Cr Sarah Ndiaye honoured in NSW Awards for Women in Local Govt

Published on 05 October 2023

Byron Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Sarah Ndiaye, is the winner of the prestigious NSW Government’s Elected Representative Award – Regional/Rural.

The announcement was made at NSW Parliament House this week as part of the 2023 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government. 

“Local government can definitely be challenging but it is a sure way you can have a positive impact on the community you serve,” Cr Ndiaye said.

“Whether it’s small changes like getting more accessible pathways and facilities for young people, or the bigger picture objectives like affordable housing and effective wildlife corridors, they are real changes that have an impact on people’s lives and the environment we live in and seek to protect,” she said.

“It is an honour to receive this award and I’m grateful for the opportunities being an elected member has opened for me. 

“With local government elections just a year away, I would encourage anyone who is thinking of running to get involved now and participate in whatever way they can,” Cr Ndiaye said.

Cr Ndiaye has served on Council since 2016 and is well known among her peers, and the community, as a fierce and tireless advocate for gender equality, transparent governance and encouraging participation in Local Government.

“On behalf of Council, and the entire Byron Shire, I extend our congratulations to Cr Ndiaye, who I know, would be absolutely thrilled to win this award,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.

“Cr Ndiaye deserves this recognition for her passion for our community and her desire to make sure that the decisions that we make result in better or improved outcomes for our residents, as well as our natural environment,” Mayor Lyon said.

“As a high school teacher in one of our local schools she is a champion for young people, women and families, the environment, and the arts.

“Cr Ndiaye has also worked tirelessly to address the urgent need for housing security for many of our residents,” Mayor Lyon said.

“I have had the great honour of working alongside Cr Ndiaye on Council for seven years now and one of her greatest qualities is her drive to challenge Council, and staff to always do better for our community,” he said.

The 2023 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government celebrate and support the significant contribution made by women in Local Government in NSW.