Women councillors to share experiences at City Hall forum

ASPIRING women councillors will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from those now serving on the City of Greater Geelong council at a forum to be held this month.

The free event will be jointly hosted by the Women in Local Democracy (WILD) and the City of Greater Geelong.

The event is part of WILD’s campaign to encourage more women to stand for council, run in support of the Victorian government’s gender parity target of 50/50 representation at the local government elections in October.

“Women make up more than half the population in Geelong,” WILD convenor Jenny Wills said.

“What you need around the decision-making table are the experiences and differing views of both women and men to be able to make decisions that are in the best interests of the community.

“Without that voice and perspective of women, we’ve got a really one-sided governance going on.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to raise key campaign issues and gain insights into successful local leadership from incumbent Geelong councillors Melissa Cadwell, Sarah Hathway, Elise Wilkinson and Belinda Moloney.

Ms Wills said the opportunity to meet with women who have already been through the experience of both standing for, and being elected to, the role of councillor was “invaluable” for this year’s women candidates.

She said the coming forum would benefit not only women who are considering standing in Geelong’s 11 new wards, but also the family, friends and other supporters who would like to assist candidates with their campaigns.

“We’re also encouraging the women to bring along members of their network, their friends, family, supporters, because standing for council is a big ask.

“Often outsiders who haven’t been in that electoral college and [experienced] that electoral activity, don’t know what’s expected of them as a candidate, and what’s expected of them as a councillor.

“[The forum] gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about what’s involved in campaigning and also what’s involved once the women are elected.”

The forum will take place at Geelong’s City Hall on July 24 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

To register, head to events.humantix.com/meet-the-women-councillors-forum