New era for Women in Local Democracy

WOMEN in Local Democracy has entered a new phase, re-launching as an incorporated association with a bigger, more diverse committee and a sharpened focus on boosting female participation in local government.

Now named Women in Local Democracy Incorporated (WiLD Inc), the association is led by a committee of 11 women that includes both founding figures and new faces.

Three of the group’s founding members — Rosemary Nugent, Priscilla Pescott and Rosemary Kiss — have stepped down into retirement, while the remaining four, including founder Jenny Wills, will continue with the new committee.

At the helm is Drysdale’s Kate Lockhart, who is well-known in the region for her work with Landcare and in community, environmental and sporting circles.

She said it was an honour to step into the role of president and pledged to build on the group’s achievements.

“Jenny and her team have worked hard for almost 15 years to support women’s participation.

“Our new committee includes three recent council candidates — Azadeh Doosti, Aleta Moriarty and [myself] — who have benefited greatly from the efforts of WiLD and are enthusiastic about gender parity on council.”

Ms Lockhart said the new committee already had the 2028 local government elections in their sights and will provide a range of activities to support women to nominate and campaign in those elections.

Establishing a website, increasing the group’s social media presence and developing partnerships with neighbouring council areas, including the Surf Coast and Queenscliff, are among its initial goals.

“This new committee is energised and ready to work on the many pathways to ensure there are more women in local democracy,” Ms Lockhart said.

WiLD Inc is now seeking new members to strengthen the organisation and its Empowering Women 50/50 Network.

For more information, or to join WiLD Inc, email Kate Lockart at [email protected]