Media Release - LGAT Service Awards honour those who have made a lasting difference to local government

At its 2026 Annual Conference yesterday, the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) honoured outstanding dedication to local government through its prestigious Service Awards.

Life Member – Paula Wriedt

LGAT congratulates Paula Wriedt, the former mayor of Kingborough Council, on being awarded Life Membership.

LGAT President Mayor Mick Tucker said the LGAT Life Member award recognises excellence in service and contribution to the local government sector, within and beyond Tasmania.

“Life Membership is reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the sector, and Paula's advocacy and service make her a thoroughly deserving recipient,” Mayor Tucker said.

“Paula's three decades of public service, including 15 years in local government, have been marked by outstanding leadership and a steadfast commitment to the communities and causes she has served at the municipal, state and national levels.”

Elected to Kingborough Council in 2011, Paula served as Mayor from 2021 to 2026 – the municipality’s first female Mayor in 114 years. She also served as LGAT Vice President, a board member of the Australian Local Government Association, and as the Secretary of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (Tasmania Branch).

Paula’s leadership of LGAT’s Lift the Tone campaign helped drive a national conversation about respectful conduct in public life and reinforced the importance of constructive engagement in local democracy. Throughout her career, she has championed community wellbeing, inclusion and strong local leadership, leaving a lasting legacy both within her municipality and across the broader local government sector.

Outstanding Commitment and Service to Local Government – Janine Banks, Mary Knowles, Sally Doyle and Wayne Johnston

Janine Banks (Brighton Council), Mary Knowles (Northern Midlands Council), Sally Doyle (Huon Valley Council) and Wayne Johnston (Meander Valley Council) were all honoured with Outstanding Commitment and Service to Local Government awards.

Janine has provided more than 40 years of dedicated service to Tasmania's local government sector. Having joined Brighton Council in 1986, Janine progressed from an entry-level administrative role to become Director of Governance and Regulatory Services, while also serving as Acting CEO on numerous occasions. Throughout her career, she has been a respected leader and mentor, while helping council stay connected to the community it serves.

Mary was recognised for her exceptional contribution to local government and community service. Over 17 years as a councillor and mayor, Mary has been a dedicated advocate for rural and regional Tasmania. She has represented local government through roles including LGAT’s General Management Committee and the Family and Sexual Violence Consultative Group, while also contributing to a wide range of community, tourism, education and volunteer organisations. Her commitment to public service has been recognised through her induction onto Tasmania’s Honour Roll of Women and the award of an Order of Australia Medal.

Sally has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening communities and advancing the local government sector. Her service has extended beyond her municipality through roles with TasWaste South, Destination South and the Huon Valley Community Bank, where she has championed initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for Tasmanian communities.

Wayne has continued a proud family tradition of service in local government, following in his father’s footsteps as a community leader. Since being elected as mayor in 2018, he has provided strong leadership while maintaining a focus on collaboration, good governance and positive community outcomes. Wayne has made a substantial contribution to the broader local government sector, serving on the Board of the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, the LGAT General Management Committee and as the Chief Owners’ Representative of TasWater. His service has delivered stability, confidence, and long-term benefit for the Meander Valley and the sector.

LGAT President Mayor Mick Tucker praised the legacy of all award winners.

“Janine, Mary, Sally and Wayne exemplify the very best of local government,” Mayor Tucker said.

“Each of these recipients has made an outstanding contribution to local government and their communities through leadership, service and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Tasmanians.”

The LGAT Service Awards are presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the local government sector. Nominations for Service Awards are made by councils, elected members and General Managers and are determined by the LGAT General Management Committee.