One of the pioneers of community driven local government has died at Berry after a long illness.

Ruth Devenny who was Kiama's first female Mayor, has passed away at David Berry Hospital.

Ms Devenny moved to the south coast from Sydney in the late 70's, served on Kiama Council from 1980 to 2008, and become the council's  first female  mayor 1991.

She had a deep affinity for the environment, and the rights of resident action groups to retain the character of Kiama, in the face of development.

Details of Ms Devenny's funeral are yet to be finalised.