Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Friday, 25 September 2020

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has congratulated Woollahra Municipal Council on its efforts to increase female representation in local government.

Mrs Hancock and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton today met with Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne who features in the NSW Government’s Election of Women to Local Government campaign.

“While there is a real gender gap in local government with women representing just 31 per cent of all NSW councillors, Woollahra Council is a shining light when it comes to gender equality,” Mrs Hancock said. 

“Nine out of 15 Woollahra councillors are women, ranking the council equal third in the State for the highest percentage of female representation at 60 per cent.

“To close the gap across the State, we’ve enlisted Mayor Wynne and nine other current and former female councillors to spearhead a new promotional campaign to inspire a new generation of women to stand for their community.”

Ms Upton said the NSW Government is committed to empowering more women to run for council at the September 2021 local government elections.

“All you need is a strong will and a desire to make a difference in your local community to run for local government,” Ms Upton said.

Mayor Wynne also encouraged women across NSW to consider running at next year’s elections.

“The advice I’d give to women thinking about getting involved in local government is just go for it. It is a big learning curve but it’s so rewarding,” Mayor Wynne said.  

“I feel really privileged to have this role and I look back on each term knowing that I’ve made a difference for my community.”

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

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 020