About the Awards
Who was RH Dougherty?
The RH Dougherty Award was established in 1981 and was named after former Local Government Association President, Robert Henry (Bob) Dougherty.
Cr Dougherty's life was one of local and community involvement; he worked for over 20 years in Local Government and served on more than 20 local cultural, sporting and community organisations, including the Keep Australia Beautiful Council of NSW, the Chatswood District Community Hospital and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
Cr Dougherty had a vision of what Local Government should be, one of which was 'to develop real means of communication between councils and their ratepayers', an aim which the Award serves to encourage, promote and recognise.
What is the judging process?
The judging panel consists of representatives from the Associations, the Local Government Managers Australia, the Local Government Public Relations Association, the Australian Local Government Association and the metropolitan media.
Who manages the award?
The Award is managed and administered by the Associations. The Associations represents all 152 councils in NSW along with county councils. The Associations' mission is to be a credible, professional organisation representing Local Government, providing services to councils and facilitating the development of an efficient, effective, responsive, community based system of Local Government in NSW.
The RH Dougherty Award is one of several awards managed and administered by the Associations, designed to encourage and recognise best practice in community reporting mechanisms to improve communication strategies between councils and their citizens.
What is the deadline for entries?
The closing date for entries for the calendar year 2008 is COB Tuesday 9 June, 2009. The winners will be announced at the LGSA's signature event, Local Government Week Awards presentation on 5 August 2009 at a ticketed, sit-down dinner special event in Sydney. Winners receive a certificate and a beautiful hand blown glass sculptured trophy in a distinctive design. Those who receive a Highly Commended Award receive a certificate.
Past Winners:
2008 winners for projects completed in 2007
The Dougherty Awards were presented at the Local Government Week Awards Evening on Wednesday 30 July 2008. A complete list of winners can be found on the 2008 LG Week Awards page.
2007 winners for projects completed in 2006
The Dougherty Awards were presented at the Local Government Week Awards Evening on Wednesday 1 August 2007. A complete list of winners can be found on the 2007 LG Week Awards page.
2006 winners for projects completed in 2005
The Dougherty Awards were presented at the Local Government Week Awards Evening on Wednesday 2 August 2006. A complete list of winners can be found on the 2006 LG Week Awards webpage.