Two exceptional Crown land managers from western New South Wales have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their local communities at the 2025 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards.

Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land Manager and Balranald Shire Council were honoured for their excellence in Crown land management, receiving awards supported by Crown Lands in the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on 1 December 2025.

Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land Manager won the Crown Land Management Excellence Award for revitalising the reserve through community-led upgrades that have transformed it into the social and sporting heart of the small rural township. The impressive transformation includes resurfaced tennis courts, new lighting and fencing, and an upgraded clubhouse featuring Wi-Fi and accessible facilities. The reserve now hosts junior and senior tennis programmes, the town's first women's netball team, social events and community resilience initiatives delivered in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service. The award recognises land managers whose stewardship has improved and enhanced a Crown reserve for public benefit.

Balranald Shire Council received the Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for transforming Heritage Park Reserve, known as the Balranald Discovery Centre precinct, into a vibrant destination for tourism, learning and community connection. The council's extensive upgrades included a technology refurbishment of the Interpretive Pavilion, introducing interactive storytelling and touchscreen displays that celebrate local history and Aboriginal heritage. The council was also recognised for constructing the Discovery Pavilion, which offers flexible space for exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. The precinct encompasses a visitor centre, museum, Men's Shed, café, playground and skate park that engage both visitors and locals alike.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper congratulated this year's award winners and finalists for their remarkable dedication, noting that Crown land managers are often the beating heart of communities. He praised the winners and finalists for demonstrating real passion and skill in caring for public land, with achievements ranging from restoring and reactivating sites to improving and enhancing facilities, and ensuring local reserves are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Crown land represents public land for the entire community to enjoy, encompassing parks and nature reserves, beaches and holiday parks, sports venues and showgrounds, community halls and museums. These spaces are essential to community life whilst also supporting local tourism and businesses.

Across New South Wales, 540 volunteer land manager boards comprising over 2,600 individuals volunteer their time caring for more than 700 reserves. Additionally, 6,500 Crown reserves are managed by 128 local councils across the state.

Those interested in managing a Crown reserve in their community can view current board vacancies on the Crown Lands website.