The Parkes Shire Council currently has three women serving as councillors. They are Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton (4th term), Cr Louise O’Leary (3rd term) and Pat Smith (3rd term).
Parkes Shire women interested in becoming a councillor in the September elections can attend a free forum this Sunday, 14th March at the Comfort Inn in Parkes from 9am to 12pm.
Hosted by the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA NSW), the forum will provide information and support women who are passionate about our community or interested in becoming a local councillor. The NSW Local Government elections are scheduled for Saturday, 4th September.
“I strongly encourage local women who are passionate about our community and would like to have a role in important decision making in our local shire to attend the free ALGWA forum, “ said Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton. “Come the September elections it would be fabulous to see more women run for NSW Council elections and truly represent our modern and diverse society.”
Local councils are concerned with matters close to our homes, such as water supply, planning and development, local roads and footpaths, town presentation, parks and playing fields, libraries and culture, local environmental issues, waste disposal, tourism and economic development and many more community services.
Parkes Shire Council services a large agricultural area and the communities of Parkes, Peak Hill, Bogan Gate, Trundle, Tullamore, Alectown and Cookamidgera, with a combined population of over 15,000. President of ALGWA NSW Cr Cassandra Coleman said: “The executive and I will be crisscrossing the state, giving women encouragement and inspiration to be candidates. If you have the drive and determination, ALGWA NSW will give you support, information and encouragement to stand for election to your council.” Council invites all interested Parkes Shire women to come along to the free forum. For more information or to RSVP for the event contact Council’s Events Officer on 6861 2333 or events@parkes.nsw.gov.au.