Josh Jongma has excelled in his role at Bland Shire Council. Photo: Supplied.
A Bland Shire Council staff member has been recognised as one of the state’s top emerging leaders, just as he prepares to leave the organisation.
Council’s Coordinator of Internal Audit, Risk and Governance, Josh Jongma, has been named a finalist for Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2026 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
The recognition places him among the best young performers across the state’s council sector, with judges noting the high standard of entries from across New South Wales.
Mr Jongma was nominated by Bland Shire Council in recognition of his leadership, professionalism and contribution to the organisation and more broadly across local government.
But the award comes at a bittersweet moment. Mr Jongma has recently accepted a new role elsewhere to be closer to family, bringing his time at Bland to a close.
Mayor Brian Monaghan said the nomination reflected Mr Jongma’s impact and the strength of regional council staff.
“Joshua has been a valued member of our team and has made an outstanding contribution during his time with council,” Cr Monaghan said.
“Being named a finalist in these statewide awards is a wonderful recognition of his work and we are incredibly proud to see someone who has worked at Bland Shire Council acknowledged in this way.”
The awards, run by Local Government Professionals Australia NSW, celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the sector.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 4 June, where councils and staff from across the state gather to recognise standout projects and people.
For Bland Shire Council, Mr Jongma’s nomination is being touted as proof that even smaller regional councils are producing the next generation of local government leaders, even if they don’t always get to keep them.
