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One-on-one coaching helps women set goals, stay accountable, manage challenges, build alliances, and navigate chamber dynamics—all while maintaining a healthy life-council balance. This personalised support empowers you to tackle challenges and thrive in your role.

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Join a group of like-minded women ready to lead with purpose—not just look busy! Learn how to step into your gravitas, make a real impact, and focus on what truly matters. Gain practical tools and confidence to navigate your role alongside women who get it. Monthly sessions will inspire and equip you with the skills to thrive as a local leader.

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Ruth McGowan

Consultant. Speaker. Trainer. Coach.

Ruth McGowan OAM provides expert consulting advice on leadership, gender equality, political intelligence, and political campaigning. Author of Get Elected, (referred to as ‘the candidate’s bible’ by aspiring politicians), Ruth is a sought-after Councillor-coach across Australia. Ruth’s 30+ years of leadership and volunteering have was recognised with a National Emergency Medal and an Order of Australia Medal.

Ruth McGowan

Get Elected – free PDF of the book

Tired of waiting for politicians to act? Become one!

Inspired by the call to activists everywhere, to Don’t Get Mad – Get Elected, Ruth wrote Australia’s first national campaign guide in 2019. With over 3000 copies sold, Get Elected is a step-by-step campaign guide to winning public office that encourages women and diverse candidates to stand for politics at a local, state, and federal level. Aimed at independent candidates but useful for anyone keen on politics, Get Elected equips aspiring candidates and their teams to plan a successful political campaign.

This practical guide draws on the successful ‘Independent for Indi’ campaigns that Ruth helped coordinate, which saw her sister Cathy McGowan elected to the Australian House of Representatives Federal Parliament in 2013 and again in 2016.

In 2022, Ruth made her book freely available (previously, it was $30 RRP) to support even more women to stand for office at a local, state or federal level.

Download your free PDF copy here. (Opens in a separate tab)

“Rec People was delighted to work with Ruth to deliver a ‘Boost Your Political Savvy’ webinar for people who work in the sport, recreation and leisure sector. Ruth challenged the participants to think about how they could flip their mindset to view ‘being political’ as a positive way to achieve outcomes. Her engaging and direct style encouraged people to think differently about their approach to organisational politics.”

Mandy Nolton, RecPeople

“Many thanks Ruth for a great workshop on ‘perfecting your political prowess’. We really appreciated the effort you made to understand our needs, your adaptability in converting to an online workshop, the depth of the content and the practicality, plus your engaging and calm delivery under pressure. All in all, very happy to have worked with you.”

Debra Rosenfeldt, State Library VictoriaMay 2020

“What a pleasure to work with Ruth McGowan! The NRWC ran a webinar series, facilitated by Ruth, to encourage women to nominate for local government. Her professionalism and willingness to share her knowledge was a cornerstone of the project. The wealth of experience and authentic delivery had her audience of rural women from all over Australia entirely engaged. Ruth was organised, professional and on topic.”

Keli McDonald, CEO, National Rural Women’s Coalition

“Ruth spoke at the launch of our program and had an instant impact on the group. She introduced a concept of ‘activated leaders’ that has resonated with the group and really inspired them to make the most of the program. The incredibly high level of commitment to projects this year is directly due to Ruth’s influence thanks to her willingness to introduce an accountability measure to the group that they have really taken on. Ruth is a warm, engaging and proactive speaker!”

Rod Robinson, Northern Mallee Leaders