Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Sunday, 11 October 2020

From Singleton to Stanmore, Dubbo to Drummoyne, women across the State have logged on to a series of online workshops to equip them to run at next year’s local government elections.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the booked out webinars are training tomorrow’s female leaders, today.

“We know the gender gap in local government is real and that we can do better,” Mrs Hancock said.

“That’s why the NSW Government has partnered with Women for Election Australia to run a series of online and face to face workshops to equip aspiring female candidates to stand at the 2021 elections.

“Local government is a great springboard for a political career which is why we need to ensure women feel empowered to run, with these workshops designed to help address the barriers women face when running for office.”

The series of online workshops which started yesterday and run through to November, provide prospective candidates the knowledge and tools required to stand for election. Topics covered include the role and functions of councillors, planning and executing campaigns, fundraising and using technology to reach voters.

Women for Election Australia CEO Licia Heath said the first webinar was a great success with participants joining from across the State.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see so many women interested so early on with the aim to convert this into more women running in September next year,” Ms Heath said.

“Gender equality makes communities, councils and New South Wales stronger. That’s why we want to empower and equip more women to run for their community.”

The NSW Government provided Women for Election Australia with $100,000 to run the workshops, with the next round of workshops set to begin in early 2021.

More information about the NSW Government’s Election of Women to Local Government campaign can be found on the Office of Local Government website.

MEDIA: Jane Boag | 0419 417 514