1,000 future leaders spurred on by Women Leading Locally events

FREE seminars to get more women elected to councils will target the Bass Coast area as part of a Victorian Government initiative, amid a surge of interest in women in politics following the federal election.

The government-funded program Women Leading Locally aims to boost the number of women running for local government at the next election, with 120 fully-funded fellowships on offer to guide candidates considering office.

Hosted by the Institute of Community Directors Australia, presenters include:

• Women for Election CEO Licia Heath, a past independent candidate for the federal seat of Wentworth, and now chief of the non-partisan not-for-profit encouraging women into office
• Councillor coach Ruth McGowan OAM, and author of Get Elected

Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams, says: “It is vital we increase the number of women in local government, particularly from underrepresented groups – so that our council representatives reflect the diversity of the community they serve.”

The seminars cover the benefits of women in council, how to support others seeking office, applying for a fellowship, and a chance to meet like-minded individuals.

Catering for Bass Coast, the nearest in-person seminar will be held on Saturday, June 4 at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

Interested parties can register in-person or online - communitydirectors.com.au/training/women-lead-seminars