New Victorian Government initiative backs women to stand for council

·

A drive by the Victorian Government to inspire a new generation of women on councils is gathering pace ahead of the October local government elections.

Opening the LGPro Women’s Professional Development Series today, Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane announced that social impact marketing firm Ellis Jones had received a $50,000 grant to encourage and support more women to stand for election.

Expected to launch in mid-August, the It’s Our Time campaign aims to inspire women to get involved in local government and nominate for election. The push will include the provision of online resources including webinars.

“Gender equality makes communities, councils and Victoria stronger. That’s why we’re making support available to encourage women to run for council and support safe campaigning,” Minister Leane says.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane. Photo: The Age

It’s Our Time will draw on the experience and expertise of a range of partners including LGPro (Local Government Professionals), the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, the Victorian Local Governance Association, the YWCA and the Ethnic Communities Council.

A century on from the election of the state’s first woman councillor, Mary Rogers, Victoria now boasts the highest number of female mayors in history with 32 in place across the state. However, 13 of Victoria’s 79 councils have just one female councillor while overall, women account for just 38 per cent of elected representatives.

Victoria’s first woman councillor, Mary Rogers. Photo: ABC

“Victoria is leading the country when it comes to improving gender equality. We want people of all genders to enjoy equal rights, opportunities, responsibilities and outcomes – and programs like this help us make it happen,” Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams says.

The new grant brings the Victorian Government’s investment in promoting pathways for a more diverse range of candidates standing for local government in 2020 to $137,000.

This has included backing the Victorian Local Governance Association’s Your Community, Country and Council campaign to Aboriginal communities.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kalamata and Australia reaffirm historic bond through Steve Georganas MP’s visit

The Mayor of Kalamata, Thanasis Vasilopoulos, recently met with Australian Federal MP Steve Georganas this week.

Five detained in Athens over murder of US professor amid custody dispute

Greek authorities have detained five individuals, including the ex-wife of professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski in connection with his murder.

Greece braces for economic impact from Trump’s proposed tariffs

Greece is among the European countries most exposed to US President Donald Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs on imports.

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination for US Ambassador to Greece advances to full Senate

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination to serve as US Ambassador to Greece has won approval from Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas gives back to the homeless in Manila

The Greek tennis star enjoyed a successful trip to the Phillipines, beating the Southeast Asian country in the Davis Cup, yet was more rewarded by the amazing people and culture in Manila.

Newly established ferry linking Thessaloniki with Izmir suspends operation

The ferry link between Thessaloniki and Izmir will be temporarily suspended on Wednesday until the summer of 2023.

Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” reimagined at Greek National Opera in Athens

Four seasons, a performance for children and adolescents, based on Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, is currently playing at the Greek National Opera Alternative Stage,...