The NSW Minister for Local Government, Don Page, has congratulated the four NSW Councils that collected category awards at the 2011 National Awards for Local Government.

Mr Page said all of the staff members of Ryde City Council, Cabonne Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council and Mid-Western Regional Council should be proud of their Councils’ achievements, and urged them to motivate and inspire other NSW Councils.

Ryde Council won a National Award for Local Government for `Women in Local Government’, Cabonne Council won for `Innovative Infrastructure Development (Smaller Council)’, Narrabri Council won for `Promoting Reconciliation (Smaller Council)’, and Mid-Western Regional Council won for `Women in Local Government (Smaller Council)’.

Mr Page said it was pleasing that NSW Councils won the most awards of any State (four of 17), and secured both of the Women in Local Government awards which were awarded.

"I congratulate all the staff members of Ryde City Council, Cabonne Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council and Mid-Western Regional Council for flying the flag for NSW in this, the 25th year of the National Awards for Local Government," Mr Page said.

"The awards are a fantastic way to recognise the resourcefulness and innovation of Australia’s hardest working and most dedicated Councils, and to see four NSW Councils collect awards was very pleasing.