SEMINAR TO INCREASE WOMEN ON COUNCILS

Women from Charleville and surrounding areas who are interested in finding out what it is like to work as a local government councillor are invited to attend the Beattie Government’s ‘Women into Local Government’ seminar in Charleville.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech said the Charleville seminar, to be held on Wednesday (November 8) was one of six free seminars to run during November and December.

“Women constitute only 30 per cent of all elected councillors and 15 per cent of mayors in Queensland and the ultimate aim of the seminar series is to increase the representation of women councillors in local government,” said Mrs Keech.

“These seminars will allow women to hear first-hand from experienced councillors and chief executive officers about local government election processes and their personal perspectives on their working lives.”

Guest speakers are Inglewood Shire Mayor Councillor Joan White, Crows Nest Shire Councillor Julie Michael and Jondaryn Shire Council CEO Noel Cass.

Cr Michael has been involved with local government for over a decade, Cr White is a local farmer and councillor since 2000 and Mr Cass has been the CEO of Jondaryan Shire Council since April 1988.

“They have a wealth of experience and I encourage as many Charleville region women as possible to take advantage of this ‘one-off’ event,” Mrs Keech said.

The Beattie 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.

“Women have a strong understanding of what is going on in their community and bring diverse perspectives and important skills and expertise to local government,” Mrs Keech said.

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

“Evidence also suggests that if more women are encouraged to stand as councillor or mayoral candidates in local council elections, the percentage of women in these positions is likely to increase.”

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

The seminar will be held at the Charleville RSL from 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 8. Bookings are essential.

This seminar is for women who are interested in or considering nominating for the 2008 local government elections andis a component of the Beattie Government’s community awareness program for these elections.

For more details about this and other seminars, or to register, visit www.women.qld.gov.au/seminars or phone 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Jo Whitaker 3224 2006