Bega Valley Shire Councillors past and present, with Council staff and AR Bluett Award Trustees, Les McMahon and Paul Braybrooks OAM.
5 February 2025
Bega Valley Shire Council was presented today with the most prestigious award for outstanding achievement in local government, the AR Bluett Memorial Award.
Council took out the award's regional/rural category which was announced at the 2024 Local Government NSW annual conference where former Local Government NSW President, Cr Darriea Turley AM said it was especially pleasing as Council and its community have worked so hard to recover from the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020.
The AR Bluett Awards are judged by three honorary Trustees – Les McMahon (Trustee Chairman), Paul Braybrooks OAM and Genia McCaffery.
The Trustee Chairman and Mr Braybrooks attended a special event held in the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre today, attended by staff and Bega Valley Shire Councillors.
Mr McMahon said judging for this year's award was particularly challenging based on the excellent nominations received.
"Bega Valley Shire Council impressed the judges with strategies to maintain its $1.9 billion worth of assets following the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019/20 and 13 subsequent disaster declarations, by guiding the growth of the shire to a more sustainable community," he said.
"With new tertiary treated water treatment facilities in Brogo-Bermagui following the fires and the restoration of the famous Tathra Wharf, the council embarked on strategies to improve vital assets.
"It also provided future proofing for growth by developing an additional 3,000 home sites coupled with a new affordable housing strategy in Bega, providing existing residents a place to live."
Mayor Fitzpatrick said Council submitted a strong application and provided the judges with an inspiring tour of the region, creating a truly positive and memorable experience.
"Councillors and Council staff all work hard to make the Bega Valley and our organisation what it is every day.
"Being shortlisted for the AR Bluett Memorial Award was wonderful and then winning has been such a great honour. I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate all councils shortlisted for both categories as they also make an enormous contribution to their communities on a daily basis."
The award has been presented annually since 1945 in commemoration of Albert Bluett, who served as the Secretary and Solicitor to the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW for 30 years.
Mr Bluett was highly respected by the legal profession and by the State Government of the day and was instrumental in writing the Local Government Act of 1919.
