Randwick Council was recognised by peak body, Local Government NSW, for their excellence in communications at the 2018 RH Dougherty Awards, winning three out of four categories.

The RH Dougherty Awards, judged by communications experts, recognise outstanding communication by councils to their local communities. Award categories were: Reporting to the Community, Excellence in Communication, Innovation in Special Events, and Outstanding Individual Contribution.

Randwick Council won the Reporting to the Community Award for Randwick E-news, the weekly electronic newsletter sent out to more than 42,000 residents. Judges noted that Randwick E-news was “informative, well laid out, innovative and followed the KISS system - simply well done.”

Council’s Rock Fishing Safety Education campaign was joint winner for the Excellence in Communication award. The category recognises examples of Council shifting an attitude or behaviour through a communication strategy. Judges commented that the campaign was “an important message with a very specific audience. A unique take on a serious message." The program was a partnership with the NSW Department of Justice, NSW Fisheries, Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and Alex Bellissimo Rock & Beach Charters.

The Best Gift Christmas Markets took home the Innovation in Special Events award. Judges said, “The Randwick entry seized an opportunity on behalf of its community to capitalise on Christmas giving and provide opportunities for local residents to acquire or sell some unique Christmas gifts. The community involvement that resulted provided another perspective to Christmas.”

“Great communication is key to building an informed, empowered and unified community and I know our teams work hard to find innovative and effective ways to connect with the people of Randwick and beyond,” said Mayor Lindsay Shurey.

“Winning three of the top awards shows that we’re leading the way in communications strategies, which is a win for both Council and the community.”

The awards are open to all councils in New South Wales and are celebrated each year during Local Government Week.