The Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia will hold a free seminar for women interested in running in the November local government election.

LGA president Felicity-ann Lewis said it was unacceptable that women only accounted for less than 27 per cent of elected council members in SA.

“It is not a true representation of the make up of our communities when women hold only 194 out of a possible 739 positions as elected council members,” Cr Lewis said in a statement.

“I would like to see more women putting themselves forward this year.”

The LGA, in partnership with Norman Waterhouse Lawyers, will hold the one day seminar at the Adelaide Pavilion on Saturday 14 August.

Guest speakers will canvass a range of issues, including nominating to run and campaigning.

Local government once lead the public sector on women’s participation, but in recent years it has become a laggard.

In the Year of Women in Local Government, councils across the country are striving to become an employer of choice for women. The sector is also seeking to increase the number of women participating in local politics.

Cr Lewis encouraged all women considering a role in SA local government to attend the seminar.

“It is important that we recognise the central role that local government plays in the fabric of our communities and the character and flavour that women bring to the debate,” she said.

“Our neighbourhoods are important to us and we should bring that to the council table.”

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