That’s the news that’s come out of a special awards night, hosted by Local Government NSW to mark Local Government Week 2017 (July 31 to August 6).

Regional councils have swept the field, taking out all seven of the RH Dougherty Awards in Sydney on Thursday night.

Local Government NSW wanted to encourage and recognise best-practice communication by councils to their local communities.

Parkes Shire Council won the Excellence in Communication award in Division A - Population less than 30,000 for corporate website and social media channel development.

Wagga Wagga City Council took out Division B - Population 30,000 to 70,000 for the same award, with Central Coast Council taking Division C - Population more than 70,000.

“This year’s Local Government Week theme – Discovery, Diversity, Democracy– reflects the incredible breadth of activities undertaken by councils,” LGNSW President Keith Rhoades said.

“Councillors are not only the democratically-elected representatives of their local communities, but individuals working within a board-like structure to help govern multi-million-dollar businesses.

“Local Government employs almost 50,000 staff across the state, and has an annual spend of $10 billion – as a sector we’re active almost every sphere of daily life.

 “That’s why councils need the type of top-quality, two-way communication with their community that we’ve seen recognised this week.”

Cr Rhoades said all entries were of exceptional standard.

Categories included in LGNSW’s RH Dougherty Awards included Excellence in Communication, Reporting to the Community, and Innovation in Special Events.

The awards are named after former Local Government Association President Robert (Bob) Dougherty, who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to best practice communication between councils and ratepayers throughout a 20-year career in the sector.