Hilltops Council is proud to announce that Senior Ranger Shawn Brown has been named the 2026 Ranger of the Year at the recent Australian Institute of Local Government Rangers annual workshop and awards event held in Sydney.
Senior Ranger Shawn Brown receiving the 2026 Ranger of the Year Award
The award recognises Shawn’s outstanding commitment to delivering professional, compassionate and effective ranger services across the Hilltops community. It celebrates his significant contribution to community safety, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, as well as his dedication to managing a diverse range of responsibilities including animal control, noise management, traffic matters, parking and abandoned vehicles.
A strong focus of Shawn’s work has been improving outcomes for companion animals within the community. In the past financial year alone, Shawn has assisted in the rehoming of 46 cats and 81 dogs, helping vulnerable animals find new homes while reducing pressure on Council facilities.
Shawn has also strengthened partnerships with organisations including the RSPCA, Warm Paws and Australian Working Dog, while contributing to team development, process improvements and the ongoing enhancement of ranger services.
As Chair of the Hilltops Council Companion Animals Advisory Committee, Shawn has helped bring together community members, stakeholders and government agencies to improve outcomes for companion animals across the region. This work has supported initiatives including community education programs, microchipping events, veterinary services and improved facilities for residents and their pets.
During the past financial year, Shawn helped facilitate veterinary services for more than 100 animals and contributed to the microchipping of more than 200 companion animals, helping reunite lost pets with their owners and supporting responsible pet ownership.
Shawn’s ability to balance enforcement responsibilities with education, empathy and respectful engagement reflects the important role modern ranger services play in building safer and more connected communities.
Hilltops Council Acting General Manager Sarah Karaitiana congratulated Shawn on this outstanding achievement.
“Shawn’s recognition as the 2026 Ranger of the Year reflects his dedication, professionalism and the positive impact he makes within our community every day,” Sarah said.
“He consistently demonstrates the values of integrity, respect and accountability, delivering meaningful outcomes for our residents, local animals and the broader Hilltops region. 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.”
Hilltops Council congratulates Shawn Brown on this outstanding achievement and acknowledges the significant contribution he continues to make to the Hilltops community.
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