Campaign for More Women in Local Government Elections

The 79 local government elections to be held on 27 October 2012 are the focus for a campaign to attract more women to become candidates for local government. Cr Samantha Dunn, elected in 2005 and President of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) which is leading the State-funded Think women for local government 2012 project, encouraged more women to take part. 

"Some women I've spoken to think they don't have the skills to do it, but many come from a kinder or a school committee and those are the things that give you the skills you need. I say if you can handle a household you can handle this. Women are 51 percent of the community and bring different experiences and a promise of better diversity to city and shire halls. It’s about bringing balance to the decision-making table.” 

Only 29 percent of Victorian councillors are women. In Gannawarra Shire Council currently there are no women elected councillors. “Many women who are already involved in local issues and organisations have the necessary personal skills and local knowledge to undertake the role of councillor,” said Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Cr Max Fehring.

Council Chief Executive Officer Rosanne Kava endorsed these comments and urged local women to attend the regional forums to be held in Gannawarra for potential women candidates and their supporters.  The forums will be held Thursday March 22 as follows:

Day session: 2.30 - 4.30pm, Council Chambers, Kerang

Evening session: 7 - 9pm, Gateway to Gannawarra Education, Cultural and Heritage Centre, Cohuna.

A light supper will be provided.  To register for the forum and catering please contact Claire Gibson T. 03 5450 9333 or email council@gannawarra.vic.gov.au.

The forum panel will be made up of Cr Yvonne Jennings (Swan Hill), Cr Ellen White (Buloke) and Cr Christine Brooke (Loddon) who will participate in a facilitated conversation about aspects of being a councillor, including how to became involved, campaigning, what you need to know, and what it’s like (highs and lows).   The Think women for local government 2012 project aims to increase the number of Victorian women standing in the October 2012 elections and is supporting ten regional forums around the State in the lead-up to the elections.

Date: 15 March 2012

Media contacts: Cr Samantha Dunn, President VLGA M: 0407 364 509

Mayor Cr Max Fehring, Gannawarra Shire Council  M. 0417 307 157

Chief Executive Officer Rosanne Kava, Gannawarra Shire Council T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0427 509349

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