This 1977 voting leaflet from Margaret Atkinson is a testament to the power of women in local politics. At a time when female representation on councils was scarce, Margaret stood as a candidate to represent women’s views, proudly independent of political parties and group affiliations. She championed balanced representation and active community participation in local governance, highlighting her roles as a mother, a worker, and a volunteer.

Margaret’s story should inspire women in our electorate to step forward once again, to claim their place at the table, and to ensure that the values she stood for—fair representation, community involvement, and a commitment to service—are not lost in the noise of modern-day politics. If we don’t take action to support and encourage women in leadership, we risk silencing the very voices that push for equity and progress in our community.