NARRABRI Shire Council has been awarded the prestigious RH Dougherty Excellence in Communication Award at the 2025 Local Government Week Awards for its Narrabri Shire Olympic Activation Campaign.
Recognised for its outstanding communication outcomes, community reach, and innovative approach to economic activation, the creative and community-driven campaign delivered vibrant, low-cost community celebrations in honour of local Olympic athletes Laura Gourley and Shannon Davey as they prepared for and competed at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Deputy mayor Brett Dickinson said the award highlights the strength and spirit of the Narrabri community.
“This campaign was all about bringing people together to celebrate our homegrown Olympians while supporting our local businesses,” Cr Dickinson said.
“It’s incredible to see what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity and community pride, especially on such a modest budget.”
The campaign engaged 76 local organisations and featured Olympic-themed promotions, green and gold CBD lighting and events such as viewing parties and themed specials.
One local artisan made more $3000 in sales from Olympic-themed merchandise, while businesses reported increased foot traffic and social media engagement.
Council general manager Eloise Chaplain said the project’s success reflects Council’s commitment to grassroots economic development and community-led initiatives.
“This campaign exemplified the kind of work we’re proud to deliver – high-impact, low-cost, and powered by strong community partnerships,” Mrs Chaplain said.
“To have it recognised at a state level is a credit to the entire Shire, our Council team who worked hard behind the scenes, and the many businesses, schools, and community groups who got involved.”
Small business liaison officer Gilly Goddard and general manager Eloise Chaplain, with Narrabri Shire Council’s RH Dougherty Excellence in Communication Award.
The digital component of the campaign reached more than 30,000 people organically, generating more than 1500 positive reactions across social media platforms.
The entire project was delivered for under $700, making it a shining example of a low-cost campaign with real community outcomes.
This is the third consecutive year Narrabri Shire Council activities have been recognised at the Local Government NSW Awards.
Last year, the team was the State’s most successful council, collecting multiple awards for the community-facing online flood management portal, the Good Talk Great Mate podcast, and an individual contribution award for Gillian Goddard.
In 2023, the Exchange Business Activator Program was also a winner.
