Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) board member, Local Government NSW president and mayor of Forbes Shire Council, mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has been bestowed with the councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Memorial Award for Women in Government.

This is the highest honour that NSW Local Government Minister the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP can confer.

It was an honour that her predecessor president of LGNSW, Cr Darriea Turley AM was awarded in 2023.

Attending the award presentation on behalf of Country Mayors of NSW, CMA chairman mayor Rick Firman OAM has applauded mayor Miller and minister Hoenig.

“The councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Memorial Award recognises someone who inspires other women to participate in local government. Minister Hoenig has hit the nail on the head, in recognising the tireless work of mayor Miller,” he said.

“Whether advocating for her community, her CMA or broader NSW and Australian local government counterparts, mayor Miller is a genuine role model for women in local government. Mayor Miller is inspiring to all in local government, including myself,” mayor Firman said.

Mayor Miller said receiving the award in honour of the late Cobar Shire mayor, Lilliane Brady OAM was particularly special as she had a strong connection with her former counterpart.

“I had the tremendous privilege of working closely with Lillian for over two decades, so this is such an honour to receive an award in her name. As a fellow country mayor, we had a lot in common – we exchanged ideas and we solved problems together,” mayor Miller said.

Mayor Miller described the local government minister’s awards, recognising the work of women in local government as extremely important. “We desperately need to highlight the strong, fierce, determined and inspiring women doing incredible work in their communities. I really love that these awards recognise projects and initiatives that are aimed at increasing female participation in local government,” she said.

The sentiments were echoed by mayor Firman. “The minister’s new code of meeting practice aims to improve respect within our council chambers, but that also needs to occur at community levels, if we are to be able to encourage more people, both men and women, to put their hands up for election to local government.”

“Councils across NSW are underfunded, to the extent that their financial sustain- ability is threatened. As a result, there is a lot of pressure from communities, especially when a special rate variation is considered www.nswcountrymayors.com.au necessary. It is so important that we, as a society, acknowledge the work of our local mayors and councillors.”

“For democratic, quality representation on our councils in the future, there must be appreciation and inspiration for the mayors and councillors of today. That is just one significant reason why minister Hoenig’s presentation of the councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Memorial Award to mayor Phyllis Miller OAM is so warmly received,” mayor Firman said.