Three western councils have come home from the Local Government Week Awards with new trophies to add to their collections.

The highly coveted awards, which took place in Sydney on August 1, celebrate councils that demonstrate excellence across a range of categories, such as arts and culture, events, communications and planning.

The awards are an opportunity for councils to showcase and celebrate successful projects, campaigns and plans that have significantly benefited their communities. All councils across the state were up for the awards and local wins for Coonamble Shire, Walgett Shire and Gilgandra Shire represent fitting recognition for the work of staff.

Coonamble Shire Council won the RH Dougherty Event and Communication Local Government Week Award for its hugely popular Winter Fest Out West.

The two-day event featured a 20mx10m synthetic "ice" rink being set up at the Coonamble Showground. Adding to the fun were snow machines and supporting food and market stalls.

Council reports that more than 1200 individual skating sessions took place, representing huge participation from across the shire and beyond.

General Manager Paul Gallagher said he was delighted that Council, local businesses and service organisations were able to work together to deliver this event to the community.

“This was one of the most joyous community events I have seen, with so many children and their families smiling and genuinely enjoying themselves,” Mr Gallagher said.

Maddi Ward, Tourism and Events Officer for Coonamble Shire Council said the project was funded from a post covid program that was all about reconnecting regional communities.

"We were really fortunate to be able to hold Winter Fest for the first time," she said. "It was a great event and we'd love to do make it even bigger, as long as we can find some additional funding."

Also receiving recognition was Walgett Shire Council who won the Best Local Youth Week Program section for their Youth Week program in April.

The program involved Fun Days and Youth Expression Sessions and was replicated across Walgett, Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge.

"To be selected from Shires across the state really shows that the dedication of our youth team is first class," Walgett Shire Council General Manager, Megan Dixon said. "Youth services are a very important part of council's delivery."

Gilgandra Shire came home with the Arts and Culture Project Award (population less than 30,000 people) for The Meeting Place Project - Joy Trudgett Gallery.

This project as the newest addition to Gilgandra Region's Cultural Precinct and was developed in consultation with the Gilgandra aboriginal stakeholder group as well as MGNSW Advisor Kylie Moppett who drove the project elements and stories.

'The Meeting Place', is an Aboriginal experience that provides a place of connection in the region. The project involves completion of a yarn circle and fire pit for night-time story-telling and a garden. An art and educational area allows it to be a hands-on experience for visitors.

Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley congratulated all the award recipients and nominees.

“As the peak body for local government in NSW, we are so proud to showcase the wonderful work our NSW councils are doing right across the state for the benefit of their communities,” Cr Turley said.

“These awards – as well as Local Government Week – have once again demonstrated how councils have gone above and beyond in what has been another particularly challenging year for many. Whether it be rural, regional or metropolitan areas, it is local government that is on the ground at the frontline, keeping the heart of their communities beating.”