Preston calls for more women to run for Hawkesbury Council

Hawkesbury residents will decide on the new council in September, and according to Ms Preston, the State Government is keen to see an increase in the number of female councillors serving across the state.

"That's why the government has increased funding to $150,000 for women's organisations to stage a series of workshops for prospective female candidates," she said.

"You don't need any formal qualifications to stand for election - all you need is a strong will and a desire to make a difference in your local community."

Hawkesbury Council currently has five female councillors: Sarah Richards; Tiffany Tree, Amanda Kotlash, Danielle Wheeler; and Mary Lyons-Buckett [deputy mayor].

As well as Ms Preston serving at a state level, the area's Federal seat of Macquarie is of course also held by Susan Templeman.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock urged women thinking of contesting the September council elections to attend one of the workshops organised by the Local Government association NSW Branch or Women for Election Australia.

"From Albury to Dubbo, western Sydney to Lismore, over 30 workshops will be taking place across the state in the next few months to equip and inspire more women to run this September," she said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said that with women representing just 31 per cent of all NSW councillors, the government was focused on building a safer, stronger regional NSW and empowering more women to stand for their communities.

"We all known that decisions made at a local government level have an incredible effect on our communities," she said. "With more women involved, we have the opportunity for a more balanced view, one that reflects our communities and leads to better outcomes."

For details about the Austrlaian Local Government Women's Association visit www.algwa.org.au; and for more details about the Women for Election's workshop series visit www.wfea.org.au