Information sessions in Kyabram and Echuca are encouraging women to consider running for council ahead of the 2024 local government elections.
Women are encouraged to head along to the Women in Council candidate information sessions that will be held in Echuca on Monday, August 12, and in Kyabram on Tuesday, August 13.
Campaspe Shire Council is holding several information sessions across the shire to both gauge interest and encourage and inform people of how to get involved and put themselves up for council ahead of the elections later this year.
The Women in Council candidate information sessions will be run by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Despi O’Connor, who will shed light on being a part of council from a woman’s point of view.
The sessions will also provide general information for women interested in running for council, including the important deadlines, eligibility criteria, campaign regulations and guidelines, how to submit a nomination and an overview of council’s duties.
A Campspe Shire Council spokesperson said the information sessions were organised in response to women’s under-representation in local government.
Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Pauline Gordon said Cr O’Connor would be able to articulate council from a woman’s point of view along with providing helpful insight into what it was like to be a councillor.
”Cr O’Connor is the vice-president metro and secretary of the Australian Women in Local Government Association, so she will be able to share information about the events, support and mentoring they provide to female councillors and other programs that support women in local government,” Ms Gordon said.
A Women in Council candidate information session in Echuca on August 12 will follow a Municipal Association of Victoria community and candidate information session in Swan Hill Rural City Council on Wednesday, August 7, which can also be accessed online.
“I really encourage people to come along to find out more about what is involved with standing for council and being elected as a councillor,” Ms Gordon said.
“Being a part of the council is a significant way to contribute to the growth and development of our community.”
Locations of the information sessions will be confirmed upon registration.
You can register your interest in attending the Women in Council candidate information sessions by visiting www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/elections
Full details about the MAV community and candidate information sessions can be found at https://www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024