NSW public servants have been recognised for their outstanding service and community impact at the 2024 Premier's Awards event, held last night in Sydney.
This year's eight award categories reflect the different ways the NSW public service enhances the lives of communities across the state.
With more than 240 nominations received, this year's awards celebrated a strong field of finalists who represent the highest standards of integrity and service that lie at the heart of the NSW public sector.
This year, Bev Lazarou of Legal Aid NSW was recognised as the 2024 NSW Public Servant of the Year. The Public Servant of the Year Award recognises an individual who demonstrates a commitment to shaping an exceptional public service.
Ms Lazarou is a highly respected leader in the sector, having devoted herself to supporting women affected by domestic, family and sexual violence. Her work spearheading the co-location pilot program has created a ground-breaking model that ensures women and children experiencing violence receive coordinated and timely support.
Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future leader in the public sector, a person who displays outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This year's Anthea Kerr Award winner is Samantha Walters from the Department of Communities and Justice.
Ms Walters works tirelessly as a caseworker supporting children in out of home care. She has a track record of passionate advocacy for young people with disabilities, and adolescents facing significant hardships and challenges. She maintains an active role as a leader and a role model, despite not being in a management position, and is known for going above and beyond for the most vulnerable children of NSW.
The 2024 Premier's Award winners are:
NSW Public Servant of the Year: Bev Lazarou, Legal Aid NSW.
Anthea Kerr Award: Samantha Walters, Department of Communities and Justice NSW.
Building a resilient economy: Uptown District Acceleration Program, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Connecting communities: Digitisation: Records of Stolen Generations, Museums of History NSW.
Driving public sector diversity: Early Birds & Night Owls, Australian Museum.
Excellence in service delivery: Howlong Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), NSW Ambulance.
Highest quality healthcare: RPA Virtual Wound Care Command Centre, Sydney Local Health District.
World class education and training: Birrany and Mulungan Program, Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"The Premier's Awards recognise the dedication of our public sector workers on behalf of our communities.
"All our nominees contribute to building an exemplary public service and delivering essential services that people rely on.
"Our public service workforce is helping our Government to build a better NSW, as we work relentlessly on behalf of the people of our state.
"I want to thank all our public sector employees and give a special congratulations to our finalists this year."
Premier's Department Secretary Simon Draper said:
"Positive change in our communities is supported by the sense of purpose, collegiality and innovation among our public service agencies.
"The incredible leadership and commitment of our Premier's Awards finalists is a testament to the work that our public service delivers week in week out, as they serve the people of NSW.
"Congratulations to all our deserving winners and finalists."
