A special annual award and scholarship honouring the exceptional contribution of women in local government will be named after the late Lilliane Brady (pictured) OAM to recognise her extraordinary life and career as NSW’s longest serving female mayor.
Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock said the awards would serve as a tribute to Lilliane’s outstanding contribution to the community of Cobar, the NSW local government sector and the advancement of equality for women in public life.
“When you think of trailblazing women there is no finer example than Lilliane Brady,” Mrs Hancock said.
“During her 40 years on Cobar Shire Council and two decades as Mayor, Lilliane was the epitome of passionate community service, determination and commitment, and the strength of character that is synonymous with our rural communities.
“Last year I had the pleasure of presenting the inaugural Minister for Local Government Award for Women to Lilliane Brady, as part of the Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
“I am delighted to announce that this special award will be formally named after Lilliane.”
To further immortalise Lilliane’s life and career, recipients of the Young Achiever’s Award will also receive the Lilliane Brady OAM Scholarship.
“Lilliane was passionate about seeing more young women contributing to their communities as council employees so it is fitting that this scholarship will provide recognition and a helping hand to women doing just that.”
Lilliane’s daughter Deidrei Bedwell sincerely welcomed the tribute to her “remarkable” mother with her legacy continuing to encourage and support women as part of the annual awards.
“It is such a really lovely gesture and one that mum would have loved,” Ms Bedwell said.
“She was relentless in her pursuit for the community and for being a mentor to young women.
“Mum really loved it when they employed a young female engineer out at the mines and she really did encourage me and my sister throughout our careers.
“I retired from my job as a high school principal when I was 60 and mum, who was 87 at the time, said ‘this is not right, you shouldn’t be retired’. Mum kept going right to the end. She was truly remarkable.”
Nominations for the awards will open shortly.
