In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, this month we profile two women Mayors from Victoria.
Mayor Kim McAliney, Wyndham City Council
How long have you been on council and why did you become involved?
I have been a Councillor since 2005 and this is my second term as Mayor. I had been volunteering with St John Ambulance since I was 13, so I was looking for a new challenge.
Tell us about your area – what makes it special or different?
Our logo features the words City, Coast and Country – we have the luxury of all three. It always amazes me that I can be in the heart of the city one minute, and a few kilometres out I have the views of the beautiful and amazing K Road Cliffs, Point Cook Homestead, Werribee Mansion and the State Rose Garden. We have such hidden beauty to relax in and escape to.
Do you have another job and how does it contribute to your role as a councillor?
Until recently, I worked as a General Manager in retirement living and aged care over Victoria and New South Wales. I have taken 2011-12 off to concentrate on Mayoral duties. Our ageing population is something that all councils need to address, as statistics show that in the next 20 to 30 years, 25 per cent of the population will be over 65 years. During my term on council, we have seen the Ageing Well Strategy being developed. It’s about ensuring that all ages have adequate facilities and despite being a young community, I believe we cater for our elderly very well with support services, events and functions.
What innovative projects/policies is your council working on?
Our 2011-12 budget features a $106 million capital works budget, one of the biggest in any local government area with over $2 billion worth of assets. The 80 Derrimut Road Project (in the vicinity of $60 million) will expand the existing aquatic, leisure and events facility and construct a new library. The plan includes a pilot project with The Green Building Council of Australia to ensure the community learning centre component achieves a six star energy rating. The Werribee Employment precinct aims to create 60,000 jobs and 30,000 new residents and we are working with the State Government on the Regional Rail Network.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
To have a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and new ambulance station in Wyndham. To have more specialist services, including an Intensive Care Unit and more beds opened in the Emergency Department at Werribee Mercy Hospital. To expand the Wyndham North Police Station to operate 24 hours a day and increase police numbers. And through my role on Westgate Road Community Safety Council, to push the road safety message to our young people, given the shocking local road toll last year of 11.
Tell us about a success you have had on council.
Many Councillors would be lucky to see one centre being built in their lifetime – Wyndham City has three to five community hubs being built at any one time! We promised our Community at start of this term we would deliver much-needed sporting and oval facilities to our young population, which continues to be delivered. In 2007-08 Wyndham City delivered a $26 million dollar Civic centre on time and under budget.
Mayor Debi Gad, Towong Shire Council
How long have you been on council and why did you become involved?
I am in my first term and fourth year as a Councillor. I decided to have a break from my career on the farm. A cousin who had worked in local government suggested I consider standing for council. I made an appointment with the CEO and did some research and decided to stand for election
Tell us about your area – what makes it special or different?
We are located in North East Victoria and our municipality encompass over 6500 sq km of some of Australia’s most pristine environments. Our area stretches from the peaks of the Alpine National Park to the Murray River. The economy revolves around the agricultural sector, tourism and timber production. Towong Shire has a population of 6,019 (2006 Actual ABS), 892.83mm in annual rainfall and 700km of water resources in rivers, Lake Dartmouth and Lake Hume. My favourite feature of our Shire would have to be our beautiful scenic landscape.
Do you have another job and how does it contribute to your role as a councillor?
I am a business partner in a 477-hectare beef and sheep grazing enterprise, which my husband and I own and operate. This partnership has been in operation for 34 years. Many of the businesses in our shire are engaged in food production or allied industries. As an experienced business partner in a farm, I understand the complexities and issues facing the agricultural sector today.
What innovative projects/policies is your council working on?
The development of the Towong Alliance brings together the Tallangatta, Corryong and Walwa health services and Council to work together to improve health outcomes for the residents of Towong Shire. Developed in-house by Council staff is a program called Insight 360, innovative software that tracks the movements of plant and fleet items, developed at a fraction of the cost of comparable commercially available software. Insight 360 assists council to make a range of decisions, including whether plant items are utilised efficiently.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Looking forward during this year as Mayor, I hope my leadership provides a positive, enthusiastic and confident focus for council leading up to the election.
Tell us about a success you have had in Local Government.
Our efforts to engage and communicate with residents and ratepayers has improved and resulted in an increase in our community satisfaction survey results. I feel proud to be involved with a small council that is leading the way for local government in many areas
What are the key attributes of being a good councillor?
Be a good communicator – skilled in listening, speaking and able to debate issues. Be a strategic thinker and a team player who is able to work with many different types of people. Be assertive and confident, well-presented and always have empathy.
What is the best advice you have received?
Look after yourself and your wellbeing.
What lasting impression do you wish to leave on your community?
That Council finishes what it starts. That when we develop our four-year Council Plan we deliver what we say we will. Our aspirations in developing the plan must be realistic.
