Hilltops Council senior ranger Shawn Brown receives the 2026 Officer of the Year award at the Australian Institute of Local Government Rangers’ annual workshop in Penrith. Photo: Hilltops Council.
Council rangers are called on to do everything from protecting animals and enforcing civic rules to resolving disputes and helping keep their communities safe.
In the Hilltops, that work is spread across more than 7100 square kilometres, taking in Young, Boorowa and Harden-Murrumburrah, along with 13 villages and a large rural area.
It is a broad and demanding patch, and one that requires Shawn Brown to move constantly between enforcement, animal welfare, education and community support.
But this week the local government area’s senior ranger was recognised for meeting that challenge, taking out one of the profession’s top honours in being named 2026 Ranger of the Year at the Australian Institute of Local Government Rangers’ annual workshop and awards event in Penrith.
The award recognised his work across a wide-ranging role that includes animal control, noise complaints, parking and traffic matters, abandoned vehicles and broader community safety issues.
It’s his work with companion animals, however, that has produced some of the clearest results.
According to Hilltops Council, during the past financial year, Shawn helped find new homes for 127 animals – specifically 46 cats and 81 dogs – a win-win for the council in reducing pressure on council facilities but also for the animals who lost their way in life.
But his role extended beyond that in helping to facilitate veterinary services for more than 100 animals and contributing to the microchipping of more than 200 companion animals.
The results can be seen in animals finding new homes, lost pets being reunited with their owners and more people receiving practical help to care for their animals.
Behind that work, council said Mr Brown had also helped improve staff skills and ranger processes, while bringing empathy, education and respect to the enforcement side of the job.
As chair of the Hilltops Council Companion Animals Advisory Committee, Shawn has also helped bring community members, animal welfare groups and government agencies together to improve education, facilities and support for local pet owners.
That work has included building stronger ties with organisations such as the RSPCA, Warm Paws and Australian Working Dog.
Hilltops Council’s acting general manager Sarah Karaitiana said the award reflected the professionalism, integrity and compassion Shawn brought to his work.
She said he had delivered real results for residents and animals across the Hilltops and congratulated him on the well-earned industry recognition.
“On behalf of Hilltops Council, I congratulate Shawn on this well-deserved achievement and thank him for his ongoing commitment to excellence in ranger services,” Ms Karaitiana said.
News of the award has prompted a strong response from the Hilltops community, with dozens of residents congratulating Mr Brown and describing the recognition as well deserved.
Hilltops councillor Michelle Gallo said Shawn had been instrumental in improving the lives of animals across the region and had made a significant effort to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Others praised his commitment to rehoming animals, his outstanding service and the positive difference he had made in the community.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
