CHARLEVILLE SEMINAR SPARKS LOCAL GOVT INTEREST

A small but committed group of Charleville women heard about the personal experiences of three knowledgeable local government representatives at the Charleville ‘Women into Local Government’ seminar last week.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech said the session was one of six free seminars on the topic being run throughout Queensland during November and December.

“The more women who get involved with council, the easier it is for other women to become involved too, so I’m really pleased to see women taking up this opportunity,” Mrs Keech said.

“It is really important for women to be represented at all levels of government and any step taken by a woman now will clear the path for future leaders.

“The ultimate aim of the seminars is to increase the number of women councillors in local government.”

At the 8 November Charleville seminar, experienced councillors and chief executive officers spoke about their experiences and answered questions about election processes and their working lives.

Charleville local, Pauline Smith, was very curious about starting the process of running for local government.

“The most useful part of the seminar was getting a better understanding of the processes involved in local government and the different roles of elected members and employees of councils,” Ms Smith said.

Another attendee from Charleville wanted to learn more about local government roles and sees local government “…as a powerful way of helping the community”.

Guest speakers at the Charleville seminar were Inglewood Shire Mayor Councillor Joan White, Crows Nest Shire Councillor Julie Michael and Jondaryn Shire Council CEO Noel Cass.

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

This seminar is a component of the Government’s community awareness program for the 2008 local government elections.

To find out about other Office for Women seminars, visit www.women.qld.gov.au/seminars or phone 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Jo Whitaker 3224 2006