Local Government Women Councillors from Gippsland and Casey Councils. Back row L-R are Cr Amanda Stapledon City of Casey, Cr Di Blackwood Mayor Baw Baw Shire, Cr Judy Owen City of Casey, Cr Veronica Dowman Mayor Bass Coast Shire Council, Cr Shar Balmes Mayor City of Casey, Cr Mimmie Jackson South Gippsland Shire Council, Cr Jane Dore Daly Bass Coast Shire Council. Front Row L-R are Cr Mohya Davies South Gippsland Shire Council,Cr Beth Ripper Wellington Shire, Cr Beverly Hastie City.

The Gippsland Women in Local Government Dinner was held at Traralgon on 5 September.

Gippsland Local Government women meet two to three times a year to share information and compare common issues facing women who are elected to Local Government. They also discuss ways to encourage more women to run as candidates in Local Government elections.

The group varies from one meeting to the next and on this occasion women Councillors from the City of Casey joined the dinner for an enjoyable and informative evening.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, attended the dinner and said issues discussed included municipal pools, land development, farming rates, waste composting and youth services.

“Councils provide services in a vast range of areas.  The regular get together with other women Councillors provides an opportunity to discuss common issues and learn from our experiences.

“Two of the seven councillors at Bass Coast are women, however, there is still a need for more women to put their hands up to be elected for the role,” explained Cr Dowman.
 
Cr Jane Dore Daly is the other female elected representative at Bass Coast Shire Council who attended the dinner.

“Being a Councillor is both challenging and rewarding and I feel proud to contribute to developing and strengthening the Bass Coast local community,” said Cr Dore Daly.

“I have learned so much about Bass Coast and the different interests and passions of groups within the community.

“I have also come to understand more about the way in which a Council operates and the valuable work of Council officers.

“While more women are needed as Councillors, it’s gratifying to know that fifty eight percent of the Bass Coat Shire Council workforce are women,” Cr Dore Daly said.