Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I know I say it a lot but the Hunter really is the best place on earth, and the awards just keep backing up my claims. On Sunday, Singleton Council was awarded as the best council in regional New South Wales, taking out the prestigious AR Bluett Memorial Award, announced at the Local Government NSW annual conference. Recognising excellence and progress, the AR Bluett is the most prestigious award in local government.

Singleton is a small regional council and, as I have said, this is absolute proof that we really do punch well above our weight. Singleton Council delivers fantastic outcomes for the people who call Singleton home. Singleton Council was awarded the AR Bluett for the area's liveability and how it is moving to meet the future head on. Singleton is a community and an economy known for coalmining and ag, but the council and the community are working together to shift the paradigm from the here and now to the future.

A huge congratulations to the council's general manager, Jason Lenane, and his incredible staff. Congratulations also to mayor Sue Moore, deputy mayor Tony Jarrett and councillors Godfrey Adamthwaite, Sue George, Hollee Jenkins, Sarah Johnstone, Mel McLachlan, Tony McNamara, Val Scott and Dan Thompson. The sign of a good council is a good leadership. Singleton council, you're in good hands.