The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), in partnership with the Victorian Government, is proud to be launching the Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government for the second year.
Named after Mary Rogers – the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council (City of Richmond 1920-1925) – the annual Awards celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of women councillors as civic leaders in local government.
They also serve as a platform to promote and advocate for the advancement of gender equality in the sector and focus on supporting women’s participation in local government and decision-making.
Nominations are now open in the following Award Categories until Friday, 3 July at 5pm: Mary Rogers Award – Awarded to a current woman councillor, recognising their outstanding contribution as a civic leader in Victoria.
Emerging Woman Leader Award – Awarded to a first term woman councillor who is demonstrating outstanding leadership.
Gender Equality Council Champion Award (Metro/Interface)– Awarded to a Victorian Council in metropolitan or interface Melbourne in recognition of their work leading meaningful change in the gender equality space by supporting women’s participation in local government and decision-making.
Gender Equality Council Champion Award (Rural/Regional)– Awarded to a Council in rural or regional Victoria in recognition of their work leading meaningful change in the gender equality space by supporting women’s participation in local government and decision-making.
VLGA President Dr Josh Fergeus said these Awards help shine a light on the critical contributions women make to the local government sector and the importance of gender parity.
“At the conclusion of the local government elections in 2028 we hope that 50 per cent of Victoria’s councillors and mayors will be women.”
“The VLGA believes that councils should look like the communities they represent.”
“By recognising the outstanding contributions of women councillors across the sector we aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive culture across local government.
“We know that diversity in the council chamber informs and strengthens decision making and good governance.”
Dr Fergeus said the VLGA had a proud history of being a leader in the gender equality space, promoting the benefits of balanced gender representation and delivering high quality programs and resources which improve gender equality outcomes for the sector.
“We have pioneered gender equality initiatives in local government, including sector-wide research, and have been championing sector-wide investment and partnerships to help bridge the gender gap for over two decades, including our acclaimed Local Women Leading Change Program.
“The Mary Rogers Awards is another way we are working to bridge the gender gap and celebrate the contributions women continue to make to the local government sector.”
“In its inaugural year the Awards received more than 60 nominations. We are hoping the number of nominations will grow even further in 2026.”
The Awards will be presented at a special ceremony at Queens Hall, Parliament House in Melbourne on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
For more information about the Mary Rogers Awards and to nominate visit the VLGA website.
