SEMINARS AIM TO GET MORE WOMEN INTO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Queensland women wanting to find out more about what it’s like to work as a local government councillor are invited to attend one of the Queensland Government’s free Women into Local Government seminars.

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Women, Rod Welford, said seminars would be held in regional Queensland during November and December as part of a campaign to increase the representation of women in Queensland’s local governments.

“Women have a strong understanding of what is going on in their community,” Mr Welford said.

“They bring diverse perspectives and important skills and expertise to local government.

“The experience women gain in local government can also stand them in good stead for ongoing career development and further leadership roles.

“If we can get more women to nominate as councillor or mayoral candidates in local council elections, the percentage of women in these positions is likely to increase.”

Women make up only 30% of all elected councillors and 15% of Mayors throughout Queensland.

The Queensland Government’s Office for Women is running the seminars in partnership with the Queensland chapter of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation.

“Experienced councillors and chief executive officers from local governments around the state will share their personal perspectives and experiences and answer questions about election processes and their working lives,” Mr Welford said.

The seminars will be held in Charleville (8 November), Mackay (15 November), Caboolture (21 November), Longreach (22 November), Eidsvold (29 November) and Bowen (6 December).

The seminars will provide information about local government and entitlements, pre-election and ongoing support, mentoring, equal opportunity considerations, and women’s networking.

For more details and a registration form, visit www.women.qld.gov.au/seminars or phone 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985