Potential female candidates for the 2020 Yarra Ranges Council election and those who wish to support them are invited to participate in Voices of Women workshops throughout the year.
Advocacy group Voices of Women is working with Cire Services Incorporated, the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and Council to encourage gender equity and balance among the Yarra Ranges Council councillors through their The Journey Begins workshops.
VoW president and small business owner Sue West said the group was delighted to be running the project for a second year.
"We are really looking forward to meeting the women who are interested in becoming a candidate or supporting candidates," Ms West said.
"The sessions following our launch earlier this year will feature a range of guest speakers providing insight into how local government works, the role of a councillor and how to develop key skills needed to perform the role of a councillor, as well as planning ahead for your campaign."
Ms West said any women who were interested in local government were welcome to attend the launch and book into the sessions, even if they did not participate last year.
The 2018 workshops attracted about 50 participants and 80 per cent said they learnt something new about local government. About half said they learnt something new about why it's important to have women represented on local councils.
Manningham City Cr Michelle Kleinert, VoW president Sue West and Yarra Ranges Cr Fiona McAllister
VLGA Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Arndt said women across the state had a significant contribution to make to public life.
"Their connections to their community, their skills and unique perspectives mean they are rich with potential to be successful and savvy councillors," Ms Arndt said.
Along with VoW, the VLGA is here to connect women with the knowledge, skills and contacts to succeed as candidates for the October 2020 local government elections.
"Women make up more than 50 per cent of Victoria's population – they should make up more than just 38 per cent of local government councillors in Victoria.
"It is critical that we encourage women from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and abilities to run for local government."
Mayor Tony Stevenson said VoW was doing a great job of engaging and supporting many women to take a more informed and active role in local democracy.
"I've supported VoW from the beginning," Cr Stevenson said.
"Greater female participation will ensure our communities and local government will be more rounded, relevant and representative."
Sign up to the 2019 program
Local Democracy in Action – 2019 The Journey Begins
Date |
Venue |
Session |
Time |
Thursday 20th June |
Belgrave Community Hub |
The Business of Local Government - operational focus. Hear from Council and VLGA | 6.00-8.00pm |
Thursday 18th July |
Healesville Hospital (HECTR) |
Reflection on leadership and practice - guest speaker, hear from Voices of Women and Eastern Health |
6.00-8.00pm |
Thursday 15th August |
Japara Living and Learning Centre, Kilsyth |
Reflection on leadership and practice - The difference between being assertive and aggression. Dealing with backlash. Hear from Voices of Women and Eastern Health. |
6.00-8.00pm |
Thursday 19th Sep |
Location TBA |
Community engagement and conflict resolution. Hear from Voices of Women. |
6.00-8.00pm |
Thursday Oct 17th |
Chirnside Park Community Hub |
Self-care and work life balance, hear from Cire Services Incorporated |
6.00-8.00pm |
Thursday 21st Nov |
Chirnside Park Community Hub |
Planning for your 2020 campaign, hear from VLGA |
6.00-9.00pm |
