“Be The Balance”, the theme of this year’s Australian Local Government Women’s Association biennial national conference Launceston, Tasmania 11-13 April 2017 reflects the organisation’s aim of promoting gender balance in local government.
The theme was pursued throughout the three day event, highlighted in the life journey of keynote speaker, pioneer Chinese-Australian journalist, Helene Chung and addressed by Dr Megan Alessandrini, Gender Policy and Strategy Group director who presented on the current status of women and girls in society.
The topics presented were as diverse as the presenters: from online safety with “cyber information security engineer” Kevin Manderson, to Masterchef contestant Ben Milbourne describing his search for balance in the wake of life changing success as a celebrity chef.
Staff and citizens from Tasmania’s City of Clarence Positive Aging Committee workshopped a plan to join the World Health Organisation’s global network for age-friendly cities. Clarence was seventh of the 22 Australian cities and regions now a part of the 400 international member strong network of communities committed to positive aging.
Humour in the workplace, domestic violence and climate change engaged the mind during the day program while dancing, karaoke and a presentation on women helping women to achieve independence in Fiji inspired spirits at night.
The 2019 conference is planned for Blacktown, New South Wales.
