Published on Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 2:49:04 PM
Media Release
The Shire of Carnarvon is proud to announce it has received two prestigious state awards and been named a finalist in two additional categories, recognising the organisation’s commitment to leadership, staff wellbeing, and inclusive workplace culture.
At the 2025 LG Professionals WA Honour Awards, the Shire was awarded:
- Emerging Leader Award – Winner: Denika Sweetman
Born and raised in Carnarvon, Denika began her Local Government career with the Shire in 2022 and has worked her way up to her current role as Manager of People and Culture. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to creating positive change within the workplace and wider community have now been recognised at the State level. A remarkable achievement that reflects both her personal drive and the strength of local talent in Carnarvon.
- Warlang Workplace Wellbeing Award – Winner
This award celebrates the Shire’s commitment to fostering a positive, healthy, and inclusive workplace culture. It reflects the success of a range of internal initiatives that prioritise staff wellbeing and support meaningful, people-focused outcomes.
The Shire is proud to have been named a finalist in the State Work Health and Safety (WHS) Foundation Awards, in the following categories:
The Shire of Carnarvon was recognised for its holistic and locally responsive staff wellness program, which goes beyond compliance to support physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing. Key initiatives include free aquatic centre access for staff and families, local and external EAP options, wellness reimbursements, club memberships, skin checks, flu vaccinations, flexible working arrangements, and income protection. The program is embedded in policy, reviewed annually, and tailored to staff feedback — helping reduce absenteeism, improve morale, and support staff retention in a regional context.
- Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Award
The Shire’s Disability Employment Pathways Initiative was recognised for breaking down systemic employment barriers for people with disability, particularly in regional settings. The pilot creates a meaningful and sustainable role at the Shire’s Animal Impound Shelter for a local resident with Autism and ADHD, through tailored onboarding, “job carving,” and wraparound support. The initiative is now a growing framework applied across departments and is underpinned by the Shire’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) and WHS commitments to psychological safety and inclusive culture.
These finalist placements highlight the Shire’s ongoing efforts to build a strong, healthy, safe, and supportive environments through proactive policies, support networks, and inclusive practices.
Shire of Carnarvon CEO Amanda Dexter said the recognition is a testament to the Shire’s values and team culture.
“These awards reflect the care, professionalism and dedication of our team,” said Mrs Dexter. “We’re building a workplace that values people, supports leadership at all levels, and puts wellbeing at the centre, for the benefit of both our organisation and the wider community.”
The Shire of Carnarvon extends its congratulations to Denika Sweetman and all staff whose efforts continue to strengthen the organisation and deliver positive outcomes for the community.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mandy Dexter
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Carnarvon
3 Francis St, Carnarvon WA 6701
08 9941 0000 I dexter.a@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
Giana Covella
Strategic Communication and Economic Development Manager
Phone: (08) 9941 0000 | Email: media@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
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