership positions with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, NSW, and is now a life member of the organisation. She received an Order of Australia Medal in January.

Cr Fuller said she was honoured to receive the award.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, Kelly Stidworthy, Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.

“It is a privilege to stand among so many outstanding women who have contributed so much to local government and their own communities,” she said.

“I believe local government is a wonderful career path and it’s encouraging to see so many women nominated from rural and regional councils. I congratulate Kelly and all the nominees and award recipients.”

Ms Stidworthy has worked in local government for 25 years, across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

She became Gunnedah Shire Council’s director of corporate services in 2022, overseeing customer and information services, governance and legal, and finance.

She said it was a privilege to be recognised through the awards.

“Working in local government gives you a unique opportunity to shape the future of your community and every project, decision and service has the potential to create positive change and make a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.

“When you live and work in your community, you can see the impact of your efforts firsthand, whether it’s improving local services, supporting community initiatives, or helping shape the future of the place you call home.”