Bass Coast Shire Council is excited to announce that Ruth McGowan OAM will be attending the Women Leading Locally Forum, being held next month.
Ruth McGowan is a gender equality expert in local government and is the author of Get Elected. As a previous Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council and long-time supporter of women in local government, Ruth trains women to campaign for political office and is a sought-after Councillor Coach.
The Forum is a free event, that aims to inspire women to become successful leaders in the community, by bringing current and former councillors together to share their insights on the benefits and challenges of being a woman on council.
It is being held on Thursday, 6 October from 10.00am to 11.30am at the old Wonthaggi Post Office, located at the corner of Watt Street and McBride Avenue. Morning tea and a child-minding service will be provided. To register your attendance, visit www.womenleadinglocallyforum.eventbrite.com.au/
Deputy Mayor, Cr Leticia Laing, Cr Clare Le Serve and former Mayor and Councillor Pam Rothfield will share their experiences as councillors, why they got involved and the benefits of having more women on Council. Cr Rochelle Halstead will also share her experiences via video.
Other guest speakers include Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor Sarah Race, who is also a member of the Local Government Gender Equality Advisory Committee, while Bass Coast CEO Ali Wastie will MC and facilitate the Q&A session.
Bass Coast Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Leticia Laing, said women are generally under-represented in all levels of government.
"This Forum is about providing an opportunity for women who are curious about council as a way to contribute and explore their leadership skills," Cr Laing said.
"Women by and large are incredible leaders and offer so much in our community. Even if you've never thought about running for council and just want to know what it's like, this Forum is for you."
