As such it is encouraging women of all backgrounds to step forward, step up and take the opportunity to develop their leadership potential.
Gender equality is at the heart of a fair and inclusive society.
Women were elected to local council in record numbers in 2020 and now form 43.8 per cent of councillors in Victoria.
Yet in 30 of Victoria’s 79 Local Government Areas less than one third of candidates, or elected councillors, were women in the 2020 elections.
Benalla was therefore targeted for the Women Leading Locally Program — a joint initiative of the Institute of Community Directors, ourcommunity.com.au, Women for Election and the Victorian Government.
Sixty places were made available in the program’s first intake in 2022-2023.
Priority was given to women who aspire to stand for local council election in 2024, or who will actively support the campaigns of other women to stand.
An announcement was been made on September 15, that three Benalla women were successful in gaining a place in this prestigious program.
Jilian Merkel, Jane Rushworth and Sabine Smyth were appointed Fellows of the Institute of Community Directors for 2022-2023.
Ms Smyth said the program would provide the three with ongoing connections and mentoring, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful local government campaign.
“Local government needs people who value genuine community consultation and transparency around how decisions are made,” Ms Smyth said.
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