Director Infrastructure Services, Catherine Mills, wins National Award

MEDIA RELEASE: 23 June 2026

Shire of Manjimup’s Director Infrastructure Services, Catherine Mills, wins prestigious National Award

On Monday 22 June 2026 at the ceremony for the National Awards for Local Government (National Awards) in Canberra, Catherine Mills, Director Infrastructure Services, took home the ‘Women in Local Government’ Award.

The National Awards are the leading awards for the sector and showcase outstanding leadership and inspirational projects that local governments are delivering in communities across Australia. They highlight the breadth of expertise across our workforce, successful projects, and the positive impact that local governments have on communities. Voting lines were open from Tuesday 7 April to Monday 4 May 2026, with the final winners decided through public voting. The ‘Women in Local Government’ Award recognises leaders and projects in local government which:

• Implement initiatives in the workplace which promote greater roles for women and improve the progress and representation of women in leadership positions
• Establish programs to support and recognise women as current and emerging leaders, including mentoring, networking and training opportunities
• Develop gender equality strategies, programs and advocacy to support women of all ages to participate and become leaders in their workplace and community
• Highlight an outstanding woman who is making a positive difference to their local government and community

Catherine commenced her career with the Shire of Manjimup in 2012 as a Senior Technical Officer, before progressing to the role of Manager Technical Services from 2015 to 2023. Her professional journey then saw her appointed as the inaugural Area Manager for Main Roads Manjimup, broadening her experience in the planning and delivery of critical regional infrastructure. In 2025, she returned to the Shire as Director of Infrastructure Services, where she inherited a challenging portfolio and a team facing significant questions around cohesion, accountability, and delivery. By reinstating the core values of resilience, confidence, and accountability, Catherine has cultivated a unified and authentic workplace culture.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering, and brings extensive experience in the planning, delivery, and management of infrastructure projects. Her career has encompassed leadership roles in transport planning, road construction and maintenance, stormwater and hydrology projects, asset management and community infrastructure development.

Catherine’s leadership has been marked by both organisational transformation and the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects across the region. Among her notable achievements was her role as lead engineer on the upgrade of Mottram Street (South Western Highway) in Manjimup, which included the construction of a new roundabout and the reopening of Ipsen Street to the highway. She also contributed to the development of the Heritage Park playground as the Shire engineer, helping deliver a valued community facility. Outside of work, Catherine values time with her family. She and her husband have two children, and together they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their small family farm.

Shire President, Donelle Buegge, said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to see Catherine recognised with the Women in Local Government Award. This honour is so richly deserved and reflects the extraordinary leadership, dedication and professionalism she brings to her role every day. In the often-complex environment of infrastructure delivery in regional Western Australia, she has driven a remarkable transformation. Under Catherine’s leadership, we have seen significant improvements in both project delivery and workplace satisfaction. On behalf of Council and our community, I congratulate Catherine on this outstanding accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of her and delighted to see her contributions recognised at this level.”

Catherine’s individual recognition was complemented by the Shire’s four other award nominations:

• Regional Growth – Rea Park and Collier Street Redevelopment Stage 1 – Field Lighting and Power Upgrade
• Road Safety – ISO 39001 Local Government Road Safety Management System Stages 1 & 2
• Outstanding Rural and Remote Council – Shire of Manjimup
• Cohesive Communities - Southern Forests Futures: Community Blueprints

The nominations reflect the breadth of work being delivered across the Shire and the dedication of staff in serving the Manjimup community.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Donelle Buegge, Shire President
Contact: 0409 114 681

Benjamin (Ben) Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Mikayla Ginbey, Corporate Communications Officer