Local Government Week
Local Government Week is an annual celebration of the important role local councils play in building strong, connected and vibrant communities.
Each year, Murrumbidgee Council joins councils across New South Wales to showcase local services, community initiatives, infrastructure projects and opportunities for residents to engage with local government. Through events, activities and competitions, Local Government Week provides an opportunity to learn more about the work we do and how residents can help shape the future of our area.
We invite community members of all ages to get involved and celebrate the people, places and services that make the Murrumbidgee Council area a great place to live, work and visit.
Local Government Week 2026
The creativity and community pride of local residents has been celebrated through Murrumbidgee Council's Local Government Week Postcard Competition, with more than 50 entries received from across the Council area. Judged independently by Western Riverina Arts, the competition invited participants to capture what they love most about the Murrumbidgee region through art and photography.
Entries celebrated everything from family adventures and stunning sunsets to Aboriginal culture, local history, agriculture and the unique landscapes that make the region special.
Congratulations to the 2026 winners:
Preschool (5 years and under) – Aurora Sipou, Bush Walk
Judge's comments: This is such a lovely story of walking and being together on a bushwalk. In this drawing wecan see the outback sky and the family all having a big explore in the colours and shapes of the bush. A lovely postcard that tells a story of appreciating and enjoying the local environment.
Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 3) – Ella Ick, Rainbow Poles
Judge's comments: This drawing shows such pride in Murrumbidgee region and pride in culture reflecting the landscape in the Aboriginal flag. This shows how important it is to recognise and be proudof Aboriginal Culture everywhere.
Primary School (Year 4 to Year 6) – Mackenzie Sipou , Sunset over the Murrumbidgee River
Judge's comments: This is a perfect postcard! It is eye catching, colourful, really well drawn, picturesque and it shows the large Murrumbidgee River in its full glory with the setting sun in deep gold. This artist put a great postcard idea on paper and it is deserving of this award!
Secondary School (Year 7 to Year 9) – Giselle Gill, Walking History
This drawing is done by a truly gifted artist and should continue drawing and painting. The depictions, skill, colour work and detail is intricate, artistic and portrays a story of place and really enhances the question the artist is asking. This drawing brings us as viewers into the whole scene and this makes an excellent postcard for not only its detail in the natural life of the region, but the artistic choice of placing them each as a feature around an iconic historical figure. A standout entry.
Photography (17 years and under) – Charlie Rorato, Serenity
Judge's comments: The colour, composition and point of perspective of this photograph shows a photographer who has an artistic eye. A stunning visual that also portrays the drama of the scale of agricultural work in remote NSW. The rectangles of the truck and the circles in the bales catch the eye in a fascinating conflict, all bathed in red and gold of a dramatic and unusual sunset. Excellent postcard and deserving of this prize.
Photography (18 years and over) – Kayla Sipou, Yellow Fields
Judge's comments: Everything about this picture represents the theme of this competition: The brilliant yellow and green of the crop showing the region. The instant joy in the father and son that is both ephemeral and forever. The boy looking straight down the lens brings in the viewer to that utter moment of pure fun. One’s eye captures the colours of the yellow shoes reflecting the yellow crop. The composition in both portrait format and in profile is strong. The picture makes one feel the delight of childhood and family in this place. An excellent postcard showing joy of region.
Highly commended
- Primary School (Kindergarten – Year 3): Halie Carr, Norah Marshall, Jimmy Carroll
- Primary School (Year 4 – Year 6): Tyson Hercus, Odette McGuinness
- Secondary School (Year 7 – Year 9): William McGuinness
- Photography 17 Years and Under: William McGuinness, Charlie Rorato
- Photography 18 Years and Over: James Billing, Cath Rorato, Rebecca Boag