Cr Sarah Gilligan nominated for new local government award
MAROONDAH City councillor and former mayor Kylie Spears has been named the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government. South Gippsland Councillor Sarah Gilligan was a nominee.
MAROONDAH City councillor and former mayor Kylie Spears has been named the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government.
Cr Spears is the National President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and a former President of ALGWA Vic.
South Gippsland Councillor Sarah Gilligan was a nominee.
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), in partnership with the Victorian Government, made the announcement last Thursday at a special presentation ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House.
Cr Gilligan wasn’t the only South Gippsland Councillor in attendance.
Her colleague Cr Claire Williams was elected the President of the Victorian branch of the ALGWA for a two-year term at the 2024 AGM.
“I didn’t get the gong, but the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) National President, Cr Kylie Spears did. Clare and I work closely with Kylie and she deserved it. She’s been doing the role for 14 years.
“The ALGWA Vic are kicking goals across the sector having kick-started a mentoring program. This program has already connected 40 Victorian first-time female councillors with an experienced mentor.
“I didn’t win but it was an honour to be nominated and also to attend the inaugural Mary Rogers award.
“I was nominated by the former mayor and executive leadership team of South Gippsland Shire Council. My other nomination came from ex-CEO Kerryn Ellis. Both nominations were for the Mary Rogers Award, awarded to a current woman councillor, recognising their contribution as a civic leader in Victoria.”
The other awards were:
- Emerging Woman Leader - Awarded to a first-term woman councillor who is demonstrating outstanding leadership. Winner: Cr Katharine Nikolic from Brimbank City Council.
- Gender Equality Council Champion Award – Awarded to a Council in recognition of their work leading meaningful change in the gender equality space by supporting women’s participation in local government and decision-making. Winner: Monash City Council.
