Kempsey Shire councillor Annette Lawrence has been named this year's recipient of the esteemed Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship.
Hosted by Local Government NSW, Cr Lawrence was awarded the prestigious scholarship at Thursday's Local Government Week Awards.
The scholarship was established in memory of Cr Pat Dixon, a Dunghutti woman who became the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in NSW.
As the first Dunghutti councillor to serve on Kempsey Shire Council, Cr Lawrence's election marked a significant milestone for both her community and the broader movement toward First Nations representation in local government.
Cr Lawrence said being selected for the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust Scholarship was a profound honour.
"I'm committed to upholding the legacy of First Nations leadership in local government while continuing to build a safe, connected, and thriving community," Cr Lawrence said.
"I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and furthering my professional development in cultural studies.
"This scholarship will help empower me with tools and strategies to further support cultural competency across our council."
Offered through the Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Trust and administered by LGNSW, the scholarship recognises and supports the leadership and aspirations of Indigenous councillors and council staff through financial assistance for education, research and professional development.
LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller congratulated Cr Lawrence while acknowledging the enduring significance of the program.
"These scholarships are a powerful way to honour Cr Pat Dixon's legacy as a trailblazer who helped reshape the landscape of local government in Australia," Cr Miller said.
"Council Lawrence is a most worthy recipient and I congratulate her on this recognition from her sector.
"There's an incredible depth of knowledge, skill and leadership in NSW councils. Supporting that talent is critical to building stronger, more inclusive and representative local governments that truly reflect our communities."
Family member of Cr Dixon and scholarship trustee, Warren Roberts, commended Cr Lawrence on her achievements.
"As a member of Aunty Pat's family, I am encouraged to see her legacy growing in recognition through the presentation of the scholarship in her name at the Local Government Week Awards night," Mr Roberts said.
"I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors and staff to apply to the Scholarship in 2026 for financial assistance to support further study, research, or professional development."
Scholarship recipients are determined by trustees including Local Government Aboriginal Network President Cr Dominic Wy Kanak, Brewarrina Shire Council's Cr Trish Frail, Mr Warren Roberts, family representative of the late Pat Dixon, and LGNSW representative Cr Darriea Turley.
