Waverley Mayor Sally Betts is now in her second consecutive year in Council’s top job. Originally from South Africa, Mayor Betts settled in Waverley more than 35 years ago and decided to pursue a career in politics because she believed she had a lot to offer the community and wanted to help improve the area.
“For a woman, being in Local Government can be extremely satisfying,” Mayor Betts said. “I believe that women get a lot satisfaction out of seeing their own community prosper and grow, even if this does come from an emotional level. Women’s participation at all levels of government will ensure there are different voices and opinions heard in decision making.
“With more women on Council, decisions are more likely to reflect the diversity of the community we serve and take into account a broader range of community interests and concerns.”
Mayor Betts said being a woman has helped in her role in many ways.
“On a day to day basis, women tend to be more consultative in their approach and more likely to look for a compromised position, rather than being locked into a preconceived position,” she said. “This approach is extremely helpful when dealing with many Councillors of different political persuasions.
“Sometimes being a female in politics can be difficult, particularly with younger women, as the media often focus on their image and sometimes aren’t taken as seriously as their male colleagues.
“A Councillor’s role is so varied and complex that it can very easily become a full time job, so juggling Councillor responsibilities and a family at home can be very difficult.”
Mayor Betts was first elected as a Councillor in 1995 and is passionate about providing a better future for young people. She is on the Board of WAYS Youth Services, which provides a one stop shop for youth in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
As Mayor, Councillor Betts’ priorities have been tackling issues such as ensuring the municipality is clean and tidy and that dumped rubbish, bill posters and graffiti are controlled.
Traffic congestion and parking policies are also priority issues that are critical to the functioning of the municipality.
