As recently as 1981, married women were not allowed to work at Broken Hill City Council. Today, Council is far beyond old fashion values and is setting a precedent by supporting a philosophy of increasing women’s participation in Local Government. The strategy involves actively supporting women’s participation locally and adopting the leadership and vision of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA).
Through this program, Broken Hill has significantly adjusted women’s position in the local community.
Two of the City’s women Councillors have now become State Presidents of ALGWA, held other executive positions and also been elected members of the ALGWA National Board.
Broken Hill’s Councillor Darriea Turley is currently President of ALGWA’s New South Wales division. She said Council has endorsed representation on the ALGWA Executive since 1986.
“This has ensured a voice for women from rural communities and a commitment to women’s participation by ensuring inclusiveness of women from community, staff and elected members,” Councillor Turley said.
“Council has met travel, accommodation and other costs for these Councillors and all of its ALGWA conference delegates.”
In 2005, ALGWA New South Wales received a $40,000 grant to develop statewide workshops on balancing home, Council and work.
“These workshops were recently completed and proved to be a great success,” Councillor Turley said. “ALGWA is now working on a licensing fee to make the workshops available on a national level.”
Broken Hill hosted the ALGWA State Conference in 1994, piloted the Ten Point Plan by the New South Wales Office for Women and representatives have attended many State Executive meetings over the years.
“The example set by women Councillors has been well received in the community and encouraged a variety of women to step forward and become involved in local committees and delegations,” Councillor Turley said. “The numbers of women involved in local decision making has increased significantly and women have become more involved and developed diverse networks.”
For further information on ALGWA and its activities visit www.algwa.net.au
