With 2010 The Year of Women in Local Government the aim was to promote women and recognise their contribution to communities.

Guest speakers included political journalist Kerry-Ann Walsh, The Hon. Linda Burney MP, Dr Maree Smith, RAAF commodore Margaret Staib, Brisbane City Council CEO Jude Munro, Community Services Manager Barbara Perry and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconcilation department executive director Nerida Saunders, who received a standing ovation for her inspirational address.

The local councillors that attended the weekend all agreed it was a valuable weekend where they learnt a lot and were able to network with other local government representatives.

Lyn MacBain said the conference highlighted that councillors from other local governments were feeling the same frustrations as they were in Singleton, particularly the increasing role of local government not being matched by the required level of financial support.

She said with MPs Linda Burney and Barbara Perry in attendance it was a great opportunity to voice these concerns.

First term Singleton councillors Maxine Smith and Ruth Rogers were impressed with the weekend and inspired to keep up their commitment to the local community.

The conference was open to all councillors, both male and female, people working within all tiers of local government or anyone interested in knowing how local government works.

Cr Smith said it was great to see a high representation of male councillors attending the weekend and it was a positive sign that men and women in local government need to increasingly work together.