Whitehorse City Council has conducted a range of activities and events to celebrate the Year of Women in Local Government. This program aims to celebrate the contribution of women at Whitehorse and recognise the substantial achievements of women in Council and in the community.
The events have included a women’s business lunch for the community, a professional development program for executive support staff, community forums for women, a cocktail party celebrating the contribution of part time staff in the organisation, a seminar with Kerri Pottharst (former Olympian and gold medallist at the Sydney Olympics) for full time women on balancing work and life, a planned forum for secondary careers teachers on non-traditional careers for women in Local Government and a Charity Golf Day for women in Local Government supporting White Ribbon Day in November for the elimination of violence against women.
Council hopes these events inspire women to stand for election, become involved in the community or aspire to senior officer roles in Local Government.
The events have been extremely popular and valued by women in the community and Council. It is hoped to round off the year with a forum celebrating the success of the year and foreshadowing new initiatives to maintain the focus on improving the representation of women in the sector into the future.
Whitehorse CEO Noelene Duff is one of three Victorian Ambassadors for the Year of Women in Local Government.
