Cr Morse has served three terms since being elected to Bathurst Regional Council in 2008, including five years from 2012-2017 when she was the only woman on the nine-member council.

She has long been a supporter of more women running for council and, while not planning to contest the 2021 poll herself, has offered to mentor any local women considering putting their name on the ballot.

An information session for would-be women candidates that was planned in March was cancelled due to COVID-19 and Cr Morse now hopes to run it in November instead.

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"I think it's time for me to step back but I would really like to see some younger women put their hand up," Cr Morse said.

"We will have a session in November and we can probably have a small group of about 20 or so.

"I still need to talk to council about it but they have always been very supportive."

Cr Morse said she had spoken to many "young professional women" about whether they would consider running for council but had not had great success so far.

She said time constraints and fear of a "boys only" culture on council were among the negative perceptions to overcome to get more women's names on the ballot paper.

But she said council offered extra support for councillors who had family commitments and she had not felt constrained by a "blokey" culture inside the chamber.

"I think the men do show me some respect as an older woman on council and take the time to listen to what I'm saying," she said.

"Women who are thinking of running need to stand up now and start getting a profile."

But a lack of female representation is not just a problem in Bathurst.

Orange City Council has just one female councillor out of 11 while Dubbo Regional Council has just three women out of 10 councillors.

The state government has started a campaign to encourage more women candidates in 2021.

It includes a series of videos with former and current female councillors; a range of materials including key information and resources; and a series of workshops and programs for potential female candidates.

The information is available at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.

There will also be a series of workshops to inspire and equip women to run for local government.

Workshop details available at https://wfea.org.au.