Now relieving general manager of Healthy Cities Illawarra, Ms Webb failed to unseat Mr Hockey at the August 2010 federal election, attracting only 35 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote.

But she hopes her 14 years of local government service will hold her in good stead in the upcoming Wollongong elections.

Ms Webb grew up in western Sydney but spent weekends and public holidays at her family's Coledale beach house.

The 58-year-old has long retained connections with the Illawarra community, moving to Wollongong permanently in December 2008 and commuting to her North Sydney job before gaining the relieving role at Healthy Cities Illawarra.

Ms Webb's extensive council experience includes senior environment, community and planning positions at Ku-ring-gai, Kogarah, Auburn and Leichhardt councils and administrative roles on two regional council panels covering South Sydney and Sydney's North Shore.

She said each position had given her the opportunity to act as "an understudy" to mayors and councillors.

"It's helped me to understand what makes a good mayor and councillor as I've seen good and bad examples of each," she said.

"I also understand the exact role of a councillor, and have previously been involved in the design and co-ordination of training for new councillors to help them take on their new roles."

At the core of her political beliefs was better community engagement between councils and residents, she said.

"The level of input the community had in shaping the future development of Kogarah and Ku-ring-gai councils was seen as ground breaking.

"Wollongong [council] has never had a reputation for working well with its community. It's time to change that and more effectively engage with residents."

A proud Labor Party member for 28 years, Ms Webb hopes to run on a party ticket but is still unsure if Labor will officially endorse a team.

"I believe Labor historically has done more to improve the lives of Australians than any other political party," she said.

"I hope people can see beyond the past and look at who they've got to help them build a better future.

"Voters need to closely scrutinise the capacity of the candidates and vote for a team of people who will move the area forward."

Ms Webb listed employment, community engagement, council transparency and protection of the environment as important.