In the lead up to International Women’s Day, one of Central Coast Council’s Group Leaders has been awarded the NSW Local Government Minister’s Award for Women in Local Government.

The Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW. In addition to recognising the significant contribution of Award winners, the Awards aim to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in local government in NSW.

Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, received the award today directly from the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP.  Ms Vaughan has been working in Local Government for the past ten years and would rate one of her highest achievements as delivering The Art House in Wyong, a new performing arts centre on the Central Coast.

"I was excited just to be nominated and named as a finalist, but to win is overwhelming,” Ms Vaughan said.

“I love working here on the Central Coast, especially in local government, and I am passionate about our local community and improving the ways we can work together.

“I am proud to be part of the leadership team and to lead so many amazing and talented women within our organisation."

There are four categories of Awards including Elected Representative; Senior Staff Member; non-Senior Staff Member and women in non-traditional roles.

Awards were divided between metropolitan and rural and regional Councils with Julie taking out the Senior Staff Member category for metropolitan councils.  Overall fifteen women in Local Government were recognised as winners or highly commended including from Blacktown, Bega, Gunnedah and Armidale Councils.

Julie is the Group Leader of a newly created Department at Council called Connected Communities which delivers a wide range of community services at Council including libraries, child care, customer service, lifeguards, engagement, events, tourism, arts and culture.  Julie will be responsible for delivering a Regional Performing Arts Centre for Gosford and a Regional Library in the Gosford CBD, two key projects that have been on the agenda for some time but can now be delivered.

Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, congratulated Julie on her prestigious award and said her hard work and dedication to delivering for the community made her a worthy winner.

“Julie is a great asset and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table on our community’s wants and needs,” Mr Noble said.

“I am honoured to have her in our leadership team.

“I would also like to congratulate Janine McKenzie, Executive Manager for Transformation and Business Performance, who was also nominated in this year’s awards.

“I look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day and continuing to work with the many outstanding women who are in leadership roles at Central Coast Council and are making change happen.”

International Women’s Day will be celebrated around the world on Wednesday 8 March with #BeBoldForChange.

This year’s theme is about helping forge a better world – a more gender inclusive world.

A full list of winners can be found at olg.nsw.gov.au