Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba voted Australian Local Government Women's Association president

She has been voted the president of the Australian Local Government Women's Association, which is the peak representative body supporting women who are in any way involved in local government.

The prestigious position oversees association branches in every state and territory in Australia.

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"I am passionate about ensuring the fair treatment of all people, and I firmly believe that many more women can make an impact in their communities by getting involved in local government," Cr Saliba said.

I am very pleased to be elected the president of the association's national branch.

"I look forward to working with our executive and members to continue to increase the involvement of women in our sector.

I will represent women with pride in this new role, never losing sight of the fact that as Mayor of Shellharbour I have a vital role to perform within my local community.

The association represents woman who work for or are elected to local government and it lobbies for better gender representation.

It seeks to strengthen networking, mentoring and innovative opportunities that encourage and support women in local government.

"Some state governments sponsor a mentoring program for women in local government but not all do," Cr Saliba said. "I would like to see a national mentoring program established."

The mayor said she was honoured to be the president of the association during the 100^th anniversary of the first woman, Susan Grace Benny, election to local government.

Last year, Cr Saliba successfully lobbied to introduce the The Susan Grace Benny Award - Women in Local Government and Community.

The NSW branch also holds information sessions to support woman to put up their hand to run for local government.

As an added boost for the city, Shellharbour Council will host the next NSW Australian Local Government Women's Association conference in 2020.

The conference will feature a selection of speakers, organised activities and workshops.

She said the theme was 'Women In The Know Are Women Who Grow', which will explore the importance of women seeking knowledge in order to contribute, empower and lead.