Almost 30 women participated in the “Women for Election: NSW Local Government EQUIP Workshop”’ held in Goulburn on Friday 7th May. The women came from many Local Government Areas including the Yass Valley, Hilltops, Goulburn-Milwaree, and Wingecarribee Shire.
The need for the workshops became clear when it was realised that across the country, NSW is the state with the fewest number of female Councillors: of the 128 councils in NSW, women only make up 28 per cent of councillors. This result is problematic given it’s important that members of political entities represent the diversity of the communities they serve.
Women for Election Australia is conducting workshops across NSW to provide women with the key knowledge, tools, and techniques to enable them to run for office, be the best candidate they can be, or assist other women with their political campaigns. The workshops are conducted by Licia Heath, the CEO of Women for Election Australia, and Ruth McGowan, former Victorian councillor, and author of “Get Elected: A Step-by-Step Campaign Guide to Winning Public Office”. The guest speaker was NSW Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, who spoke about her 30-year career in local and state politics, and how women’s roles as mothers, carers, workers, volunteers, meant they were well-equipped for local government, politics and leadership roles.
Following the workshop, one of the participants commented that “The presenters and guest speaker were highly experienced and generous with their insights and advice. I’m now feeling fired up to get on with my campaign, win a seat at the table, and really make a difference in my area”.
