Healthy and safe communities; economic growth and life education and training in regional Australia are key focuses for the two-year term of the new Regional Women’s Advisory Council. The council provides advice on issues affecting regional Australia to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson.
It was first established in 1999 to provide the government with a direct link with women in rural and regional Australia, and to seek their views on major issues. The new, expanded council – announced in September 2002 – is chaired by Anne Dunn (South Australia), who is a consultant in community development in regional Australia.
“Women’s voices are not often heard because they are significantly under represented in governments at all levels and on peak bodies,” said Ms Dunn.“The council adds an important and different perspective to the issues being considered. Not only will council address ‘women’s issues’ it will address all the issues that affect regional Australia.”
The members of this second Regional Women’s Advisory Council include women with academic, legal, business, natural resource management and indigenous backgrounds and skills. They include:
- Professor Mary Ann Bin- Sallik (Deputy Chair), who is Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Research and Education at the Northern Territory University
- Sylvia Admans, CEO of the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (Victoria)
- Roberta Brazil, a solicitor and Queensland’s representative on the Australian Landcare Council and National Farmers Federation
- Sue Clarke, a Christian counsellor also from Queensland
- Mayor Janie Dickenson (Tasmania) who has been the Mayor of Launceston since February 2002
- Jodie Goldsworthy (New South Wales), a small business owner and director
- Marie Lally (South Australia), the National President of the Country Women’s Association
- Megan McNicholl (Queensland), the Federal President of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association
- Professor Ingrid Moses (New South Wales), the Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England
- Dr Janette O’Keefe (Western Australia), a veterinarian in rural areas since 1991; and
- Belinda Wozencroft (Western Australia) medical student at the University of WA and co- chair of the National Rural Health Network.
The council’s work programme also includes expanding women’s representation in decision-making, promoting diversity and tolerance, and natural resource protection.
“We are aware that many groups are already working on these issues. We will not be duplicating what is already being done, but rather we will bring a women’s perspective and some expertise where that is feasible and practical,” Ms Dunn said.
For further information on the Regional Women’s Advisory Council, visit www.dotars.gov.au/rwac
