24-11-2025
Upper Lachlan Shire Council was recognised for outstanding achievements in Local Government as part of the LG NSW conference held on Sunday 23 November 2025, a conference that brings together all councils across NSW.
The recognition was presented as part of the AR Bluett Memorial Award ceremony. CEO Alex Waldron and Mayor Paul Culhane proudly represented Council at the event, where Upper Lachlan Shire Council was announced as one of the two most innovative and high performing Council’s in regional NSW showcasing excellence and innovation in operations and services.
The AR Bluett Memorial Award is considered the most prestigious award in NSW Local Government. It was established in 1945 to honor the legacy of Albert Robert Bluett, who played a pivotal role in drafting the Local Government Act 1919. The award is judged annually by three honorary Trustees and is awarded to councils that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and genuine community impact.
To be awarded second place in the AR Bluett Award is a testament to councils’ commitment to serving the Upper Lachlan community and lifting the standard of local government in NSW.
Alex Waldron, CEO said, “I am incredibly proud to say I lead the operations of a Council recognised as being one of the most innovative and high performing Council’s in NSW. We may have been pipped at the post by Leeton, but second is a huge achievement. Thank you to every staff member for all that you do to contribute to delivering infrastructure, programs and strategies under difficult financial circumstances to ensure Upper Lachlan remains a great place to live and work.”
In recent years, Upper Lachlan Shire Council has faced numerous challenges. Instead of stepping back, the Council has embraced these obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation. Reflecting on the experience, CEO Alex Waldron shared, “Preparing the submission offered a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge our accomplishments over the past few years. The dedication of our Council team, driven by staff commitment, has made these achievements possible. To be considered for the AR Bluett Award is a privilege, and we are truly humbled.”
Key achievements Council has demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership delivering:
- Financial Sustainability review and organisation restructure: securing long- term financial sustainability (budget savings of $1.5 million each year) to deliver valued services to the community and retain jobs.
- Strategic Planning Improvements: introduced planning efficiencies and career development pathways for women, improving DA processing (July 2025 95% DA completion by 115 days), recruitment, succession and retention.
- $7.3 million of Essential Public Asset Restoration works (EPARW) in 12-18 months under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Upper Lachlan Shire has faced four declared natural disasters since 2022. These events severely impacted our 7,000km2 local government area which includes more than 2,000km of mostly unsealed roads, leaving infrastructure degraded and access to properties, livestock transport and emergency service under threat.
- Replacement of Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s last timber bridge with a concrete structure: Crookwell River, Julong Road
- Crookwell Aquatic and Visitor Information Centre: Council punching above its weight to deliver its largest infrastructure project in history despite building company collapse.
- Construction of Curraweela Bridge, in partnership with Oberon Council, replacing a low-laying causeway designed to withstand a one-in-100 flood.
- Implementation of a new Risk Management System; improving decision making and compliance, enhancing risk awareness and risk management culture and building proactive risk management capability
- Introduction of proactive injury-management strategies, including a robust return to work program and invested in workplace safety, claims management and policy review.
- Arts and Cultural Strategy: Invested in Arts and Cultural infrastructure and bringing arts and cultural events to people of all abilities, across our disperse villages: Upper Lachlan Roving Arts Show; Rejuvenating Gunning Shire Hall (acoustics, lighting, comfort, disability access); Transforming Gunning Court House into a Chamber music of excellence (Grand Piano, lighting, comfort, disability-access); Restoring structural integrity of the Coronation Theatre.
- Housing Strategy: helping Council plan for future growth and addressing housing needs through strategic partnerships and initiatives.
CEO Alex Waldron said, she is truly honoured and proud of Council’s achievement.
“Regional councils face a range of unique challenges; however, Upper Lachlan Shire Council is determined to achieve its strategic priorities through clear management, innovation, and efficiency. Continued investment in roads, bridges, community facilities, and essential services will ensure the Upper Lachlan community benefits from safe, reliable infrastructure and high-quality services well into the future.”
“I give my heartfelt thanks to the AR Bluett Trustees for recognising Upper Lachlan’s strong commitment, dedication and innovation to improving our operations and services and for providing us the opportunity to showcase our achievements.”
For media enquiries please contact Upper Lachlan Shire Council [email protected].
