Orange City Council won the museum initiatives and history projects category in the developing arts and culture section for its sustainable collections project.

The project involves Orange, Cabonne and Blayney Councils working together to document their collections and grow or establish their museums.

Orange City Council was also recognised in the arts and health initiatives category of the developing arts and culture section for its partnership with Orange Health Service and Orange Regional Gallery.

The partnership facilitates the exhibition of art works from the gallery’s permanent collection at both the hospital and Bloomfield mental health facilities.

Local Government Association of NSW president Keith Rhoades said 23 councils from across the state were acknowledged.

“The awards were hotly contested with 116 entries across 23 categories,” he said.

“The successful councils are as diverse as their award-winning initiatives, showing that it doesn’t matter if you come from the country or the city, the coast or inland; culture and art are important to all communities.”

Blayney Shire Council was also recognised in the arts and culture category for populations under 20,000 for its Blayney Shire Community Centre.