EIDSVOLD SEMINAR FOR LOCAL GOVT WOMEN

Women from Eidsvold and surrounding areas who are interested in finding out about 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 Eidsvold.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech said the Eidsvold seminar, to be held on Wednesday 29 November would be the first 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 Ms 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.”

The guest speakers at the Eidsvold seminar are Maryborough City Councillor Julie Arthur, Bundaberg City Councillor Judy Peters andBundaberg City Council CEO Peter Byrne.

“Cr Julie Arthur was the youngest female ever elected to the Maryborough City Council in 1991.Cr Judy Peters is a long-term councillorand Mr Byrne joined Council in 1972 and is actively involved with the community,” Ms Keech said.

“They have a wealth of experience and I encourage as many Eidsvold women as possible to take advantage of this ‘one-off’ event,” Ms 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 Eidsvold Shire Hall from 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 29. 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