Leighton named in top 50 public women
Baw Baw Shire’s new chief executive officer Alison Leighton has been named as one of this year’s top 50 Public Sector Women in Victoria.
The inaugural awards, hosted by Davidson Executive, named a prestigious list of women that are exceptional leaders and highlights key professional achievements of women in the Victorian public sector.
The list also recognises female leaders building high performing teams and transforming local communities and regions for the better.
Ms Leighton, who joined Baw Baw Shire from her previous role as chief operating officer at Mornington Peninsula Shire, was named as among other exceptional female leaders.
Mayor Joe Gauci said council was pleased to have a leader of such high calibre at Baw Baw.
“Among her many professional achievements, Ms Leighton has a really authentic, contemporary leadership style and an incredible ability to facilitate a supportive and thriving work culture.
“These strengths and attributes are something that we have already seen shining through in her short time with us.
“Needless to say, we are very excited to have Ms Leighton on board and look forward to seeing more of her leadership making a positive impact on the organisation and community,” Cr Gauci said.
Ms Leighton was honoured and humbled to have secured a place in the prestigious list.
“I feel very fortunate to have been recognised amongst such an esteemed list of successful women.
“I have been fortunate enough to have received strong support and encouragement from my colleagues to pursue leadership opportunities throughout my time working in the public sector.
“I will try to reciprocate that support for the Baw Baw team and I highly encourage other females working in the public sector to also pursue leadership positions in their own organisations,” Ms Leighton said.
Volunteers from the Hallora Hall Committee were given a welcome reception by staff and patients in the oncology unit at West Gippsland Hospital.
The group presented a cheque for $3100 to assist equipment purchases for Oncology which provides vital treatment, support and care for people living with cancer.
Hallora Hall Committee vice president Linet McNamara said it was wonderful to visit the facility and see how important it was in providing specialised treatment for people in the local area so they don’t have to travel long distances for care.
“Our committee has been fundraising for months with support from a small group of volunteers who made and sold hundreds of relishes, chutneys and jams and also held an afternoon high tea fundraiser.
“We chose the oncology unit for our fundraising drive as some of our members have experienced first-hand the support and care provided by staff to their loved ones,” she said.
Fundraiser Dorothy Heywood said to have an oncology unit in West Gippsland made such a difference to the person needing treatment and to those around them.
Dorothy personally contributed hundreds of jars of preserves for the fundraising effort from fruit and vegetables grown from her own garden.
WGHG oncology acting manager Geraldine Freriks said the work the group had put in for the oncology unit was inspiring.
“The staff and patients were thrilled to meet some of the volunteers and welcome them to see the facility. This donation is gratefully accepted and will help us to purchase additional equipment to benefit our patients.”
The oncology service provided by the West Gippsland Healthcare Group provides treatment tailored to people’s individual needs in a cheerful and relaxed environment.
The service operates each Wednesday from the West Gippsland Hospital.