A long-serving Shire of Northam councillor has been voted by her peers to the position of deputy president following local government elections last month.
Bakers Hill resident Julie Williams has been a Shire of Northam councillor since 2011.
The mother of seven said the self-nomination to the position was a natural progression from her much-enjoyed time as a councillor.
"I put my hand up for the deputy president role because I thought I was the best person for the job," she said.
"I've got the time, the dedication, knowledge and I've always prioritised council.
"I think it is important for council to be seen as more diverse than what it may be is in people's perceptions - that needs to be more public.
"I have been a councillor and love that role but this opportunity arose and I really did think I was the best person for the job."
Mrs Williams said she had seen a lot of positive movement within the Shire during her time on council, but still had contributions to make.
"The biggest changes I've seen during my time on council have been the revitalisation of the town of Northam," she said.
"Before the amalgamation of the Town of Northam and Shire of Northam it was assumed that residents west of Northam were to be grouped in with Mundaring.
"Bringing people from the west-end into town benefits all the businesses.
"I'd like to see the communication of what we are achieving in the Shire to become stronger - that often gets lost.
"We need to love Northam first before we can get others to."
Mrs Williams said her current focus was on jobs, investment and easy-to-understand local law.
"I am passionate and dedicated to making sure that developments are the right developments," she said.
"I think they need to benefit our current residents.
"It can't be a detriment to the community and aesthetics of the Shire.
"I'm a big one for reading the policies and local laws.
"They need to be user friendly and people still need to be able to enjoy their lives.
"I'd like to think that the documents we are producing are of a high standard and that when people get a hold of it know where we are coming from."
Mrs Williams said being a good councillor meant representing the needs and wants of locals.
"I want people to feel that they can come to us and tell us what they want - approach your councillors," she said.
"I don't assume in knowing what everyone wants so come to us and tell us so we can represent you.
"Being a member of the community you have an idea but we need to be asking more if this is a priority to our residents."
