Support for women working in Local Government was the key reason for Holroyd Council’s Human Resources Manager Helen Connell winning the 2011 Women in Local Government Award for a non senior staff member in a metropolitan council in New South Wales.
Helen Connell was recognised for her exceptional work by the New South Wales State Member Barbara Perry who presented her with the award.
"Helen is always ready and available to assist people, and her achievements in Women’s Development are renowned in Local Government," Barbary Perry said.
Holroyd Mayor Peter Monaghan said Helen Connell is the driving force in developing and promoting Council’s Women in Local Government activities and is a strong advocate of Women in Local Government.
"She epitomises the importance women play in our workforce," the Mayor said. "Helen Connell introduced the award winning Holsafe Safety Program to Holroyd Council and under her leadership Council’s Women’s Development Team has also won two awards.
"Her inspiration in women’s development is evident in initiatives including networking luncheons, training and development programs, support for female staff, flexible work practices and parental morning teas. She was also the coordinator of the Women’s Development Program, an innovative leadership and development program which puts female staff at the fore front of training and development."
In 2008 the Local Government Minister and the Minister for Women established this awards program as part of International Women’s Day celebrations to recognise outstanding contributions and achievements made by women in Local Government in NSW.
The awards aim to recognise and increase public awareness of the contribution of women and encourage more women to take on leadership roles in Local Government in NSW.
