Narrandera Shire Council’s three women Councillors Deputy Mayor Sue Ruffles, Tracey Lewis and Jenny Clarke will represent the Council at the Australian Loal Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) annual conference in Griffith from May 1 to 3.

Themed “Taste the Inspiration”, the conference will be held at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 May 1 to 32025.

Council is a full member of the ALGWA and provides membership for all female councillors interested in joining. Applications were received from Councillors Ruffles, Lewis and Clarke. Traditionally, at least one female councillor attends this conference each year to represent Narrandera Shire, but this time three women councillors applied.

ALGWA is the premier organisation supporting and representing women in local government. It was formed to promote women’s participation in local government, both as elected officials and employees.

The organisation provides support, networking opportunities, and advocacy for women across Australia. Initiatives include leadership programs, mentoring and efforts to address issues like bullying and harassment in the workplace.

The 2025 ALGWA NSW Annual Conference aims to provide comprehensive training and support for councillors. It offers attendees the chance to gain valuable insights from guest speakers, participate in professional development and network with peers from across NSW. “Taste the Inspiration” is designed to motivate and empower delegates, encouraging them to embrace new ideas and approaches to their roles as councillors.

This conference offers a unique opportunity for new and returning councillors Narrandera’s councillors are all returning) to reset and develop new ideas and perspectives.

It fosters creativity and delegates are motivated to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced by local government.

Griffith Mayor, Cr Doug Curran, will open the conference with the welcome by ALGWA President, Cr Penny Pedersen.

Guest speakers at the conference will include:

• Emma Norbiato - Calabria Wines

• Zara Lowien - National Irrigation Council (NIC)

• Helen Dalton MP – State Member for Murray

• The Hon. Sussan Ley MP – Federal Member for Farrer and Deputy Leader of the Opposition

• The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC – Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health, Youth, and the North Coast

• Carolyn Doherty – Argyle Housing

• Serena Hardwick – Business NSW

• Emma Broomfield – Councillor Wellbeing

• Shirine Nehme – TEDx Griffith

A Banna Murals/CBD Activation Walk and tour of De Bortoli Winery Gardens are also planned.