A presentation by members of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association will start at 4pm followed at 5pm by an event hosted by Muswellbrook Shire Council.

Speaking on the topic “Getting women elected” will be Muswellbrook Shire Councillor Jennifer Lecky, who has served on the ALGWA executive for several years and been a councillor for 17 years.

“The problem is in local government we only have 27 per cent women across NSW,” Cr Lecky said.

Across the three Hunter Valley shires almost half the councillors and two of the three mayors are women.

In the Upper Hunter, there are five female councillors of nine, in Singleton seven of 12 and in Muswellbrook four of 12.

“Singleton and Upper Hunter shires are doing quite well,” Cr Lecky said.

“For community representation you really feel you should have 50 per cent women on council.

“ALGWA has for years been running a presentation to show women they could be a counsellors.

“It covers time management, councillors’ responsibilities, electioneering and how to get mentoring from ALGWA.”

Singleton Council general manager Lindy Hyam, Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts, and ALGWA NSW branch president Julie Griffiths will be among the speakers at the Muswellbrook Shire Council forum from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Both men and women are welcome at both the ALGWA and Muswellbrook Shire forums at Muswellbrook library on February 17.

For more information on the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, visit www.algwa.org.au.

Email Joshua.brown@muswell brook.nsw.gov.au to RSVP to the Muswellbrook Shire forum.