Northern Beaches Council has won the Partnerships and Collaboration award at the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
This award recognises partnerships with organisations, government and/or other councils that provides new or improved services, enhances physical or social infrastructure and makes a significant contribution to the LGA.
In the LGA Population Over 150,000 Northern Beaches Council was the winner for its Reuse and Recycling Event Series.
The awards are hosted by Local Government Professionals Australia NSW and celebrate outstanding achievements within NSW local government.
In March 2024 Council endorsed the Waste and Circular Economy Strategy 2040 - Rethink. Reduce. Reuse sending a strong message that the LGA will be shifting to a circular approach to waste management aimed at retaining the value of resources for as long as possible in order to benefit the environment, local business, and residents.
This strategy represents a new approach to waste management, emphasising the importance for us all to rethink our actions to reduce waste via reuse, repair and recycling which are the key pillars of our environmental agenda.
Currently waste collection is the largest service Council provides to the community, including up to 11 million bin collections each year.
''With this new strategy, we’re aiming to reduce landfill waste, increase recycling rates, and support our community to turn our waste into a valuable resource.'' the council stated last year
The new strategy focuses on 5 directions, each with supporting actions and include; eliminating waste, easy to use waste service, tackling priority waste, green and clean environment and Council leading the way.
Some of the key directions and targets include:
- pilot a circular economy hub for repairing and reusing household items, including working with charities, community groups and other interested groups
- help the community to reduce household waste by 10% by 2030 and by 20% by 2040
- halve the amount of household food waste sent to landfill by 2030, with a phased approach to food waste collection
- implement regular and accessible collections of electronic waste, textiles and household chemicals by 2025
- provide local drop-offs or kerbside collections for the most common household plastics where there are reliable markets for the recycled products
- advocate for the phase out of single use unrecyclable plastics
The strategy was informed by extensive research and consultation over a 12-month period with the local community, external stakeholders, expert consultants, the Environment Strategic Reference Group and Council staff.
With 179 submissions received from the community when it was exhibited to the public in October 2023, Council states there was overwhelming support for the strategy.
The strategy includes an action plan with key initiatives to commence, or be implemented, over the next five years.
Council states it will work closely with the community to rethink, reduce and reuse more under the strategy.
The next RRR event will happen on July 5 2025 at Aquatic Reserve carpark, 1 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest.
The Council is partnering with Anglicare, Dandelion Support Network, Revolve Recycling, Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre and The Sydney Library of Things for this event.
You can drive and drop off your old and unwanted items for reuse and recycling included in the list below.
- Adult clothing and accessories; Manchester (new or quality used); Hygiene items (New only); small homeware items
- Essential nursery items and clothing for babies and children
- Bikes, scooters and E-Bikes
- Cardboard
- Small metal items
- Plastic plant pots
- Raw timber, flat pack furniture and raw pallets
- Plastic storage containers with lids (34L and above), hand tools
Council asks that you please make sure you read the detailed list of items accepted and not accepted for each category.
You are also asked to:
- Separate your items into categories above before you arrive.
- Pack them into your boot or rear of your vehicle so they can be safely removed by staff.
- Drop and drive to the event, and stay in your car. When you arrive at the event our collection staff will unpack your vehicle to get you on your way faster.
More chances to Rethink-Reuse-Recycle
Further RRR events, including Avalon Car Boot Sales (next is Saturday June 21), the Surf Swap and Repair Market at Narrabeen (June 22), a Chemical Clean Out at Mona Vale Beach (Saturday June 25) or even getting your hands amongst it at the next Composting & Worms Workshop at Kimbriki at Ingleside (also Saturday June 28) are just some of he ways you can be part of the RRR initiative and part of the circular economy.
You can get involved or keep up-to-date with all RRR events here.
The RRR program had been preceded by a Reuse and Recycling Map in 2021.
This resource helps residents to find your nearest clothing bin, retail op shop, or other outlet that accepts used goods for free - including toys, bikes, sporting equipment, eye glasses, furniture and more for reuse and recycling.
Visit the Reuse and Recycling Map webpage to find out more.
NBC Commendation: Shelly Beach Amenities
In the Asset and Infrastructure category, which recognises initiatives that maximise benefits to the community, showcasing projects that develop and manage community assets, the Northern Beaches Council received a Highly Commended recognition for its Shelly Beach Amenities (Projects Under $1.5 million). The Winner was Gwydir Shire Council for its 'Community Informed Asset Prioritisation Initiative'.
North Sydney Council received a Judge's Recognition Award for its Citizenship Ceremonies at the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
This special recognition is awarded to a nomination that stood out to the judging panel for its exceptional quality, impact, or innovation.
''This initiative deserves to be celebrated for its meaningful contribution to local government and the community it serves.'' the judges said
North Sydney’s program, ‘Connected Communities - A Citizenship Celebration’, redefines the citizenship experience, transforming a formal administrative process into a vibrant, community-driven celebration that fosters belonging and civic pride. Held monthly, with an annual outdoor event, the program goes beyond paperwork, addressing the challenge of helping new citizens build lasting connections with their community and Council.
Aligned with North Sydney’s Community Strategic Plan and Vision 2040, the program brings to life the goal of creating a “welcoming, connected, and resourceful community.” What was once a formal procedure is now an immersive experience, truly one of ‘community welcoming community.’
Recognising the significance of the citizenship milestone, Council has developed a unique model that strengthens long-term community ties. It’s a community-first program built on strong partnerships, involving more than 12 schools, local community groups, and prominent guests - including the Governor-General of Australia and the Royal Australian Navy Band in 2024. Ceremonies feature student-led performances, youth public speaking, and First Nations Smoking Ceremonies, symbolising new beginnings and connection to Country.
New citizens receive volunteer-grown native plants from Council’s nursery, presented in compostable sleeves that reflect Council’s sustainability initiatives. A media wall and red carpet add a personal, celebratory touch, while follow-up communication from the Mayor encourages new citizens to engage further with their community.
This innovative approach ensures that citizenship in North Sydney is not just granted, it’s embraced. New citizens leave feeling welcomed, valued, and connected long after the ceremony ends.
North Sydney Council was also a finalist for its Access and Inclusion Committee (Community Development category), its Citizenship Ceremonies (in both the Community Partnerships and Partnerships and Collaboration categories) and its Informing Strategies for North Sydney over the next ten years (in both the Special Project and Innovative Leadership categories).
Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW is the leading association representing all professionals in NSW local government and is part of a national federation of associations. The organisation is committed to maintaining high professional and ethical standards; ensuring that its members are at the forefront of leadership, change and innovation.
On Thursday 5 June, local government professionals gathered at The Star Events Centre in Pyrmont for the Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW Awards Dinner, where outstanding
achievements in the NSW local government sector were celebrated.
The 2025 NSW Local Government Awards Dinner welcomed 800 guests in attendance and celebrated the success of our members, both emerging talent and most respected industry leaders. The awards honour excellence in leadership, environmental initiatives, community engagement, operational performance, partnerships, collaboration, and more.
LG Professionals, NSW’s President, David Tuxford, congratulated the winners and the local council staff involved.
“Last night’s Awards Dinner was a powerful reminder of the excellence and innovation driving NSW local government. Bringing together 800 dedicated individuals, it was inspiring to see so many
professionals recognised for their commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for their communities. The night was a celebration of our shared purpose, and the positive impact local
government continues to make,” said Mr Tuxford.
With 265 nominations across 15 award categories, selecting the winners was a challenge. The judging panel commended the calibre of entries, all achieving outstanding outcomes for their communities.
Among the award winners listed were Member Milestones:
55 Years of Membership
Ray Pemberton
Ross Symons, Fellow
Ian Tiley, Fellow
50 Years of Membership
Jim Gossage, Fellow
Alan Travers, PSM, Fellow
AR Bluett Award
Lake Macquarie City Council, Metro/Major Regional Category
Bega Valley Shire Council, Regional/Rural Category
The A R Bluett Memorial Trust was established in 1944, to honour the contribution of Albert Robert Bluett, who served for 30 years as Secretary and Solicitor for the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW.
Its purpose is to recognise relative progress, excellence, innovation and sustainability by NSW Councils. LG Professionals, NSW is pleased to partner with Local Government NSW in judging and awarding the A R Bluett Memorial Award.
Photos courtesy Local Government Professionals Australia NSW and North Sydney Council