The Andrews Labor Government is providing women in the Pyrenees Shire with the tools to advance their leadership ambitions ahead of local government elections next year.

More than 60 Victorian women are participating in the second intake of the Women Leading Locally program, including Fiona Williamson from Lexton in the Pyrenees Shire.

Victoria set a national high mark for female local government representation at the 2020 council elections, with women making up 43.8 per cent of successful candidates.

There is more work to be done to achieve gender equality on councils, particularly in rural areas.

Women participating in the program also represent other historically underrepresented groups in local government including First Nations women, young women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, women living with disability and women who identify as LGBTIQ+.

Sixty participants from the first class of Women Leading Locally will graduate in August this year.

Women Leading Locally is being delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia in partnership with Women for Election.

To find out more, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au. 

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Women Leading Locally is a great program and we hope it leads to more women standing for election next year. It’s not just talking about gender equality, but actively supporting women to put their hand up to represent their community.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne

“It is important that councils are representative of the communities they serve. Gender equality is an essential part of achieving this aim.”