Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has been recognised for service to Forbes and the local government sector, receiving the highest honour at the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government in Sydney.
"She really is a powerhouse, a tireless advocate for councils – especially those from regional and rural communities," Minister Ron Hoenig said in making the announcement.
Mayor Miller was named this year's recipient of the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award, in honour of the long-serving councillor and Mayor of Cobar shire.
At the time of her death in 2021, Mayor Brady was the longest-serving female mayor in the history of NSW.
Mayor Miller said receiving this award was particularly special and - in accepting it - she paid tribute to her dear friend.
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“I had the tremendous honour of working closely with Lillian for over two decades, so this is such an honour to receive an award in her name,” Mayor Miller said.
“As a fellow country mayor, we had a lot in common – we exchanged ideas and we solved problems together.
“We even stayed at each other’s houses.
“She was an amazing servant to the community of Cobar, and I hope that I have similarly helped the great people of Forbes over the years.”
Mayor Miller, who has called Forbes home for 50 years now, has served on Forbes Shire Council since 1995 and devoted many years to the local government sector.
She first nominatedto serve on the council after the tragic loss of her son, just 21, in a car accident.
"The people of Forbes were so kind to us I thought, I'm going to give back four years of my life to my community," Mayor Miller said.
Thirty years later, her passion for Forbes and local government has only continued.
A mother of five and grandmother, businesswoman and farmer, Mayor Miller thanked her family who have supported her in everything she has done.
Mayor Miller was the first woman to be elected as President of the NSW Shires Association in its 100-year history.
The first woman to be elected President of the NSW Shires Association in its 100-year history, she's also the only elected councillor to serve as president of both the Shires Association and Local Government NSW.
Mayor Miller has served on boards as diverse as the Murray Darling Basin Community advisory committee, Australian Local Government Association Local Roads Committee, Native Vegetation State Advisory Panel, Lachlan Catchment Management Board and Life Education Van committee.
Committees she has chaired include Housing Reference Group, Food Regulations Forum, and Statecover Mutual Board.
Locally Mayor Miller has also been devoted to sports as a past president of Forbes Rugby League and member of the Group 11 rugby league judiciary, and as A Grade squash champion.
On behalf of the local government sector in NSW, Mayor Miller extended a warm congratulations to her fellow award recipients, from both regional and metropolitan councils, acknowledged at the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
“These awards recognising the work of women in local government are so important,” Mayor Miller said.
“We desperately need to highlight the strong, fierce, determined and inspiring women doing incredible work in their communities.
"I really love that these awards recognise projects and initiatives that are aimed at increasing female participation in local government.
“I congratulate all of today’s winners and thank them for their service to their communities who are so lucky to have them as part of their council.
“I also want to thank Minister Hoenig and Minister Harrison and indeed the NSW State Government for hosting the awards and providing this much needed recognition.”
Other recipients at the Ministers’ awards ceremony were:
• Alternate Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes. Metro: Jessica Speechly (Blacktown City Council). Regional/Rural: Kira Mendes (Bathurst Regional Council)
• Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council. Metro: Vanessa Parkes (Blacktown City Council) Regional/Rural: Naomi Searle (Tweed Shire Council)
• Elected Representative Award – a female councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives. Metro: Cr Carolyn Corrigan (Mosman Municipal Council) Regional/Rural: Cr Leah Anderson (Port Stephens Council)
• Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative, or who has a positive influence on others Metro (joint winners): Katie Anderson (Randwick City Council) and Helen Bradley (Inner West Council) Regional/Rural: Karen Partington (Lake Macquarie City Council)
• Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding female staff member (including trainees and apprentices) aged 25 and under. Metro: Ceyda Nalbantoglu (Liverpool City Council) Regional/Rural: Rani Diggs – (Gilgandra Shire Council).
