A welfare services officer who led the coordination of 54 evacuation centres to support northern NSW communities affected by floods has been named the 2022 NSW Public Servant of the Year.

Amanda Causley, Welfare Services Functional Area Coordinator for the northern NSW district in the Department of Communities and Justice, was also responsible for developing strategies to find suitable accommodation for 1600 people in Lismore.

NSW Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo presented the award, handed out to “an exceptional individual who demonstrates commitment to a world class public service”, at a ceremony at Parliament House on Tuesday night.

“Amanda Causley has demonstrated excellent leadership that understands the needs of citizens and seeks to respond with their needs at the centre,” Ms Lo said.

“Her commitment to ensuring the success of the evacuation centres and going above and beyond to support citizens in need has improved how NSW Government delivers for the people of NSW.”

The awards recognise exceptional work by individuals and teams in delivering priorities like building a strong economy, fostering high-quality education and healthcare, connecting communities with quality local environments, putting citizens at the centre, excellence in digital innovation, recovery and resilience and securing justice and opportunity for vulnerable people.

Over 260 nominations were received from across the NSW public sector.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was an opportunity to recognise those who set benchmarks for the state’s public service.

“Every finalist represents the dedication of our public sector to deliver excellence for the people of NSW.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. I’m proud of, and inspired by, your commitment to going above and beyond for the people of NSW.”

The 2022 Anthea Kerr Award went to Courtney James, a registered midwife in the Aboriginal Midwifery Caseload Model at Westmead Hospital in the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Ms James helped develop a new model of culturally sensitive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy, and plays a role in educating other midwives about cultural awareness and sensitivity.

The Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future public sector leader who exhibits outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work.

It is given in honour of the late Assistant Director General at the Department of Finance and Services Anthea Kerr.

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