Emerging Leaders Award 2026

Will Jago, Devonport City Council

Congratulations to Will Jago who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Emerging Leader Award. Will has shown outstanding leadership by helping shift Devonport City Council’s Active Communities function from a facility-based service to a more strategic, people-centred and inclusive model. As Active Communities Coordinator, he leads sport, recreation, wellbeing programs and facility access while building strong relationships with clubs, community groups and internal stakeholders. Will improves systems and processes, including fees and charges, reporting, bookings and team responsibilities, with initiative and sound judgement. He leads calmly and professionally, with a clear service focus. Through DCC’s Emerging Leaders training, he has strengthened his self-awareness, communication and team leadership. His attendance at the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention has further broadened his leadership practice, bringing back practical ideas on participation, inclusive club development and future-ready community sport that he is now applying with local clubs.

Finalists were:
Jason Quach – City of Launceston
Will Jago – Devonport City Council
Udesh Madhusanka – George Town Council
Georgia Dale – City of Launceston

Service Excellence Award 2026

Jeffrey Griffith, Devonport City Council

Congratulations to Jeffrey Griffith who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Service Excellence Award. Jeffrey Griffith has demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement within Devonport City Council and across Tasmania’s local government sector. As Deputy Chief Executive Officer, he leads by example, empowering staff to embrace new ways of working and build their skills and confidence. Jeff has been a champion for digital transformation, helping teams understand how technology can improve service delivery, strengthen governance and enhance organisational performance. His leadership extends well beyond Devonport City Council. Jeff has been instrumental in establishing and chairing the LG Professionals Tasmania Innovation & Digital Transformation Special Interest Group, which connects local government professionals to share knowledge, ideas and practical experience. Through his approachable leadership style, willingness to mentor others and commitment to positive outcomes, Jeff has earned the respect and trust of colleagues across Tasmania and interstate and is recognised as a leader in digital transformation within local government.

Finalists were:
Fiona McAlpine – City of Hobart
Jeffrey Griffith – Devonport City Council

Sustainability and Resilience Award 2026 – Towards Zero Emissions Action Plan

City of Launceston

Congratulations to the City of Launceston who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Sustainability and Resilience Award. The City of Launceston’s Towards Zero Emissions Action Plan (TZEAP) 2021–2025 transformed sustainability from a project-based initiative into an organisation-wide capability embedded within governance, asset management, procurement, infrastructure planning and service delivery. Over five years, corporate greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 19%, from 81,460 tCO₂e to 65,931 tCO₂e, achieving an average annual decarbonisation rate of 3.8% and exceeding both Paris Agreement-aligned and Australian emissions reduction pathways.

The City of Launceston completed 42 of 59 actions (74%), with a further 15 actions continuing beyond 2025. Key achievements included expanded landfill gas capture infrastructure, building and fleet electrification, installation of rooftop solar across 14 sites, expansion of food organic and gardening organic (FOGO) services, development of a Sustainable Fleet Guide, water efficiency audits, and endorsement of the Community Emissions Action Plan 2025–2035. Together, these initiatives avoided an estimated 79,900 tCO_₂e annually.

Finalists were:
Devonport City Council – Resource Recovery Centre Transformation and Project Pivot
City of Hobart – McRobies Gully Environmental Management Improvements Project
City of Launceston – Towards Zero Emissions Action Plan Project
West Tamar Council – Growth Strategy and Infrastructure Plan Project
Huon Valley Council – Liveability Framework Project

Community Impact Award 2026 – Delivering Impact through Partnership

City of Launceston

Congratulations to the City of Launceston who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Community Impact Award. The City of Launceston and Launceston City Mission have created a powerful partnership delivering lasting community impact across Launceston’s Northern Suburbs. Combining Launceston City Mission’s trusted local relationships and community reach with the City of Launceston’s place-based community development expertise, resources and networks, the partnership has established a more co-ordinated and sustainable approach to strengthening community capacity.
At the heart of this collaboration is the Community Champions initiative, a place-based program that empowers residents to turn local ideas into community-led action. Together, the partners have built a growing network of Community Champions, delivered diverse community events, fostered new partnerships, and created opportunities for residents to connect, contribute and lead.

This initiative demonstrates how local government and community organisations can achieve greater outcomes through collaboration, leveraging complementary strengths to expand reach, build local capacity, and create meaningful, community-driven change – delivering impact through partnership.

Finalists were:
City of Launceston – Delivering Impact Through Partnership Project
Devonport City Council – Project Rose

Management Challenge Awards 2026

Congratulations to the Unknown Macaques of the City of Launceston who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Management Challenge Trophy.

Congratulations to the Dial Rangers of the Central Coast Council who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Management Challenge 2nd Place Certificate.

Congratulations to the Turbo Chooks of the City of Launceston who was awarded the 2026 Local Government Professionals Tasmania Management Challenge 3rd Place Certificate.