Women in Local Government

6 May 2021

Women from all walks of life are being encouraged to put their hand up for election to help ensure local councils are representative of the communities they serve.

Hawkesbury City Council has a 50% representation of female Councillors; however NSW is the state with the fewest number of female Councillors, with women representing less than a third of all councillors and mayors serving on the 128 councils in NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to inspiring and empowering more women to stand for their local community and nominate to run for their local council at the 4 September 2021 elections.

If you have a strong sense of community and are keen to make a difference in your local neighbourhood, then you should consider nominating for the 4 September 2021 local government elections.

Local councils are the level of government closest to the community. They provide key infrastructure, facilities and services to local residents and are integral to improving the lifestyle and amenity of local communities.

Councillors represent their local community’s needs, wants and aspirations and make important decisions on behalf of their local community.

You don’t need any formal qualifications and you will receive training and support if you are elected. There is nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the local community.

Further information

• Download the Election of Women to Local Government – Brochure – PDF
• Download Key Dates for Council Election Candidates – PDF
• Visit www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor/women-in-local-government-stand-for-your-community

Candidate information webinars

A series of online candidate information sessions for anyone who wishes to stand as a councillor are being conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) in the lead up to the 2021 NSW Local Government elections. The NSWEC will not conduct face to face candidate information sessions but webinars will be available and recorded and placed on the NSWEC website. Details at elections.nsw.gov.au/Political-participants/Candidates-and-groups/Candidate-nominations-for-local-elections/Six-steps-to-being-a-candidate