Council equality drive
State funding supports push for more women in politics
A GEELONG group dedicated to seeing more women elected to local councils has received a State Government grant to help their push for greater equality in the region.
Women in Local Democracy (WILD) recently received $5000 from the State Government for workshops to prepare women to run in October’s Geelong council elections, in a move that could quell fears of a repeat of the boy’s club culture that saw the previous council abolished.
The group is now ramping up its efforts, offering free information sessions, work- shops and mentoring throughout August.
WILD Geelong convener Jenny Wills said the workshops were aimed at giving women the skills and confidence to be successful candidates.
They’ll address issues such as campaigning, communica- tions, mainstream and social media use, and preferencing.
“WILD is keen to see progressive women candidates elected, who are passionate about community,” Ms Wills said.
“We seek to address the continued under-representation of women in government and are here to offer unique support and mentoring to those who are thinking about running.”
Ms Wills said the release of the City of Greater Geelong Our Future strategy, the result of extensive community consultation, had put the next wave of Geelong councillors “in a desirable situation”.
“We know women can play a pivotal role as councillors,” she said.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said having more women taking on greater roles and responsibilities at the council level would allow the organisations to better reflect the communities they represent.
“Increasing numbers of women candidates, and elected councillors in local government, has been one of my key priorities,” Ms Hutchins said.
“Supporting more women to take on greater roles at local government level helps councils more accurately reflect the communities they serve.”
In Victoria’s 2016 local government elections, 38 per cent of winning candidates were women, up from 34 per cent in the 2012 elections.
Every council in the state now has at least one woman elected, though women outnumber men in just 15 of the 79 Victorian councils.
WILD workshops are being held August 2, 9, 16, and 30 at the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre.
To register, email cduadmin@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 5272 5096.
The City of Greater Geelong is also hosting general candidate training sessions on July 29 and August 1.
Visit the council website at geelongaustralia.com.au for more details.