By Staff Writer

A mock council meeting, photography competition and a community tree planting day are just some of the events planned for this year’s Local Government Week.

On the 3-9 July, councils across New South Wales will open their doors to local residents to showcase their services and facilities.

Shires Association president, Bruce Miller, said this year’s theme of ‘Keeping it Local’ will encourage communities across the state to acknowledge their diversity.

“From Balranald to Blayney, Bondi to Blacktown – there’s no denying that every community is different,” Cr Miller said.

“This year’s LG Week theme encourages us to celebrate the unique characteristics of our local communities, and embrace the differences that set us apart from one another.”

Local Government Association president Genia McCaffery said LG Week celebrated local governments’ common goal of servicing communities.

“Providing our residents with the best possible services and facilities is our number one priority regardless of our location,” Cr McCaffery said.

“This commitment to community is exactly why we celebrate LG Week every year.”

As part of LG Week, an awards evening will be held on Wednesday 5 August at the Kirribilli Club, Lavender Bay. It will include a presentation of the Local Government and Shires Associations’ RH Dougherty Awards, the NSW Department of Community Services’ Youth Week Local Government Awards, the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards and the Cancer Council NSW Local Government Awards.