Tamworth teacher Ellie Gillett has been elected Chair of the NSW Nationals Women’s Council (WoCo) for 2026-27.
Mrs Gillett was elected unopposed at the WoCo Annual General Meeting in Yass last weekend.
She has served on the body since 2024 as an Executive member and secretary.
A local primary school teacher who has just had her first baby, Mrs Gillett was also President of Tamworth Dramatic Society for many years and has produced numerous shows.
She said it was an honour to be elected as Chair of the body established to give all Nationals women a direct voice in the Party through policy development, mentoring, and leadership support.
“Regional NSW has produced some incredible women leaders in all sectors and our Women’s Council has as one of its core objectives supporting women leaders and fostering greater involvement of women in the political process,” Mrs Gillett said.
“The Nationals have had a women’s division since its first constitution was written some 100 years ago. We’ve seen many firsts by Nationals’ women including the first woman Director of a political party at the NSW and Federal levels, the first woman Minister to have baby in office, and with many women holding Ministerial portfolios previously regarded as ‘male’ territory.
“Our conference and AGM again showed the talent in regional NSW with great speakers and debate about issues really concerning regional women.
“Key amongst these were access to affordable childcare and post-natal services in the regions and the continuing concerns at the devastating impact of the new energy infrastructure on farms and families in the renewable energy zones.”
Mrs Gillett said with a NSW election less than eight months away, the Women’s Council will be focussing on campaign support for Nationals’ candidates across the state and is particularly keen to see more women standing for office.
