Northern Rivers women pushed to enter politics ahead of election season

Women make up 50.4 per cent of the Richmond Valley’s population, but council representation is still lacking. Now two female councillors are on a mission to change that.

RVC Councillor Jill Lyons encouraged women to give it a go.

One Northern Rivers council is urging more women to take the leap into politics to better represent their community.

Women make up 50.4 per cent of the Richmond Valley population but council representation is still lacking, leading two female councillors to urge more women to step forward before September’s local government elections.

Councillors Sandra Humphrys and Jill Lyons said it was vital councils represented the entire community.

Cr Humphrys, who was first elected in 2000 for two terms and again in 2012, said a true representation of the community's views was not possible until people of all backgrounds were involved.

“It is about bringing balance to the decision-making table,” Cr Humphrys said.

Cr Lyons, elected in 2016, said being a councillor presented its challenges but delivered great rewards and that women brought invaluable insight to councils.

“If you have no women around the table you don’t hear different points of view,” she said.

“Give it a go. Even if you are not successful this time, there will be plenty of other opportunities.”

Richmond Valley Councillor Sandra Humphrys sings True Blue at the Australia Day ceremony at Casino Drill Hall.

Richmond Valley Council is hosting an Australian Local Government Association (ALGWA) forum, titled Politics and Prosecco, on Friday June 4 June to encourage local women to consider standing for council.

The forum will be held in the Casino Community and Cultural Centre and will feature guest presenter Penrith City Council Mayor and ALGWA NSW City Vice President Karen McKeown.

Attendance is free but bookings are required via this link.

Two candidate information sessions will also be held prior to elections at Woodburn Hall on June 21 and Casino Community and Cultural Centre on June 23, from 6pm.