2025 Crown Land Management Champions Revealed
Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land Manager and Balranald Shire Council have been recognised for their excellence in Crown land management and their contribution to local communities at the 2025 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards.
Crown Lands in the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, proudly supports 2 award categories, recognising land managers whose stewardship has improved and enhanced a Crown reserve for public benefit.
Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land Manager has won the Crown Land Management Excellence Award for breathing new life into the reserve through community-led upgrades. The transformation includes resurfaced tennis courts, new lighting and fencing, and an upgraded clubhouse with Wi-Fi and accessible facilities. The reserve is the social and sporting heart of the small rural township, hosting junior and senior tennis programs, the town's first women's netball team, social events and community resilience initiatives in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Balranald Shire Council has won the Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for transforming the Heritage Park Reserve, known as the Balranald Discovery Centre precinct, into a vibrant destination for tourism, learning, and community connection. Upgrades included a technology refurbishment of the Interpretive Pavilion, introducing interactive storytelling and touchscreen displays that celebrate local history and Aboriginal heritage. The council was also recognised for the construction of the Discovery Pavilion, offering flexible space for exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. The precinct also features a visitor centre, museum, Men's Shed, cafe, playground and skate park that engage visitors and locals alike.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"I congratulate this year's Crown land management award winners and finalists for their remarkable dedication.
"Crown land managers are often the beating heart of communities and each of our winners and finalists has demonstrated real passion and skill in caring for public land.
"Their achievements range from restoring and reactivating sites to improving and enhancing facilities, and ensuring local reserves are welcoming and accessible to everyone."
Across NSW, 540 volunteer land manager boards, made up of over 2,600 individuals, volunteer their time in caring for over 700 reserves. While 6,500 Crown reserves are managed by 128 local councils across the state.
Crown land is public land for all the community to enjoy, including parks and nature reserves, beaches and holiday parks, sports venues and showgrounds, community halls and museums, which are essential to community life and also support local tourism and businesses.
If you're interested in managing a Crown reserve in your community, view current Board vacancies on the Crown Lands' website.