Rani Diggs, a young woman who operates heavy machinery for Gilgandra Shire, has recently been catapaulted into the state spotlight.

She was awarded the Regional Rural Young Achievers Award at the 2025 Minister's Awards for Women in Local Government, amongst a field of incredible young achievers.

The award winners were announced in a ceremony at NSW Parliament House, celebrating the 18th year for the prestigious awards.

Rani, who is only 20 years of age, said when she Initially received the email congratulating her on the award she had won, she didn’t think much of it.

“When I had a meeting with David, the General Manager, about the expenses of the trip, he told me that Doug Batten (the mayor) and Daryl Colwell were coming with me, which made me realise how special this award really was.

“Receiving the award from the NSW Minister was just a whole different level of special to me.

“I think the Young Achievers Award for women in Local Government is a great award to be presented to young people in the workforce, recognising the work we do.

“This year, I was privileged to have everyone hear about my growth and achievements."

Rani has had two very different roles in her time with the shire and says she has enjoyed both.

“I have worked two jobs within Council, the first one being a kitchen hand at Cooee Lodge Residential Aged Care Facility.

"I found that working in this area helped me get to where I am today.

“It takes a very special person to work in aged care.

"I miss seeing the elderly every day, but I am very thankful the Council has other options available, including the Apprentice Plant Operator, which I thought I would give a go. 

“And so here I am today, operating a grader and leading a team,” said Rani.

Rani Diggs pictured with mum Danielle, the Hon Ron Hoenig MP and Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten [Image Gilgandra Shire Council]

Rani began working with Council in 2021 as a Personal Carer at Cooee Lodge Residential Aged Care Facility while still at school, where her care and professionalism helped create a supportive environment for both residents and staff.

In 2023, Rani successfully gained a Plant Operator Civil Construction apprenticeship, earning tickets across multiple civil machines, securing her HR truck licence, and completing a Certificate III in Civil Construction, all within just two years.

By June 2024, she had progressed into a permanent Roller Plant Operator role.

Now acting in the role of a Road Maintenance Team Leader / Grader Operator, Rani delivers a critical service for the community, grading and maintaining Council’s unsealed rural road network.

Daryl Colwell Director of Infrastructure Gilgandra Shire [Image Gilgandra Shire Council]

“Rani has progressed to being a highly capable road grader operator, supervising a team of long-term, experienced male colleagues,” says Daryl Colwell Director of Infrastructure Gilgandra Shire.

"As the team leader, Rani is responsible for coordinating team members, liaising with local landholders and local contractors to deliver a highly valued service of road maintenance.

"It's a responsibility she handles with maturity and confidence,” says Daryl Colwell, Director of Infrastructure at Gilgandra Shire.

Danielle Diggs, Rani’s mother who attended the event with her, says she was thrilled with this achievement.

“Rani being recognised as the winner of the Young Achiever award across all Councils in NSW, this is a very proud moment for our family," she said.

Rural Roads Coordinator, Ashley Hazelton, says Rani’s work is widely recognised.

“Her quality of work is outstanding - we frequently receive compliments from landowners on the exceptional standard of her work.

"Rani has become an invaluable member of the team.”

Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten with Rani Diggs and mum Danielle, [Image Gilgandra Shire Council]

Gilgandra Shire Mayor, Doug Batten says Rani’s achievements reflect her resilience, skill, and pride in her work.

“She has already established herself as a role model.

"Eight years ago, Council embarked on a journey to provide more roles to help develop and retain youth in our community, and Rani is a beneficiary of this program,” Councillor Batten said.

According to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, these awards shine the light on significant achievements of women working in councils in local communities.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison - [Image NSW Parliament]

“The awards provide important recognition and celebrate the inspirational women in local government who are leading the way for the next generation of young women.

“We have been making great inroads towards increasing female representation on our councils.

"The number of women elected at last year’s local government elections reached a record 40.5 per cent of all councillors, but we know there is still more work to do.

“These exceptional women are role models for those coming through to follow in their footsteps towards a meaningful career in councils.”