Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship

The late Cr Pat Dixon was the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia and worked tirelessly for the community she represented.

In recognition of her service and achievements in local government, a scholarship has been established for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander councillors and council staff members in NSW to undertake further study, professional development or research.

The scholarship is administered by LGNSW and recipients are determined by four trustees.

Applications are now open for the 2023 round of scholarships and will close on Monday 5 June.

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2022 Pat Dixon Scholarship

The Local Government sector has kicked off Reconciliation Week 2022 with a record three Pat Dixon Scholarships awarded to support the professional development of young Aboriginal people. 

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Bernard Higgins, Lismore City Council’s Malcolm Saunderson and Cr Ricky Buchanan of Nambucca Valley Council have been named as winners of the 2022 scholarships.

Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley said it was the first time that three scholarships had been awarded in a single year, demonstrating the wealth of talent coming through council ranks.

(L-R: Bernard Higgins - Wagga Wagga City Council, Cr Ricky Buchanan - Nambucca Valley Council and Malcolm Saunderson - Lismore City Council)

Previous Scholarship Winners

2021 Pat Dixon Scholarship Winners media release
2020 Pat Dixon Scholarship winners media release
2019 Pat Dixon Scholarship winner media release