Shire Olympic activation initiative an award winner

Narrabri Shire Council has been awarded the prestigious RH Dougherty Excellence in Communication Award at the recent 2025 Local Government Week Awards, for its Narrabri Shire Olympic activation campaign.

Small business liaison officer Gillian Goddard spoke more about what the campaign entails.

“We had an amazing Olympic activation program to celebrate two wonderful local athletes Shannon Davey and Laura Gourley, as they prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,” Ms Goddard said.

“Our community really rallied together behind our local athletes and council were very happy to support this program.

“We’re very grateful and humbled to receive this award and receive recognition from councils all across the state. These awards really provide recognition for councils to show their excellent work.

“Our team has not only been lucky enough to receive just this award, but three of these in the past three years.”

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 over $3000 in sales from Olympic-themed merchandise, while businesses reported increased foot traffic and social media engagement.

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 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.

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 recognized 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.”

This is the third consecutive year that the 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 (TEBA) Program was a winner.