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From 35 years as an ICU nurse and union delegate advocating for patients and nurses, to being elected to North Sydney Council in 2021, my journey has always been about standing up for community.
She has been proud to lead local campaigns, from securing a $2.1M upgrade for Primrose Park tennis courts, to championing gender equity in council, supporting DV Safe Phones for survivors, and expanding CPR and defibrillator training with the Heart Foundation. She has worked to bring counselling services to our local Stanton Library with Life Line Connect.
Shannon is also the Chair of the Sydney Coastal Council Group and Chairperson of the Committee for the Shorelink Library Network.
She feels deeply honoured to now also serve as President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, and is grateful for the trust, and excited to keep working for stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
Penny is a third term Councillor at the City of Ryde in Sydney. First elected in 2017, she continues to represent the Ryde community, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, social inclusion, gender equity and the arts.
Born in Ermington and raised across western Sydney, Pedersen studied theatre at the University of New South Wales before building a career in the arts. Her creative background has informed her advocacy for local performers, culture and community spaces.
Cr Pedersen has held a range of leadership roles within local government and regional organisations. She previously served as a board member of Local Government NSW 2022-25; Vice President of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils; Vice-Chair of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, and now serves as the Chair.
In addition, she is currently serving as the local government delegate to the NSW Music Festival Round Table; she is a board member of the Hunter Jobs Alliance, and the NSW Environment Trust - reflecting her engagement across environmental, cultural and economic policy areas.
As a long term resident of East Ryde, Cr Pedersen is actively engaged in local issues including river health, active transport, and the development of community infrastructure. She is also a wildlife rescuer and carer, reflecting her strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Throughout her public life, Councillor Pedersen has been recognised as a passionate advocate for progressive local policy, particularly in the areas of sustainability, inclusion and community development.
Loves ALGWA...
First elected to Council in 2008 Councillor Griffiths is now serving her third term. She has been elected Deputy Mayor on 3 occasions. She has served on Blacktown City’s Community Services Committee, Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee, Sister Cities Committee, Animal Advisory Committee, Planning, Development, Historical & Assets Committee and Chair of the Women’s Advisory Committee. She currently sits on the Hawkesbury River County Council, LGNSW Board, BVM Board, Rural Fire Co-ordination Committee, Rural Fire Liaison Committee and Local Government NSW Rural Fire Service Committee.
Councillor Griffiths was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List for her significant service to local government, to women's football, and to industrial relations.
Councillor Griffiths is an Electorate Officer, for the new State Member for Penrith. Previously working for the Minister for Communications – Hon Michelle Rowland. For the past 23 years, Councillor Griffiths has been an active member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) NSW Branch, including president (2010–2012) and City Vice President (current). As a member of the NSW Joint Ministerial Advisory Council, Councillor Griffiths worked the Minister for Local Government to increase the number of roles for women in local government.
She has fulfilled various roles with Children Services and Health Industry Training and Advisory Body, Local Government Child Care Task Force, the Review of Children’s Services Regulations 2004. She has also been Chair for Coalition for Women, National Women’s Consultative Committee and the Women in Sports board.
Appointed Chief De Mission and Australian Coach of the Futsal U/21 Women’s Indoor Soccer Team to tour Spain, Councillor Griffiths has been an elite coach for Nepean and Blacktown Spartans U/21 Women. At a local level she has coached Quakers Hill boys’ and women’s teams and the Glenwood Redbacks.
Councillor Griffiths is committed to fostering Blacktown City’s infrastructure and providing good quality child care, recreational and sporting facilities. She is also passionate about ensuring quality aged care and further developing services for our youth through TAFE and skills development.
Cassandra Coleman was born and raised in Lithgow and works locally at Revenue NSW.
Cassandra was first elected to Lithgow City Council in 2016 and then again in December 2021, Cassandra was elected by the majority of her fellow Councillors as the Deputy Mayor in 2021.
Cassandra started advocating for Women their right to have a voice in 2008, when she was formally elected to the Public Service Association (PSA) Women’s Council which has a proud history of fighting for better conditions for not only women but for all.
Cassandra has held several positions with the PSA including Senior Vice President.
Cassandra was President of ALGWA NSW for three years, and under her leadership the ALGWA NSW Executive team of volunteers, criss-crossed the State of NSW for a period of 18 months conducting over 30 forums, sometimes presenting simultaneously in three different locations.
This helped create history with a record number of women elected to NSW local councils in December 2021 – an increase from 29% to 40%.
Cassandra was re-elected onto the board in 2022 taking on the role of Assistant Treasurer and then re-elected to the role of Treasurer in 2023.
Kate is a regional Mayor and Councillor for Inverell Shire Council and has worked tirelessly for her LGA. She has completed 2 full terms on Council and is now well into her 3rd term, having been elected Mayor Sept ‘24.
Uniquely, Kate is from an outer village of the Shire and has an intricate understanding of issues at a grass-roots level. She is accustomed to travelling regularly and having lived in Sydney, she has great access to our capital and is very familiar interacting at the regional, state and national level.
Originally she gained a Bachelor Degree of Economics from UQ and then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education. She is currently employed by the Dept of Education as a primary teacher giving her particular insight into the youth of our communities. She has a proactive approach and works to resolve issues for wider benefit.
She has led the charge on a number of organisations, particularly the Border Region of Councils (BROC) and the Inverell Youth Advisory Council (IYAC).
She has been an executive member the Audit Risk & Improvement Committee, the Inverell Health Forum and the Library. Most recently, she has been on the ALGWA Executive and welcomed the opportunity to represent her community for this organisation. Always with a local lens, she has prioritised –
• Working with State & Federal Government representatives• Unifying and empowering Inverell Shire Council Elected members• Local Medical Services• Community Agency services• Primary producers & industry• Regional & Local Road Network• Financial sustainability• Local economic opportunity
She is very fortunate to have been guided and supported by strong fellow female councillors and recognises this opportunity to take this further with ALGWA NSW. She has advocated strongly for ALGWA NSW at the local level because it gives the opportunity to engage young female professionals with LG and encourages them to represent their own communities with confidence, creativity and strength.
Christie Hamilton was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2017, and as a long-term local resident, brings a strong background in service, leadership, and community advocacy to local government.
Christie served in the Royal Australian Navy before building more than 15 years’ experience in Learning and Organisational Development, working across education, training, and workforce capability. Her professional background has shaped a practical, outcomes-focused approach to leadership and governance.
As a councillor, Christie is a member of Randwick City Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) and serves on the General Manager’s Annual Performance Review Panel. She is a strong advocate for open space, community facilities, transparency, and responsible financial management, and is committed to working collaboratively to deliver meaningful outcomes for residents and strengthen trust in local government.
Dr Diane Colman is a well-respected academic from Western Sydney University. She is an integral part of the university’s course leadership team, providing expert direction and advice on governance, strategy, risk management, financial discipline and digital innovation.
Diane has considerable experience in strategic planning, program implementation, management of multi-million-dollar budgets and legislative compliance as well as ensuring the well-being of staff across the organisation.
As well as effective corporate skills and experience, Diane has strong linkages within her local community, campaigning on numerous issues relating to the health and well-being of residents.
Diane was elected to Cumberland City Council in 2021 and has been a strong advocate for policy and programs that provide the conditions for success of local women. She has championed strategies to improve women’s well being and to make women’s achievements more visible.
With her strong understanding of business, the local community and the political environment, Diane will be a strong voice for women in local government in NSW.
Elected to Orange City Council in 2021, and ALGWA Executive in 2024.
Cr McDonell grew up in Orange, completing school here before moving away for university study.
She has a Bachelor of Nursing from Charles Sturt University, and Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Gastroenterology from Queensland University of Technology.
Cr McDonell has worked in a variety of healthcare settings in Sydney and Orange, and what she loves most about being a nurse is advocating for her patients. Her experience as a Delegate for the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association further developed her advocacy skills.
Melanie completed the inaugural NSW Pathways to Politics for Women program through UNSW in 2021.
Cr McDonell Chairs the Parks, Trees and Waterways Community Committee and Services Policy Committee. She is an active member of the Lucknow Community Committee, Environmental Sustainability Community Committee, Orange Health Liaison Committee, Ageing and Access Community Committee, City of Orange Traffic Committee, Bicycle Committee, Conservatorium and Planetarium Committee, Orange Showground Community Committee, and Sport and Recreation Community Committee. Cr McDonell is the Orange City Council representative to the Orange Regional Arts Foundation (ORAF).
An independent mother of one, Cr McDonell has led the push for improved play spaces in her community, including installation of shade sails over existing facilities, and increased footpath infrastructure.
Melanie is a passionate advocate for gender equality including establishing DAPO (Domestic Abuse Prevention Orange), a community-driven project group established to address the prevention and education needs of her community, which has one of the State’s highest rates of family and domestic violence.
Outside of her Councillor role, Melanie facilitates workshops providing women and non-binary individuals with the knowledge and skills to get elected at any level of government across Australia.
In her spare time, Melanie composes music and is a Bassoonist with the Orange Symphony Orchestra.
Melanie believes deeply in the aim of ALGWA, to increase participation and representation of women in local government.
1995—Current, Mayor 2008—present
Shires Association of NSW
Current Divisional Representative for the Association’s E Division of Councils.
14 year affiliation, including executive positions held: Vice President, President and Immediate Past President.
First woman to be elected President of the Association in its 100-year history.
Central West Regional Organisation of Councils—Chair
2010—Present, 1998—2000
Murray Darling Basin Community Advisory Committee Board Member
2004 - 2008
Inaugural Chair
PASSIONATE, EXPERIENCED & DRIVEN
Cr Miller has been a passionate advocate for women in local government since she was elected to Forbes Shire Council in 1995.
In the twenty-eight years that have followed, Cr Miller has continued to use her voice to affect change through extensive Board experience and leadership.
Darriea Turley AM is a highly respected Australian local government leader and community advocate from Broken Hill, New South Wales. With a background in nursing and welfare, she became a pioneer in regional public health, working as the first HIV/AIDS community worker in Broken Hill and leading important education and prevention programs.
Elected to Broken Hill City Council in 1995, she has held multiple leadership roles including Deputy Mayor and Mayor. Her work has focused on strengthening rural communities, improving services and infrastructure, and championing the needs of regional Australia.
Turley has also played a significant role at the state and national level, serving on the board of Local Government NSW and later as its President. She has been a strong advocate for gender equity, community resilience, and sustainable local government.
In 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her outstanding service to local government, health, and the advancement of women.
She continues to be a passionate voice for rural communities and effective local governance.
Cr. Hamed is a long-term resident of Cumberland, proudly raising her two children alongside her husband in Merrylands.
She has actively participated in numerous community organisations, providing support to families and children.
Driven by a strong passion for social justice and equality, Cr. Hamed is dedicated to working with the community to create positive change.
Councillor Amituanai was first elected to Blacktown City Council in 2024.
Born in Samoa and migrating to Australia in 1985, Councillor Amituanai is a member of the Samoan Community Support Seniors Incorporated in Western Sydney.
She is also a qualified educator for early childhood and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Since 2009 Councillor Talia Amituanai has lived in Tregear with her 12 children.
Tammy Greenhalgh is the Deputy Mayor of Orange City Council and a passionate community advocate, committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for her community.
Born and raised in Orange, Tammy returned to the Colour City in 2002 and has dedicated her time to strengthening local connections through leadership, volunteering, and service. First elected to Council in 2021 and re-elected for a second term, Tammy brings a practical, community-first approach to local government, grounded in lived experience and strong engagement with residents.
Tammy chairs several key Council committees, including Sport & Recreation, Recreation & Culture Policy, Airport Advisory and Floodplain Risk Management, and contributes to a broad range of community and strategic committees. Professionally, she works as a Regional Business Development Executive, bringing commercial acumen and a results-driven mindset to her public role.
A proud volunteer and Life Member of Bloomfield Junior Rugby League, Tammy has spent over a decade supporting grassroots sport and youth development. She is also actively involved with Ronald McDonald House Central West and leads the Orange chapter of The Compassionate Friends, supporting families through grief and loss.
Tammy is a strong advocate for community wellbeing, youth opportunity, and creating a city where people can work, rest, play and stay. She is passionate about ensuring Orange continues to grow as a connected, resilient, and welcoming regional centre.
