Great Lakes Council’s Mayor, Cr Jan McWilliams has been recognised at last week’s NSW Local Government Conference on achieving 20 years of service as an elected councillor for her community.

Cr McWilliams was first elected to Great Lakes Council in 1995 and was elected Deputy Mayor in September 2002, a position she held until her election as Mayor in 2008.  She has held the Mayor’s position since.

“I would like to thank the community for all the support they have given me over the last 20 years” said Cr McWilliams.

“Your continued faith in re-electing me over the years has allowed me to continue my work here.”

“I thank the Local Government Association for recognising me for my years of service, and also my fellow councillors, and Great Lakes Council staff for assisting me to perform my duties as Councillor and Mayor” said Cr McWilliams.

The Mayor has been involved in numerous community projects over the years, but lists some of the highlights as the development of the Tuncurry skate park, Tuncurry grandstand, the Oyster Festival and her work on police and crime prevention committees.

She continues to work hard for the Red Cross and Blood Bank of Forster, the War Widows Guild, the Vietnam veterans, RSL sub-branch and the National Servicemen’s Association.

The Mayor has received awards during her local government representation, including recognition of her contribution after 17 years of service, the Emeritus Mayoral Award 2008-2012 and the Women in Local Government Award (elected representative – rural and regional council) all from the Local Government Association.