21 January 2020

Gunnedah will next month host a forum to encourage women to stand for local government.

The free forum, to be held on Saturday, February 29, will be hosted by the Australia Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) NSW at the Smithurst Theatre.

ALGWA NSW Country Vice-President and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Colleen Fuller said the forum was part of a series across New South Wales encouraging women to stand for local government elections, and to support female staff members into leadership roles.

“In September this year, all 128 local councils across New South Wales will hold elections,” Cr Fuller said.

“The February 29 forum will be held in Gunnedah, but is open to women across the wider area who are considering putting their hand up for their local government election.

“The forum includes a presentation, with a powerpoint and a kit designed to achieve these aims, as well as a Q and A session.

“The ALGWA NSW Executive members, including President Cassandra Coleman, are coming along to share their knowledge and experience to support women interested in having a voice in local government.

“This is an absolutely invaluable opportunity to learn about what being a councillor involves, and how you might get there. Having strong women in local government is part of what helps make New South Wales a great state.

“I encourage women throughout the area to attend this free forum if they have any interest at all in local government. The feedback from forums in the past has been that they really do help women to get elected.”
The forum will be held at the Smithhurst Theatre from 9.30am for a 10am start to 3pm on Saturday, February 29.

To book, visit https://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUGSC&event=ALGWA&killLogin=true&tck=true

Men who are interested in local government are also welcome to come along.

Photo caption: ALGWA NSW President Cassandra Coleman.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.