Cobar Mayor honoured for championing outback communities

Cobar Shire
Council Mayor Lilliane Brady OAM was named the inaugural winner of the NSW
Minister for Local Government Award for Women this week.

The award – which is part of the annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government – recognises a female councillor or staff member who has delivered quality outcomes in helping women in their local community.

Cr Brady is
the longest-serving female mayor in NSW, and during her years in office built
the region’s first aged care home, established a mayoral fund for cancer
support, and helped the community through drought.

Local
Government Minister Shelley Hancock congratulated Cr Brady and the other
award-winners and nominees for their dedication and commitment to serving their
local communities.

“With our
local communities impacted by bushfires, drought and Covid-19 this year, it has
never been more important to recognise the dedication and commitment of the
remarkable women serving in our local councils across the State,” Mrs Hancock
said.

“This
year’s winners have shown exceptional leadership in not only serving their
councils and communities but also leading the way for other women considering a
rewarding career in local government.”

The full list of winners can be found on the NSW Office of Local Government webpage.

In
related news, the West Australian Government has celebrated the centenary of
the election of the first woman to local government in WA.

Elizabeth Clapham was elected to the Town of Cottesloe Council in 1920, serving one term.

Local
Government Minister David Templeman described Cr Clapham as a great role model
for women.

Speaking at
an event organised by the Australian Local Government Women’s Association’s WA
branch to mark her achievement, Mr Templeman said he is committed to having
more women on council and in administration.

“Local governments need to ensure gender inclusive approaches to work continue, and councils should aim to be more gender balanced and representative of our community,” he said.