LONGREACH SEMINAR TARGETS LG WOMEN

Women from Longreach 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 Longreach.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech said the Longreach seminar, to be held on Wednesday November 22, is one of six free seminars to run during November and December this year.

“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,” Mrs Keech said.

“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 at the Longreach seminar include:

·Diana Harris, experienced Longreach Councillor,

·Deborah Nichols, Winton Shire Councillor for 4 ½ years. Cr Nichols has also had experience as a Rural Family Support Worker; and

·Fred de Waard, Longreach Shire Council Chief Executive Officer. Mr de Waard has 26 years of experience in local government.

“They have a wealth of experience and I encourage as many Longreach 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 bring a unique perspective and a high level of skills and expertise to local government while also having a great sense of what’s going on in the community,” 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.

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

The topics covered in the seminar program will include:

• the role of councils and the significant contribution that women can make through local government
• roles and responsibilities of local government councillors
• the political/business matrix
• the skills and attributes of a successful councillor
• outline of registration and election processes
• support, mentoring and networking

The seminar will be held at the Longreach Civic and Cultural Centre from 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 22. Bookings are essential.

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: David Smith 3225 1005 or Joanna Whitaker 3224 2006