Sue Clarke AM has been appointed the first ever independent Chair of the Greater Bendigo Gender Equity Coalition.
The Greater Bendigo Gender Equity Coalition is a collective of 34 organisations and groups employing over 8,500 staff in the public, private and community sector, dedicated to advancing gender equity and the prevention of violence against women in Greater Bendigo.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said Sue Clarke was appointed to the role following a competitive application process.
"Sue has enjoyed a successful career in health and community services, including various leadership roles with the Department of Human Services and CEO of Bendigo Community Health, Cr Alden said.
"Sue has also been a valued Board member with a range of local organisations including as Chair of Haven; Home, Safe and the Community Foundation for Bendigo and Central Victoria, and Deputy Chair of Bendigo Health and is currently on the Board of Foodshare and Bendigo UFS and CV UFS.
"She was recognised for her vast service to the community on Australia Day when she became a Member of the Order of Australia.
"Sue first became involved in gender equity work in the 1970s, when she joined a Council advisory committee for the Shire of Diamond Creek and considered issues facing women such as access to childcare, poverty, violence and employment opportunities.
"There is still much work to do to ensure shared benefit and opportunity for all, and we look forward to having Sue at the helm as the Gender Equity Strategy is implemented through strong community engagement, building and maintaining partnerships, and advocacy."
Sue Clarke said she considers it a great privilege to support the Coalition as it continues to grow in influence across Greater Bendigo.
"I am looking forward to working with the Coalition to realise its vision of a community where all people are respected, safe to participate in all aspects of community life and have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed in achieving their aspirations, whilst living in a community that is free from violence against women," Ms Clarke said.
"The Coalition has already developed a Leadership Statement and Gender Equity Strategy so its an exciting time to join the Coalition as it embarks on the implementation phase of the strategy.
"Having worked across a variety of organisations and communities since the 1970s, I have learned that listening and reflection are critical tools for a Chair to have in addition to a genuine commitment to the cause - a commitment which I certainly have in spades. I believe that in order to see real long-term change, we need to be strategic and target structural, relational and attitudinal change as gender equity is everyone's business."
