The National Awards for Local Government (National Awards) are the peak awards for the sector and showcase inspirational projects local governments are delivering in communities across Australia. They highlight the diversity of successful projects at the grassroots level and the positive impact local governments have on bringing communities together.

The National Awards, now in their 40th year, offer 13 award categories including the Outstanding Rural and Remote Councilaward. This award recognises the unique challenges and significant contributions of smaller councils in rural and remote areas. This award is for all elected local government areas (LGAs), local government associations, local councils and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities with a population of 15,000 or less, and have entered a project in one or more of the other 12 award categories.

The 2026 National Awards will recognise local councils across a total of 13 award categories:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Recognition
• Addressing Violence Against Women and Children
• Affordable Housing
• Arts and Culture
• Cohesive Communities
• Disaster Readiness and Recovery
• Outstanding Rural and Remote Council
• Environmental Sustainability
• Productivity Through Infrastructure
• Regional Growth
• Road Safety
• Women in Local Government
• Workforce and Skills

Eligible entities:

All elected local government organisations (councils, shires and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities) are eligible to enter. If developed with other organisations, the local government entity must be the lead applicant.

Ineligible entities:

Local governments that are under administration for any reason other than amalgamation are ineligible to apply.

Primary entry:

One local government organisation must be the lead on every entry even when the entry has multiple collaborating partners with other councils or organisations involved. Acknowledgment and reference to those partners can be made in the entry submission.

Funding partners:

Councils that receive funding from other bodies (including Australian Government) may enter, but one local government entity must be the leading entity for the entry.

• Phone: 02 6274 6922
• Email: awards@infrastructure.gov.au