The former mayor of Walcha Shire Council was nominated as the Local Woman of the Year for the Tamworth electorate.

Mrs Archdale stepped down after 16 years serving on Walcha Shire Council, but it was in the last two years as mayor when the community united behind under her leadership to stave off an amalgamation threat.

She was surprised by the nomination and said the award gave “recognition to all of Walcha and what can be achieved”.

“Locally, we have so much talent in Walcha,” she said.

“I spoke at Quotas friendship dinner last year and commented that in the room there were women who had helped me with my babies through community health, had taught my children, women I had been on committees with, worked with, taught me to play tennis, friends, people who had helped me through difficult times and shared happy times.

“In a strong community like Walcha, we are an important part of each other's lives.”

She used the award to encourage other women right around the region to put themselves forward.

“My encouragement to other women is – we are, gladly all different, however, we all have something to offer,” she said.

“Don't be afraid to step forward, we are far more capable and resilient than we know and you will always be valued and supported.”

After witnessing Mrs Archdale’s passion for the Walcha community in the anti-amalgamation push, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he had no hesitation in putting the former mayor forward as the electorate’s top woman.

“Janelle has gone above and beyond for the community of Walcha,” he said.

“She steered the community through the Local Government reforms, and in doing so gained a great level of respect from the former Local Government Minister Paul Toole and earned the admiration of all involved in the process.”