NSW urges female nomination
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The NSW Government is pushing for more women to nominate for council elections.
With a little over two weeks until nominations open for local council elections, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock is urging women keen to make a difference in their community to prepare for their place on the ballot.
Ms Hancock says that from Monday October 25, candidates will be able to submit their nominations for the upcoming Local Government elections, held on Saturday December 4.
“My advice to any woman considering a role with their local council is just to go for it,” Ms Hancock said.
“The participation of women in public life is essential for the development and advancement of women, and the time has come for women to close the gender-gap on local councils.
“As a former councillor, who proudly served 17 years on Shoalhaven City Council, I understand all too well the issues female councillors, and potential councillors face.”
The NSW Government provided $167,500 in funding for a series of workshops for women considering pursuing a place on their local council.
Women for Election Australia (WFEA) held seven face-to-face workshops with a total of 105 attendees and three online training sessions for 90 participants.
In addition, the Australian Local Government Women’s Association also held more than 30 face-to-face workshops, attended by more than 250 women.
Ms Hancock said that 66 per cent of attendees were more likely to run for council as a result of participating in the workshops, while 98 per cent found them useful.
“It is my hope, we can begin to dismantle entrenched barriers, stereotypes and assumptions that impede women’s ability to play a central role in public life,” Ms Hancock said.
“Local councils are the level of government closest to the community and can make a huge difference to residents and their families.
“We need women from all walks of life to put their hand up for election to help ensure local councils are representative of the communities they serve.”