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A Strong Vision for Women in Local Government
Posted Friday October 9, 2009
National President of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) Ms Darriea Turley has applauded the Rudd government for their commitment to women in local government. The Rudd Labor Government has announced today, that it will provide $490,000 for a range of projects to help improve the participation of women in the nation's Local Government councils and shires. The announcement was made at today's meeting of the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council in Darwin.
The Government is funding these projects as part of their commitment to the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government.
Data shows that less than 30 per cent of Councillors are women; 20 per cent of senior management roles are filled by women; and only 7 per cent of council Chief Executive Officers are women.
This disparity is unacceptable and the Government is working with the sector to lift the participation of women.
As part of their commitment, the government is funding $250,000 for a three-year 50:50 Vision: Councils for Gender Equity program to be conducted by the Australian Local Government Women's Association.
Ms Turley said "this program will audit councils and shires to determine the status and role of women in leadership roles as well as their participation in the workplace. The program will also accredit councils and shires as well as establish an awards program to recognise excellence".
Through this funding, the Government is taking concrete steps to identify and address the barriers that are preventing more women from becoming involved in the local government sector.
"The ALGWA has branches in every State and the Northern Territory and will be active participants in the project, I look forward to working closely with the Rudd Government in implementing this national program." Ms Turley said.
Contact: National President Ms Darriea Turley. 0429 848 486 Vice President Ms Janet Davidson 0417974936 ALGWA Web site www.algwa.net.au
Ambassadors named for Year of Women in Local Government 2010
Posted Tuesday October 6, 2009
The National Steering Committee for the Year of Women in Local Government has announced 21 ambassadors for its 2010 celebrations. Over the next 18 months these ambassadors will undertake the role of champions and role models for the advancement of women in Local Government and will each make a valuable contribution to the success of the Year of Women in Local Government 2010.
The ambassadors are:
In Western Australia
Vicky Small - Manager Customer Service and Information Services - Shire of Augusta - Margaret River
Kat Pinder- Community Development Officer - access and inclusion - City of Swan
Councillor Elizabeth Rae - City of Stirling Jonathan Throssell - CEO - Shire of Mundaring
In Queensland
Sharon Solyma - Community Grants & Research officer - Gold Coast City Council
Councillor Joyce Crombie - Diamantina Shire Council
Michelle McFadyen - CEO - Longreach City Council
In New South Wales
Neryl East - Manager Media and Communications - Shellharbour City Council
Councillor Bruce Miller - President NSW Shire's Association
Dr Maree Smith - Laboratory Manager - Port Macquarie/Hastings Council
Councillor Karen McKeown - Penrith City Council
In the Northern Territory
Sandra Cannon - CEO - Victoria Daly Shire
Ms Pam Robinson OAM - Manager Climate Change and Environment - Darwin City Council
In Tasmania
Abyilene McGuire - Senior Environmental Health Officer - Kingborough Council
In Victoria
Councillor Yvonne Jennings - Swan Hill Rural City Council
Fiona Hodges - GM Community Wellbeing - Cardinia Shire
Noelene Duff - CEO - City of Whitehorse
In South Australia
Jane Fetherstonhaugh - Director of Finance and Community Services/ Dep. CEO - District Council of Grant
Tanya Hook - Project officer - City of Tea tree Gully
Councillor Angela Keneally - City of Charles
Sturt Rebecca Thomas - General Manager City Services - City of Holdfast Bay.
Steering Committee Chairman, Mr. Ray Pincombe, said "The task before the selection panel was a very difficult one, with over 60 outstanding nominations received. These ambassadors provide a great representation of the varied roles and responsibilities that exist within local government. Each ambassador is committed to promoting the advancement of women within the sector, both in management and at the council level and they have great stories to tell about their own personal journeys in local government".
The topic of women in local government and in particular women in management and leadership positions in local government has been around for a long time. All levels of government are acutely aware of the barriers facing women, yet nationally only a handful of councils are addressing the issue. Currently women in senior management roles represent only 20% of the local government workforce; a representation that has not changed since 1996. Only 5% of chief executives or general managers are women, and women represent less than 30% of all elected members.
Blacktown City to host 2011 ALGWA annual conference
Posted Wednesday July 8, 2009
The executive of the NSW branch of the Australian Local Government Women's Association held its quarterly meeting at Blacktown City Council last Saturday, July 4, 2009 with the ALGWA executive confirming Blacktown City will host the 2011 Australian Local Government Women’s Association annual conference.
ALGWA NSW is the State's representative body for women who are involved or interested in local government. The ALGWA executive comprises of 14 women involved in local government from across NSW, including Blacktown City’s very own Blacktown City Councillor, Julie Griffiths, as the executive's City Vice President.
The group aims to further assist in women's knowledge and understanding of local government and protect and enhance the interests and rights of women in local government. The group also plays an active role in relation to any subject of particular interest to women affecting local government bodies/legislation and encourage other women to see professional careers in local government.
“It was a pleasure to host the ALGWA annual quarterly meeting and I am delighted that Blacktown City has been chosen to host the 2011 ALWGA annual conference. Not only will the conference offer further exposure for our City, but also reaffirms Blacktown City Council’s commitment to women and equality,” Councillor Charlie Lowles, Mayor of Blacktown City said.
“Hosting the 2011 conference will provide a number of opportunities to showcase the many diverse attractions and highlights of our City. The conference will also provide a welcomed boost towards our local economy as many women from across the country make their way to Blacktown City for the 3 day duration of the conference,” Mayor Lowles said.
For any more information on the Australian Local Government Women's Association of NSW contact Council on 9839 6000 or visit www.algwa.org.au
Media Contact: Rebecca Tromp - (02) 9839 6409 or Bianca Clark (02) 9839 6439, Public Relations, Blacktown City Council
Honour to ALGWA Past President
Posted Monday June 8, 2009
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association former National President, Mrs Kaele Way JP
is the recipient of an award in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Mrs Way who is Chair of the ALGWA National Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Framework
for Women in Local Government, “The Way Forward” has been appointed a Member in the General Division of the
Order of Australia (AM).
Mrs Way was awarded the AM for service to the community through the Australian Local Government Women’s
Association.
ALGWA National President, Ms Darriea Turley said, “the Association and its members are delighted that
Mrs Way’s contribution to Local Government and the Australian Local Government Women’s Association has been
recognised. Mrs Way has provided leadership and guidance to women throughout Australia encouraging and supporting
women’s participation and involvement in Local Government. Women are still greatly under represented in Local
Government and Mrs Way has worked tirelessly at federal, state and local levels to ensure that issues that affect
women’s low participation in Australian Local Government are addressed and the recommendations of ALGWA’s
research in The Way Forward has been implemented by all local authorities - including mentoring programmes. Not
only have women in the community been encouraged to stand for election but also female officers in decision making
positions have been encouraged to strive for higher level management positions. It is imperative that local
government reflects the demographics of its local community.” Mrs Way was elected to the City of Whitehorse
Council (Vic) in 1997 and served on a range of Council organisations and as State President of ALGWA Victorian Branch
from 2002-2005. Elected to the ALGWA National Board Mrs Way served as Vice President from 2002-2004 and as
National President from 2004 until April 2009. Mrs Way was appointed an Honorary Justice of the Peace in 2004.
Paid Parental Leave On The Agenda At Shires Conference
Posted Tuesday June 2, 2009
The NSW Branch of the Australian Local Government Womens Association (ALGWA) led a rally outside
the Shires Conference at the Wentworth Hotel this morning to highlight the need for improved paid
parental leave provisions for Local Government employees.
President of ALGWA (NSW), Councillor Karen McKeown said, "Paid Parental leave for Local Government
employees makes good business sense for Councils. It costs between $28,000-$75,000 to replace a
single member of staff who leaves Council, 18 weeks paid maternity leave and 2 weeks paid paternity leave is a fraction of that cost. In these
uncertain economic times Councils need to think creatively about strategies to attract and retain Local
Government staff", said Cr McKeown.
Councillor Nicole Campbell from Ryde Council agreed, "The Shires Conference has the opportunity to
make history today. 18 weeks paid maternity leave and 2 weeks paid paternity leave was unanimously
supported at the Local Government Association Conference in Broken Hill last year. We are calling on
Shire Councils to also take a leadership role in endorsing this proposal today".
Councillor Julie Griffiths from Blacktown Council said, "This is about recognizing the value of local
government employees. This decision, if taken by the Shires today will position the NSW Local
Government sector as an employer of choice - and will lead all tiers of Government on this important
issue."
ALGWA Executive member, Bev Spearpoint, Penrith City Council said, "This proposal will ensure the
long-term viability of many rural and regional Shire Councils - it is about investing in the future -
supporting your staff and through that, supporting your local communities".
Councillor Vicki Scott said, "Our Council has already moved to 18 weeks paid maternity leave and 2
weeks paid paternity leave. We did it because the business case stacked up - it is a simple matter of
economics - with great community benefits".
Media inquiries: Cr Karen McKeown - 0401 995 945, Cr Nicole Campbell - 0402 132 669
Cr Julie Griffiths - 0419 128 497
Women in Leadership - the Roadmap
Posted Tuesday March 24, 2009
2009 will be remembered for the best Local Government Women's conference yet! The conference themed "Women in Leadership - the Roadmap" was held in Queanbeyan and they turned on their best last weekend.
Local Government women came together many of them for their first conference and came away "inspired and empowered" by the speakers and program.
The conference provided a supportive environment for Local Government women both experienced and new to learn, share ideas and network.
The feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive about the experience at conference and participants are commending ALGWA to all Women in their communities.
Media Release from Clr Vicki Scott
Posted Wednesday March 4, 2009
Changes in Parental Leave for Council Employees
"It is entirely appropriate that, in this week when we are celebrating
International Women's Day, Council has approved changes in the
Parental Leave Scheme for its employees," said Clr Vicki Scott.
Council last night unanimously agreed to adopt a new scheme moved by
Clr Scott and seconded by Clr Jim Macfadyen which will see employees
receiving 18 weeks maternity leave and two weeks paternity leave. There
is an option for this leave to be extended and taken on half pay.
Currently the provision is nine weeks maternity leave.
"In Australia in the 21st Century it is important that we look after the
interests of the family in the workplace, and that we protect the corporate
knowledge and skills already obtained by women at work," said Clr
Scott.
"By extending parental leave we can harness those skills for the
organisation and give surety of employment for families, and the cost to
Council will be minimal."
"I congratulate my fellow councillors for their foresight in adopting this
recommendation. Gosford Council is one of the emerging councils in the
state showing the importance of local government leading by example on
this issue."
Vicki Scott
4 March 2009
0418699350
Queensland Women Lead The Way
Posted Friday March 28, 2008
A record 34% of Queensland Councillors are now women.
Following the yet-to-be finalised elections held earlier this month, 315 men and 165 women have been elected as councillors.
"This increase from 30% to 34% indicates a welcome improvement in women's representation in local government in our neighbouring state", said Lismore Councillor Jenny Dowell.
"It also sets a new standard for NSW where voters go to the poll on September 13", said Cr Dowell.
"Women make up 26% of Councillors throughout NSW so we have a considerable gap to close", she said.
The news from Queensland is not all good however. It is likely that there will be only 10 female mayors. This is a drop to 15% of all Mayoral positions from the 2004 record of 17%.
The results from Queensland comes only days before the NSW branch of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) holds its annual conference in Rockdale.
The conference, from April 3-6, brings together women in Local Government, both elected and staff, to look at the issues that affect them especially in an election year. The conference provides a platform for debate, information, discussion and inspiration.
Speakers include State and Federal Government Members, Department of Local Government staff, academics, motivational speakers, media representatives and Monica Attard as the keynote speaker.
"This is a real opportunity for current women Councillors to come together and share our plans to encourage more women to put up their hands in September' said Cr Dowell who is also a member of ALGWA (NSW) Executive.
"It is only by having more women nominating in winnable positions that we have a chance of getting more women elected", she said.
"This is also our chance to show that the Queensland result can be matched or even bettered here" Cr Dowell said.
Contacts: Jenny Dowell 0402 651 394
ALGWA offers an annual scholarship of $500.00 to a female student whose tertiary studies relate to an area of local government. It is currently awarded to an eligible student of Armidale University. The aim is to encourage women to become involved in local government and to perpetuate the memory of Marjorie Propsting, a woman who was definitely a leader and role model for women making a career in local government, or becoming an elected member of council.