Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, launched the Stand for Your Community – Diversity Counts campaign to increase the number of candidates from under-represented groups at the upcoming Local Government Elections on Saturday, September 4.
“Strong and effective councils are those that reflect the diverse communities they serve,” Mrs Hancock said.
“That’s why we must do all we can to encourage and empower people from diverse backgrounds to stand for their community.
“The Stand for Your Community – Diversity Counts campaign is calling on women, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, and members of multicultural communities to get involved.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the community.”
Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor, says the NSW Government is determined to close the gender gap in local government.
“Fewer than a third of NSW’s 1,300 councillors are women so we must do all we can to increase female representation on councils so that they better reflect the make-up of the community,” Ms Taylor said.
“While we have made steps toward equality, we must continue to empower and support more women to become strong community leaders.”
President of Local Government NSW, Councillor Linda Scott, said the Office of Local Government had also launched a comprehensive online training tool and new guides to provide candidates with detailed information about running for election and the role of responsibilities of a councillor.
For more information about the Stand for Your Community – Diversity Counts, visit olg.nsw.gov.au.
More diversity needed on local council urged
PEOPLE from all walks of life are being encouraged by the NSW Government to stand for their community and run for their council election as part of a new campaign to increase diversity in local government.