The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is encouraging women who are seeking a leadership role and to help shape the future of their communities to stand as candidates in local government elections this October.
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) President, Councillor Sebastian Klein, said the VLGA had a long and proud history of supporting women in local government and greater diversity on councils.
The VLGA runs its successful GoWomenLG initiative to provide resources, support and networking opportunities for local women considering a role in local government.
Cr Klein said that GoWomenLG was a fantastic initiative and provided women with resources such as its candidate manual, A Gender Agenda. The publication provides a step-by-step guide for women covering important topics such as eligibility, preferencing and campaign budgets.
“We know that it’s important for candidates to organise early, to build a support or campaign network and to meet with other candidates to share their experiences and ideas,” said Cr Klein.
“GoWomenLG provides local women with these resources and opportunities.”
A Gender Agenda also includes case studies on an average day for councillors and shares the experiences of successful women candidates. The VLGA President said that he hoped to see more women nominate in this year’s election than ever before.
“Through an increased number of candidates and timely and accurate advice, we can see more women elected to council.
“Local government is so much more than the sometime perceived roads, rates, and rubbish.
“Councillors have the opportunity to shape the debate, to work with their constituents on local issues and improve their neighbourhoods.”
GoWomenLG has built a growing network of potential candidates, councillors and community advocates ahead of the October elections.
The VLGA will host over 20 events across metro, regional and rural Victoria which include information, networking opportunities and panels.
An important factor is the ongoing support from former and current women councillors who participate in special Q&A sessions for anyone who has questions about what it’s like to be a councillor, its benefits and some of the challenges.
The VLGA also partners with Oxfam and the Victorian Immigration and Refugee Womens Coalition to support separate intensives and events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural women.
Women interested in running in local government elections can find more information through the GoWomenLG website at gowomenlg.org.au or via the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999.
