But with 16 years in local government five as Campbelltown's director of community services and now a 2010 Women in Local Government Award, she has become one.

Ms Deitz was one of six women to receive an award from Local Government Minister Barbara Perry and Womens Minister Jodi McKay in a ceremony at Parliament House last week.

She won the award for metropolitan senior staff member of the year, in recognition of her innovative service delivery work.

Ms Deitz began working with the council as part of a program supporting children from diverse backgrounds, before becoming supervisor of that program, then moving to the council's long daycare program.

She moved on to supervising the council's daycare centres, then managing children's services and, finally, took on her present role directing community services.

``It's a very rewarding job,'' she said.

``And I have been very lucky to work for a council which goes to great lengths to provide training, support and a flexible working environment.''

Ms McKay said councils needed to be representative of their community and she hoped the awards would encourage more women to stand for local government.

``Despite the fact women currently comprise approximately 50 per cent of the population in NSW, only 21 per cent of mayors and 27 per cent of councillors are women,'' she said. ``Further, only five per cent are general managers.''