Women make their mark at local government annual conference

9 April 2019

Women from all over the state gathered in Casula to attend the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW Branch (ALGWA) Annual Conference for three days of career development.

Liverpool City Council hosted the networking forum held at Liverpool’s premier arts and cultural institution, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.

This year’s theme is ‘Make your Mark’. More than 100 women heard from inspiring guest speakers including TV presenter, journalist and bestselling author Jessica Rowe AM, Olympic gold medallist Chloe Esposito and author and leadership mentor Avril Henry.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller, Wollondilly Councillor Judith Hannan, ALGWA outgoing NSW President Marianne Saliba and Cootamundra Gundagai Councillor Penny Nicholson.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the conference provided a forum for female councillors and council staff from across the state to discuss challenges and opportunities for women in local government.

“Women in Australia are under-represented in local government at senior levels,” Mayor Waller said.

“The latest figures show about a quarter of Councillors, one-fifth of Mayors, one in 10 senior managers and one in 12 CEOs in local government are women.

“ALGWA aims to promote gender equality and provides a wonderful support network for women working in local government throughout NSW.”

Women at the conference had the opportunity to learn skills to support their personal goals through numerous networking opportunities, workshops and listening to acclaimed women open up about their experiences and stories.

“It was lovely to see women become inspired to make their mark both in their personal and professional lives.” Mayor Waller said.

“Our Council supports ALGWA’s primary goal of increasing the number of women as elected representatives and senior managers in local government.”