City of Sydney’s long-time CEO Monica Barone has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours with a Public Service Medal.

Ms Barone is among 77 Australians from across government awarded a PSM in this year’s awards. See the full list here.

Ms Barone was awarded the PSM for outstanding public service to the local government sector, and in particular for championing the Resilient Sydney network.

Ms Barone has provided significant service to public policy and the community over the last twenty years, her citation says.

“At the helm of City of Sydney, she has delivered community centred city leadership and planning which has resulted in improved community resilience and great sustainability outcomes.

“Under her leadership, City of Sydney Council remains at the forefront of policy development and is seen across the sector as a leader to be emulated.

“Ms Barone’s work is undoubtedly making Sydney a better place to live, and a place where the community will be better prepared to weather future shocks or threats, including climate change.”

Resilient Sydney

Ms Barone has been instrumental in leading the work of Resilient Sydney, which has seen more than a decade of collaboration between 35 metropolitan councils.

The work has produced critical analysis of trends and threats, and built climate data sets and collaborations which have enhanced the resilience of utility networks, health systems and municipal administrators.

She has also been a board member of the international Resilient Cities Network, contributing to internation action to improve the resilience of communities across Asia and the world.

Ms Barone has been CEO at the City of Sydney since 2006, where she’s overseen the development and implementation of the City’s long term vision for Central Sydney.

She manages approximately 2000 staff, an annual capital and operational expenditure budget of around $880 million, and $11.6 billion dollars of assets including the Council’s commercial property portfolio.