26 November 2025
Mayor Darcy Byrne elected President of Local Government NSW
Inner West Council Mayor Cr Darcy Byrne has been elected as the new President of Local Government NSW, the peak body representing local councils and associate members across the state.
In a ballot of more than 400 delegates to the annual LGNSW conference, Mayor Byrne was elected with 66% of the primary votes.
He will succeed outgoing president Cr Phyllis Miller OAM, the Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, in leading the organisation and advocating for councils across the state.
Mayor Byrne nominated as his top priorities ensuring that local government has a seat at the table and addressing the inequities faced by regional communities.
“I’m determined to make sure that the voices of mayors and councillors are heard and respected at all levels of government,” Mayor Byrne said.
“In order to serve their local communities, councils need access to Ministers and decision-makers and as President of LGNSW it’s my responsibility to make that happen.
“Having spoken to mayors and councillors across the state, I have learnt a lot about the inequities that regional, rural and remote councils are struggling to overcome.
“I will be advocating alongside them for a fairer deal.
“Regional councils have enormous asset bases, limited revenue, and often have to take responsibility for providing health, aged care, and childcare services themselves.
“Increased funding from the State and Federal governments to regional, rural and remote councils is desperately needed for basic infrastructure such as sewerage, water, and roads, that urban communities take for granted.
“LGNSW is a non-partisan organisation responsible for advocating on behalf of every council and I am looking forward to working with all local representatives to lift up the status of our sector.”
Under the Rules of LGNSW as a registered organisation, the role of President is elected by members every two years at the Annual Conference. The role alternates between an elected representative of a rural/regional council and an elected representative of a metropolitan council.
The role of President is to represent the interests of local government, to speak on behalf of the sector and to work collaboratively with State and Federal leaders to achieve the best outcomes for councils and for the communities we represent.
Mayor Byrne went on to acknowledge the work of outgoing President, Cr Phyllis Miller OAM.
“I want to thank Phyllis Miller for her incredible work and her passionate dedication to the local government sector,” he said.
“Alongside our previous President, Cr Darriea Turley AM, they ensured that the State and Federal governments were held to account and that LGSNW presented a strong and united voice on behalf of all councils.”
BACK TO ALL NEWS