City of Greater Shepparton

City of Greater Shepparton

URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/residents/cultureandcommunitystrengthening/womenscharter/

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Women's Charter Alliance Advisory Committee

Cr Colleen Furlanetto Shire of Strathbogie and Cr Jenny Houlihan, Greater Shepparton City Council

Sen Mary-Jo Fisher (SA), Elaf Al-Tuhmazy, Sen Bridget McKenzie (VIC), Jamie Lea

The Women's Charter Alliance Advisory Committee was originally endorsed at a Council meeting on Tuesday, 21 February 2012. This committee has been established to promote local Women in leadership and in all levels of decision-making in Greater Shepparton. A three point action plan focussing on Diversity, Active Citizenship and Gender Equity will guide the key strategic objectives of this committee.

Councillor Jenny Houlihan is chair of the Women's Charter Alliance Advisory Committee and is supported by five community representatives and a number of Council staff.

The aim of this advisory committee is to support and promote women in leadership roles and all levels of decision-making, including business or workplace positions, community groups or boards of management. The committee will support women (or men) considering running for Council, mentor them through the campaign process and provide valuable resources and opportunities to guide them through the election year. The committee will encourage women to attend Council meetings and experience how they too can make a difference in their community. For those considering this rewarding opportunity to be a voice for their community the 'A Gender Agenda' is a worthwhile read. Further information is displayed in the foyer of the Council Office or libraries at Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura.

The committee's first  event was a ‘Cocktail Party' as an umbrella event to the annual SheppARTon festival to celebrate local women Leaders and Achievers on International Women's Day (IWD) 8 March 2012. The event was held at the McIntosh Centre and we were priviledged to have Councillor Cherie Crawford, a neighbouring Councillor Colleen Furlanetto from Shire of Strathbogie, Senator Bridget McKenzie of Victoria and Senator Mary-Jo Fisher of South Australia to join us for the evening. Guest speakers were introduced by our local Master of Ceremonies - Nicky Pummeroy; including Mooroopna's Young Citizen of the Year 2012 - Jamie Lea; one of our Shepparton Young Citizen of the Year Award recipients 2012 - Elaf Al-Tuhmazy and a wonderful array of cultural performers.

IWD is an international event celebrated on 8 March each year to promote the Social, Economic and Political achievements of women. The theme this year was 'Connecting Girls - Inspiring Futures'.

Last year, Council adopted the Victorian Local Government's Women Charter with a global goal to improve gender equality for women with three main actions;

1. Gender Equality - promoting equal rights for men and women in all levels of leadership and decision-making
2. Diversity - promoting how different perspectives and experiences can strengthen local decision making processes and build cohesive communities
3. Active Citizenship - to encourage an increased number of women in public life representing our interests and demographics.

Historically, the Shire of Shepparton commenced in 1879, Shire of Rodney in 1886, City of Shepparton in 1949 and our first Female Local Government Councillor - Alice McLeod, was elected in the Shire of Shepparton in 1969. During the 130 years of this district's local Council governance only 14 women have ever succeeded in getting elected.

Further enquiries can be made by contacting either Cr Jenny Houlihan 0n 0418 598 033, or Greater Shepparton City Council on (03) 5832 9700.