NSW Government
Crown Lands

Nominate now for Crown land management awards

02 July 2025

Nominations are now open for two statewide awards to recognise the incredible efforts of volunteer Crown land manager boards and local councils who manage thousands of public reserves across NSW.

Crown land manager boards or local councils that have delivered outstanding outcomes for their community in managing a Crown reserve are encouraged to nominate for a NSW/ACT Community Achievement Award.

Crown land managers care for Crown reserves on behalf of their communities to ensure public land is conserved and enjoyed by residents now and into the future. They play an important role balancing sustainable public access with environmental management and cultural heritage protection.

Crown reserves serve a variety of purposes, such as parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, sportsgrounds, open spaces, nature reserves, cultural and heritage sites, or land for community facilities such as public halls and showgrounds.

In partnership with Awards Australia, Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is supporting two categories of the annual 2025 Community Achievement Awards for NSW and the ACT, including the:

  • Crown Land Management Excellence Award, recognising a volunteer Crown land manager board that has demonstrated outstanding service by improving a Crown reserve for their community.
  • Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award, recognising a council that has made a real difference in its community by improving Crown land for public benefit.

For details on the awards criteria and how to nominate, visit Awards Australia.

Nominations are open until 10 September with finalists announced in October and winners announced on 29 November at the 2025 Community Achievement Awards gala presentation in Sydney.

Crown Lands Deputy Secretary Mel Hawyes said:

“There are thousands of volunteer Crown land managers and 128 local councils who dedicate their time to care for and improve public land to ensure it is accessible for all the community to enjoy.

“Crown land managers are guardians of reserves with their stewardship supporting community wellbeing and helping deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits.

“These awards provide an opportunity to highlight the work of our Crown land managers across NSW, to recognise their outstanding contributions in making our state a better place.”