Office of Local Government

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Office of Local Government The Office of Local Government is responsible for local government across NSW.

The Office’s organisational purpose is “To strengthen the Local Government Sector” and its organisational outcome is “Successful councils engaging and supporting their communities”. Operating within seven strategic objectives the Office has a policy, legislative, investigative and program focus in matters ranging from Local Government finance, infrastructure, governance, performance, collaboration and community engagement. The Office strives to work collaboratively with the Local Government sector and is the key adviser to the NSW Government on Local Government matters.

02/11/2026

🎉 Big news for Sydney's four-legged friends!

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home has officially opened the doors to its new permanent home in Kurnell.

Delivered with a $14.3 million contribution from the NSW Government, and in partnership with the NSW Public Works and Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, the purpose-built facility will have the future capacity to care for thousands of animals every year, help reunite lost pets with their owners, support foster care programs and facilitate more than 2,000 adoptions annually.

🐾 This is also a timely reminder to register your pet at https://ow.ly/Z53I5102NFx so you can be reunited with it if it gets lost.

28/10/2026

A record number of women have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, celebrating the many ways women contribute to and strengthen councils and communities across NSW ✨

Announced at NSW Parliament House, the awards attracted 188 nominations this year, with two-thirds coming from rural and regional councils. The strong response reflects the vital role women play in local government and community life through service, innovation, engagement and leadership.

Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients. Your dedication, expertise and commitment to your communities are helping create stronger, more connected places across NSW.

Learn more about the awards: https://ow.ly/fKF05101zOG

22/10/2026

Time is running out to recognise the people helping shape the future of local government.

The NSW Local Government Training Awards celebrate trainees, apprentices, cadets and professionals committed to learning, growth and capability building in our councils.

Who in your organisation deserves the spotlight?

Nominations close 26 October. Submit yours today: https://ow.ly/Xjtx50ZZWwp

11/10/2026

Inside every strong council are people committed to learning and development.

The NSW Local Government Training Awards recognise not just trainees, apprentices and cadets, but also those actively building capability across the sector.

Who in your organisation deserves recognition?

Nominate at https://ow.ly/260450ZWGBu before 26 October

Investing in local skills means more local jobs, stronger councils and better outcomes for communities. The Fresh Start ...
07/10/2026

Investing in local skills means more local jobs, stronger councils and better outcomes for communities.

The Fresh Start Civil Construction (Plant Operations) Upskilling Project has been out in regional NSW, helping council workforces to gain practical skills to operate graders, excavators, backhoes and skid steers. 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️🚧

Delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, the program is helping regional and rural councils keep local roads and infrastructure running smoothly with skilled workforces and reducing reliance on costly external contractors.

To date, 77 participants from 9 regional and rural councils have participated in the training that is being delivered by TAFE NSW. Training delivery for the coming months is scheduled in Lithgow, Griffith and West Wyalong

Councils that have completed training are Brewarrina Shire Council, Walgett Shire Council, Bathurst Regional Council, Dubbo City, Orange City, Oberon, Cabonne Shire, Narromine Shire, and Tenterfield Shire Council.

We're especially proud to see strong participation from Aboriginal employees and women, creating new pathways into civil construction and supporting a more diverse workforce across regional NSW.

👉 Learn more about how Fresh Start is helping councils build workforce capability across regional NSW: https://ow.ly/cuAA50ZVcWI

01/10/2026

The inaugural NSW Local Government Training Awards 2026 are coming.

Every day, local government employees across NSW build their skills, support their communities and help deliver better outcomes for the people they serve.

The newly established awards, delivered in partnership with the Fresh Start Program, recognise the individuals and teams making a difference through learning, leadership and professional development.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate at https://ow.ly/KOC650ZTkUU

🏆 Nominations close 31 October 2026.

Calling councils in the Sydney metro area with staff supporting trainees, cadets or apprentices.  Give your supervisors ...
24/09/2026

Calling councils in the Sydney metro area with staff supporting trainees, cadets or apprentices.

Give your supervisors the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

The Fresh Start Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Program is offering a fully-funded supervisor workshop this November.

It’s designed primarily for new supervisors but can also be a great refresher for experienced staff looking to strengthen their mentoring and leadership skills.

📍 4PSQ Parramatta
📅 10 & 11 November 2026
💻 Plus one 2-hour online session
⏱️ Total commitment: 16 hours

Places are limited, so scan the QR code and submit your expression of interest today.

🎉 Apply for a Local Council Major Festival Grant Local councils across NSW can now apply for funding to deliver major fe...
24/09/2026

🎉 Apply for a Local Council Major Festival Grant

Local councils across NSW can now apply for funding to deliver major festivals that celebrate cultural diversity and bring communities together.

✅ Grants available from $100,000 to $250,000 for one major festival
✅ Festivals must be held between 1 February 2027 and 29 February 2028

To be eligible, festivals should attract: 📍 More than 10,000 attendees in regional areas, or 📍 More than 30,000 attendees in metropolitan areas.

⏰ Applications close at 4pm on Friday 2 October 2026.

Learn more and apply: 🔗 https://ow.ly/ryZV50ZQPrz

17/09/2026

📣 Applications are now open for Round 2 of the Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grants Program.

We're investing a further $1.5 million to help eligible organisations care for and rehome vulnerable companion animals across NSW.

Warm Paws was one of the successful recipients in Round 1, using grant funding to deliver essential supplies to under-resourced pounds in regional and rural communities.

Watch their story below and see the difference these grants can make.

🐶 Eligible rehoming organisations and registered charities are encouraged to apply. Applications are open until 9 October 2026, 5:00 pm.

👉 Apply now: https://ow.ly/pabr50ZOyRs

💬 Have your say on the proposed framework for council performance reporting in NSW. The Local Government Performance Rat...
11/09/2026

💬 Have your say on the proposed framework for council performance reporting in NSW.

The Local Government Performance Ratios Discussion Paper outlines proposed performance ratios, benchmarks and reporting requirements, and is designed to support transparency, accountability and financial sustainability across the sector.

We're inviting feedback from councils, local government sector stakeholders and the community to help shape the future of council performance reporting in NSW.

📅 Submissions close at 5 pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

📝 Find out more and make a submission: https://ow.ly/W4Jo50ZMoIz

Address

5 O'Keefe Avenue
Nowra, NSW
2541

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61244284100

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