With Local Government elections just six months away, on September 4, Cowra Shire deputy mayor councillor Judi Smith has signalled her intention to stand again.
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At the same time Cr Smith is encouraging other local residents to find out more about the election process and consider standing.
"In September I will have been (on Cowra Shire Council) for three terms (13 years)," Cr Smith said this week.
Cr Smith is one of two women who currently serve on Cowra Shire Council, the other is Cr Ruth Fagan.
"I really encourage any woman with an interest to stand - it is one of the best decisions I have ever made," Cr Smith said, encouraging other Cowra women to put their hands up for election
"We need more women representatives, and over the years I have approached numerous women whom I thought would make good councillors to stand.
"More women on Council would mean more positive role models for young females.
"However, I firmly believe that all councillors, female and male, are committed to making decisions with the best interests of the whole community in mind.
"It is a time-consuming job, I'd say on average taking around 20 to 30 hours per week, though it varies.
"And many women already juggle work and family responsibilities, as of course do many men.
"I don't have a solution, though I have to say that all the councillors and staff with whom I have worked over the years have been extremely supportive, and particularly when I worked full time at the high school would set meetings, at which I needed to be, at times when I could make it," Cr Smith said.
Cowra Shire Council currently holds a full council committee meeting once a month and a monthly general meeting.
Councillors face challenges each day, month and year and are also asked to give their time for other committee meetings and community events each month.
"I think the biggest challenge is always dealing with controversial issues that directly affect and engage large segments of the electorate," Cr Smith said.
"I have been on Council when we have had to make difficult, and sometimes unpopular decisions that we believe are beneficial for the majority of the population.
"The challenge is to listen to as wide a cross-section of local opinion as possible, read your material thoroughly, ask questions and discuss fully with other councillors and staff.
"It's never easy making decisions on some issues, but we are there to make what we see as the best choices for the whole Shire.
"We have, at times, got decisions wrong too, and it's important to acknowledge that publicly."
Cr Smith says she would also like to see a wide range of age groups and ethnic groups represented on Council.
"It would be great to be fully representative of people in the Shire - not only in the male/female ratio, but in other areas such as ethnicity and age," Cr Smith said.
"I would love, for example, to see one or more indigenous representatives stand - we have some wonderful, articulate and passionate local aboriginal men and women.
"Many younger people have growing families and it might be difficult to find the time, but Council does have a budget for child minding which is rarely used.
"I believe there is potential and willingness to tweak tasks, meeting times and other commitments to assist busy people.
"Anyone interested should talk to a current councillor, or the general manager, to find out more about what's involved and what could be done to help," Cr Smith said.
Cowra's multi award-winning Youth Council celebrates its 10th year this year, and has been an introduction for many into the rewards of service to the community.
"Several members have, for example, been awarded Cowra's Young Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.
"Committee members learn about working positively together, and a diverse range of skills from public speaking to event management.
"They are respected and listened to by Council, and in demand by other organisations.
"They have a pathway to being strong and committed community members who will benefit this Shire or wherever they choose to live."
While councillors are often placed in a no-win situation making decisions that affect many shire residents Cr Smith believes that serving on Local Government is also rewarding.
"The rewards are many," Cr Smith said.
" You gain insights into how wide-ranging and complex are the issues that we need to deal with - and this means that the work is always varied and interesting - even sewerage.
"I have got to know lots of people in my capacity as Councillor, and am always impressed by how many are involved in voluntary work of one kind or another to help make the Shire a better place.
"Working with my fellow Councillors, too, is rewarding.
"We may disagree on issues and have robust - and occasionally acrimonious debates, but I believe that all of us have the good of the Shire and its people at heart. I
"It's pleasing to be told that our Council is admired by other councils around us as a stable and harmonious group.
"The senior staff, too, are great to work with. I have never for a moment regretted my decision to stand.
"The challenge is always to do more for the community with less.
"We don't have a lot of financial fat to play with, but have a number of big budget items that we need to address, such as refurbishment of the aquatic centre, sewerage for West Cowra and a replacement for the low-level bridge.
"We need to continue to find ways of adequately addressing these, as well as our core business, such as road maintenance and waste, while ensuring we remain financially sound into the future," Cr Smith said.