The LGMA Awards for Excellence recognise the best of local government initiatives in the state, noting the differing environments and communities that local government serves. LGMA is delighted to present a programme which acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding work undertaken by local governments across Queensland.
The categories are designed to be flexible – recognising that local government is at the forefront of innovation and operates in a rapidly changing environment. Categories are not intended to be limited to particular areas of local government activity. Instead, they are applicable to activities across the whole of local government.
This individual has gone ‘above and beyond’ their stated duties to deliver added service to their community or council. This will be work for which they have not received additional remuneration and is most likely self-generated, showing genuine initiative for the benefit of the organisation and, ultimately, its customers.
Collaboration
This project or initiative involved genuine collaboration with multiple parties (internal and external to council) in order to implement more effective service delivery models for the benefit of the organisations and the community. This may have been through an informal agreement or a more formal legal structure.
Community Shaping
This project or initiative has influenced community behaviour and practice. It has educated and informed community opinion leading to sustainable, positive changes in the community. There is clear evidence of its success in enhancing community wellbeing, understanding and/or awareness and in engendering behaviour change.
Innovation
This project or initiative has adopted a new and different approach, leading to improved (or new) service delivery and/or performance. This initiative is cutting-edge and has probably not been seen in Queensland councils before, certainly not in this format.
Resourcefulness
This award category recognises projects or initiatives undertaken by Category 1 Councils (please refer to your council subscription to LGMA) that showcase the philosophy of ‘doing more with less’. Lateral thinking, creativity, increased productivity and simplicity are the drivers of this successful project or initiative that is an aspirational model for other small councils.
Sustainability
This project or initiative has enhanced the long-term sustainability of council and/or the community. It may be through more sustainable use of human, financial and other resources or it may be related to environmental sustainability.
Teamwork
This team is an internal council team or a team involving multiple areas of council. The manner in which it has utilised resources, collaborated and communicated proves the adage that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It has contributed, in a measurable way, to enhanced service delivery within or external to council.
Workplace Wellbeing
Workplace health and wellbeing programmes have real potential to positively influence the health of councils’ workforces while making good business sense through increasing employee engagement and team cohesiveness and leading to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity in the long-term. This project or initiative demonstrates evidence of fostering healthy workplace policies and supportive environments that promote healthy lifestyles that enhance positive social conditions.
Nominations - now closed
Awards nominations Open Monday 3 November 2025 / Awards nominations Closed 3.00pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026
Judging period 23 April – 1 May 2026
Winners announced At the Awards for Excellence event on Thursday 28 May 2026
The 2026 Awards for Excellence nominating councils included:
Balonne Shire Council, Brisbane City Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Burke Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Carpentaria Shire Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, City of Gold Coast, City of Moreton Bay, Cook Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Ipswich City Council, Isaac Regional Council, Logan City Council, Mackay Regional Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Mornington Shire Council, Noosa Council, Redland City Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Western Downs Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council.
In addition to the eight award categories, the winners, for the 2026 Australasian Management Challenge Queensland will also be announced on 28 May at the Awards for Excellence Gala.
The Australasian Management Challenge competing teams included:
· Western Perk from Western Downs Regional Council · River City Magma from Brisbane City Council · The Future Collective from Sunshine Coast Council · Bay to the Future from City of Moreton Bay · Cane to Coast Crusaders from Mackay Regional Council · Strategic by Nature from Noosa Council
We look forward to seeing you at the Gala.
2026 Awards for Excellence Gala
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Venue: State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, Southbank
Registration and Presentation: Auditorium 1 on Level 2
Networking Event: Queensland Terrace on Level 2
Times: Registration/Seated between 3.30-4.00pm
Awards Ceremony from 4.00pm
Celebratory Networking Event from 5.15-7.00pm (Cocktail style event with drinks and finger food)
Registration Options:
Council Officer Individual Rate $150.00 pp
Council Officers' Package for 5 Attendees $600.00 per pack
Council Officer Virtual Attendance (Zoom) $85.00 per logon
Australasian Management Challenge Teams - please contact LGMA directly to access your tickets.
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