In December 2009, New South Wales’ Wagga Wagga City Council pledged their support for the Year of Women in Local Government (YoWiLG) by forming a committee of five women officers and coordinators to work together to develop a schedule of events to run through 2010. Throughout the year, and under the leadership of the committee, staff at Wagga Wagga have been raising awareness of the significant role women play in the effectiveness and long term health of Local Government, based around the four themes – ‘Creative, Strong, Inclusive and Diverse’.
Creative
On 8 March 2010, an official launch of YoWiLG was held at Wagga Wagga City Council. Guest speaker for the launch was Andrea Bishop, Associate Dean Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Staff and Councillors attended this function and were enthralled by Andrea’s achievements in her career and life.
Strong
An eight week course held during lunchtimes commenced in June for female staff at Wagga Wagga’s Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Based on the theme of ‘strong’, the course included circuits, running, boxing, aqua aerobics and zumba all conducted by qualified fitness trainers. Participants completed a fitness and health assessment prior to the course.
Inclusive
During September there was an opportunity for female and male staff to spend an hour or two with a staff member they were inspired by, could give them a better understanding of an internal career progression they were considering, or who could provide them with a better understanding of the role they play in the organisation. Also in line with the ‘inclusive’ theme, a lunchtime BBQ was held for all staff during October.
Diverse
Wagga Wagga’s final ‘wrap up’ function was held for staff in November. Recently retired Member of Parliament Kay Hull spoke about her life and experience in her role with Local Government as a Councillor and later in life as the Federal Member for the Riverina.
Council’s 2010 Year of Women in Local Government Committee comprised Riverina Regional Library Administration Officer Wendy Callis, Governance Officer Belinda King, Learning and Development Coordinator Tanya Jackson, Human Resources Officer Lisa Frow, and Environmental and Community Services Executive Assistant Karen Wendt.
