STIRLING councillor Elizabeth Re says she was surprised and honored at being named an ambassador for the Year of Women in Local Government.
Cr Re was one of 21 people nationwide, including four West Australians, to be recognized as an official role model for next years celebrations.
The Woodlands resident was the only WA councillor chosen for the role.
Cr Re said she had not expected her hard work as a City of Stirling representative to be recognized on a national level.
“I was quite surprised, because people from all over Australia have been nominating, including both male and female Councilors and officers who are trying to promote the role of women in the workplace and the community”, she said.
“It was definitely a bit of a shock to be considered at that level. To find out I was the only councillor from WA to be named as an ambassador was just amazing.”
The Doubleview ward councillor has had a long involvement in local politics, including becoming the first female principle health and building surveyor in WA local government.
She was the eighth female councillor to be elected to the City of Stirling, and one of the first women to be included on the RAC board in WA.
“I like to think I have been an advocate of giving women a fair go and highlighting the challenges and capabilities of women in the workplace”, she said.
Cr Re, who has been a Stirling councillor since 2005 and was this month re-elected for another term, said she would use her role as ambassador to promote the positive role of local government for women.
STIRLING TIMES NEWS PAPER Western Australia 27 October 30, 2009