The Joy Baluch Award acknowledges outstanding female leaders currently serving as elected members of South Australian councils. These leaders demonstrate leadership and innovation, and support the role of women in local government.

The award honours the late (Nancy) Joy Baluch AM, former President of the LGA and Mayor of Port Augusta.

Who is eligible

Nominees must be:

• a woman
• a current elected member of a South Australian council

Who can nominate

You are eligible to nominate someone for the Joy Baluch Award if you are:

• a representative of a South Australian council or
• an organisation that seeks to support the advancement of women in local government.

Why should you nominate

The Joy Baluch Award celebrates women making a positive difference in their council and community.

The award:

• acknowledges their contribution
• recognises their leadership
• highlights their achievements
• uplifts women as role models in their community.

Entry criteria

The award will be judged on how the nominee has:

• achieved a significant outcome for council or a community in the last 12 months
• contributed to council or community through innovation, leadership, collaboration and vision
• inspired other women to become more involved in their council or community
• promoted the diverse perspectives of women in local government.

Nominations can include up to 500 words for each criteria.

How your nomination is assessed

The Joy Baluch Award is judged by an LGA Awards Committee Panel.

The Panel includes:

• LGA President
• LGA Chief Executive Officer
• Ms Michelle Baluch

The Panel may involve other members as necessary to gather further information.

How to enter

Nominations for the 2024 Joy Baluch Award will open soon.

About Joy Baluch

As the Mayor of Port Augusta for 29 years, held over three separate terms, Joy was a fearless and feisty advocate for the city that she loved.

She was a passionate supporter of her community and of regional Australia – constantly reminding governments there was life on the other side of Gepps Cross.

Joy was a strong defender of local government and councils’ role in making a difference to their communities. She was an advocate for solar power, clean air, women's rights and education.

Joy Baluch was an empowered woman. She led Port Augusta Council with influence, vision and tenacity. She passed away on 14 May 2013 after a long battle with cancer.

Joy Baluch Award Recipients

• 2023 Winner – Mayor Angela Evans, City of Charles Sturt
• 2022 Winner – Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla City Council
• 2019–20 Winner – Mayor Ann Ferguson, Mount Barker District Council
• 2019–20 Commendation Award – Cr Margaret Evans OAM, Berri Barmera Council
• 2019–20 Commendation Award – Cr Rhonda Centofanti, Berri Barmera Council
• 2017–18 Winner – Mayor Kathie Bowman, District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
• 2016–17 Winner – Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg, City of Onkaparinga
• 2015–16 Winner – Cr Carol Martin, City of Port Adelaide Enfield
• 2014–15 Winner – Cr Betty Gill, City of Salisbury