She decided to participate in the Dry July challenge after attending the recent Australian Local Government Women's Association breakfast.

The theme of the event was Go Red, to remind women of the risk of heart disease.

The attendees were told that more than one in three deaths of Australian women were caused by cardiovascular disease and that one of the contributing risk factors was excessive alcohol consumption.

``Before I attended the breakfast I hadn't known that about 10 per cent of Australian women drink too much alcohol,'' she said.

``There is the misconception that heart disease only affects older men, but past menopause women are at the same risk.''

Cr Burton drinks one glass of white wine with dinner about three times a week and said she hasn't missed it.

``It was a bit like an off switch, to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine,'' she said.

``Sometimes I'd wake up the next day feeling a bit sluggish and I don't get that any more. I feel really relaxed.''

Cr Burton said she was also spending more time walking the dog and socialising with friends, minus the booze.

``I think I'll be just fine, but you can buy a golden ticket for about $25, which I might have to use on my mum's 91st birthday on July 29th.''

Cr Burton said her family and friends had refrained from tempting or teasing her and had been very supportive and encouraging.

Her daughter-in-law Tracey Burton has joined her in abstaining from alcohol.

Cr Burton's efforts will raise money for The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, Sydney.

Donations: dryjuly.com/profiles/barbaraburto n