Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Bronnie Taylor – Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

The tide is turning on the statistics which say women represent less than a third of the state’s councillors, with the NSW Government continuing to support and encourage more female representation in local government.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the regional Women for Election Australia (WFEA) workshops, which hosted over 120 attendees, have been instrumental in preparing women to run in September’s Local Government elections.

“The feedback we’ve had from participants indicates women are feeling more equipped and confident to run for the upcoming Local Government elections after having attended one of these workshops,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Before the workshops, women were feeling unprepared and unsure, however, after completing the program, nearly all the participants said they felt ready to explore their options and consider running for council.

“Women who attended the workshops include single parents, pensioners, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, which is important when we consider we want local councils to represent the communities they’re from.”

The NSW Government will fund an additional WFEA online workshop in the lead up to nominations opening later this month, bringing the total amount of funding for these workshops and Australia Local Government Women’s Association information sessions to $167,500.

Minister for Women and former Cooma-Monaro Councillor Bronnie Taylor said the additional funding will ensure even more women are empowered to stand.

“This is a great opportunity for women across the state to connect, support and encourage each other to run in their local elections,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Ultimately, it’s about making sure more women are backed to stand up for what they believe in and represent their communities.”

Women for Election Australia CEO Licia Heath said the reception received in the regional NSW workshops exceeded expectations.

“These workshops showed us that women have genuine interest in running for council and representing their communities,” Ms Heath said.

“What women needed was the tools and techniques to understand the process and how to campaign.”

For more information and to register for the online workshop this Saturday 24 July 2021, interested participants can visit www.wfea.org.au/events.

MEDIA: Caterina Polistina | Minister Hancock | 0439 196 539
Richard Shute | Minister Taylor | 0409 394 232