WHEN Sandra Nardi first decided to contest a position on Leeton Shire Council, she wasn't sure what to expect.
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Councillor Nardi has been on council since successfully earning a place in the 2016 local government elections.
In what has been a learning curve since then, she said she had enjoyed the experience of getting to know all of the ins and outs of how a council and local government operates.
A lot of hard work is put in behind-the-scenes by councillors, which the public aren't aware of.
However, while the hours may sometimes be long, Cr Nardi said she would encourage others, especially more women in the community to consider contesting this year's September elections.
"It's really nice to see the option for women to come and feel equal in roles such as this, so having this focus on women in business and in local government, that's something so many are passionate about," she said.
"It's just having women who can dedicate the time to being a councillor. As women we do juggle so much, but this is worthwhile. '
"It's all about giving back to the community and that is something I believe all of our councillors do well."
Cr Nardi hasn't officially decided on whether or not she will be running again this year, but said at this stage she likely would be.
She's always open to people having a chat with her about what is involved with being a councillor.
A hairdresser and business owner, Cr Nardi said a day didn't go by where a member of the community didn't ask her about council. She said she was always happy to explain certain situations and promote what council is up to whenever opportunities arise.
Like her fellow councillors, she lists Leeton shire being "fit for the future" and avoiding amalgamations as being one of the big achievements of the current council.
This combined with council being awarded several grants for big projects, as well as being able to complete some of the more "nitty gritty" items on the agenda have coupled for a successful term for the current group.
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"A lot of time is required to be a councillor, you can't really get around that, but it's all about the community - that's why I first wanted to get involved," Cr Nardi said.
"I've really enjoyed making the connections I now have with our current councillors.
"We do connect on a very common level - we are all in it to help the community.
"That's what we are there for. Also, for me it's been all about learning new things. I'm born and bred in Leeton and there's so much I have learned about our town by being on council.
"It can be a lot of hard work, but it's very rewarding at the same time knowing we are hopefully making a difference."
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