In 2009, the Year of Women in Local Government National Steering Committee (NSC) undertook a nation wide search for council officers and elected representatives to take on the role of champions and role models for the advancement of women in Local Government.
Of the nominations received, the NSC appointed 21 Year of Women in Local Government Ambassadors, comprising 19 women and two men who worked in or were involved in Local Government from all States and the Northern Territory.
The role of the Ambassadors was critical to the success of the year. By showcasing and recognising Ambassadors at the State and local levels, there was great opportunity to galvanise support for the year at the coalface and help to ensure long term goals around gender equity were met.
Over the last 12 months, Ambassadors have attended countless State, local and national events as guest speakers and participants, including the Local Government Managers Australia National Congress and Business Expo in Adelaide, the Australian Local Government Association National Assembly in Canberra and the recent Australian Local Government Women’s Association Conference in Ryde.
While some support was provided by the NSC and individual councils to assist Ambassadors spread the word, many went beyond the call of duty to travel to various destinations to ensure the ongoing success of the year.
The NSC wishes to thank and acknowledge the following Ambassadors for their commitment and support:
New South Wale
- Councillor Karen McKeown, City of Penrith
- Dr Maree Smith, Port Mcquarie-Hastings Council Laboratory Manager
- Neryl East, Shellharbour City Council Media and Communications Manager
- Councillor Bruce Miller, President Shires Association of New South Wales/Cowra Shire Council
Northern Territory
- Sandra Cannon, CEO Victoria Daly Shire Council
- Pam Robinson, Darwin City Council Manager for Climate Change and Environment
Queensland
- Councillor Joyce Crombie, Diamantina Shire Council
- Michelle McFadyen, CEO Longreach Regional Council
- Sharon Solyma, Gold Coast City Council Community Grants and Research Officer
South Australia
- Councillor Angela Keneally, City of Charles Sturt
- Jane Featherstonhaugh, District Council of Grant Deputy CEO/Director Finance and Community Services
- Rebecca Thomas, City of Holdfast Bay General Manager City Services
- Tanya Hook, City of Tea Tree Gully Project Officer
Tasmania
- Aby McGuire, Kingborough Council Senior Environmental Health Officer
Victoria
- Fiona Hodges, Cardinia Shire General Manager Community Wellbeing
- Noelene Duff, CEO Whitehorse City Council
- Councillor Yvonne Jennings, Swan Hill Rural City Council
Western Australia
- Jonathan Throssell, CEO Shire of Mundaring
- Vicky Small, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Manager Customer and Information Services
- Councillor Elizabeth Re, City of Stirling
- Kat Pinder, City of Belmont Coordinator Community Development.
