With 2010 being the year of Women in Local Government, Western Australia’s Town of Kwinana has many reasons to celebrate. Located south of Perth’s CBD, it has five female councillors and a female mayor, meaning the Town has one of the highest rates of female elected members in Western Australia.
As well as having a strong council presence, Kwinana’s women can also be seen in roles at the Town’s administration centre that historically tend to be more male dominated.
Rates Officer Julie McKee said the ratio of male and female workers at the Town of Kwinana was very balanced.
“The roles are so diverse as well,” she said. “There are women in the rangers department, as well as in building and engineering, all of which are areas that males have previously dominated.”
Mayor Carol Adams said she was pleased to see Kwinana leading the way in female staff and elected member numbers, especially in this important year that recognises the contribution of women to Local Government.
“In an industry that for many years has been under represented by women, it is great that Kwinana has five female councillors and a balanced ratio of male to female employees,” she said. “However it is important to know that the Town of Kwinana does constantly offer a raft of employment to anyone, regardless of their gender.
“We have females in management positions, as well as rangers and female builders in our organisation, which demonstrates that it really is a diverse place to work.”
