Local Government Week NSW: Creating the Communities We Live In
Published on 05 August 2025
“Each year, Local Government Week in New South Wales provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the pivotal role that councils and their employees working together with community members play in creating the vibrant, safe, and sustainable communities we call home,” Chairman of the NSW Country Mayor Association Mayor Rick Firman OAM, said today.
“Local Government is the tier of government closest to the people. Every day, across NSW councils are creating and maintaining the communities that we all live, work and play in,” he said.
It’s easy to forget the ways that councils touch almost every facet of community life”, Mayor Firman said. “Councils are responsible for an extraordinary range of services and infrastructure that touch every aspect of daily life. From maintaining parks, libraries, and sports facilities to managing waste, roads, planning, and local economic development. Councils are at the forefront of community-building.”
“CMA have 92 Members across rural, regional and remote NSW. There are 129 local councils across all of NSW. Local Government is not merely an administrative layer — it is the living, breathing heart of every community, shaping our neighbourhoods, building futures, and responding to challenges with resilience and innovation” Mayor Firman said.
“Our Local Government sector in NSW is also a powerhouse in its own right, contributing over $6 billion annually to the State’s economy. Councils manage assets worth billions, including roads, bridges, community centres, and recreational facilities. Through prudent management, councils ensure that these vital resources continue to serve both current and future generations” Mayor Firman said.
With more than 50,000 dedicated employees, Local Government is one of New South Wales’ largest employers. This diverse workforce includes town planners, engineers, librarians, environmental officers, childcare workers, and countless others.
“Local Government Week is a chance to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Councillors, their staff and the many community volunteers that support the delivery of Councils services and programs. We welcome the opportunity that the Week provides to join with our communities to run events and activities that celebrate the innovation and success of Local Government” Mayor Firman concluded.
Caption: The Country Mayors Association of NSW Board: Secretary (and Temora Shire General Manager) Melissa Boxall, Local Government NSW President and Forbes Shire Mayor Phillys Miller OAM, Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore, Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Russell Webb, Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM, Deputy Chairman and Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick and Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black. with Mayor Sam Coupland of Armidale Regional Council absent from the photo.
For further information, contact: CMA Chairman - Mayor Rick Firman OAM: 0429 204 060