The woman behind the title

By Tina Seirlis

With females outnumbering males in Moorabool across every census since 2001, it seems only fitting, if not highly overdue, that a female Shire Councillor has finally taken the leadership reins.

Breaking a 15-year female mayoral drought, Councillor Ally Munari recently earned the role of Mayor for the next 12-months, securing the majority vote at the Statutory Meeting of Council on 8 November. Her win follows on from a successful year as Deputy Mayor.

Originally elected to the Woodlands Ward in 2020, Cr Munari had already long since demonstrated a commitment to community, through volunteer roles at Wallace & District Kindergarten, Gordon Primary School, Gordon Community Fair, and the Gordon & Surrounds Country Women’s Association.

“When I moved to Gordon 20 years ago, I got heavily involved in local charitable organisations and committees in the area. Having children in local kinders and schools naturally encourages you to get involved and in turn you are able to meet wonderful like-minded people,” she said.

Reflecting on the path towards local government, she said running for Council was just the next step in helping the wider community.

“I felt passionate about doing more for my region, and I felt this was the next step to achieving that.”

It may also come as no surprise that Cr Munari chose the diverse farming food bowl that is Moorabool Shire as her home two decades ago, inspired by a carefree childhood spent in Clyde North on a large vegetable farm. Cr Munari said she had always dreamed of a similar setting for her children.

“As marriage does take you in different directions, we ended up settling on our own beautiful farm in Gordon. For the last 20 years this has been my home and I truly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Although now focused on sheep farming and her Mayoral role representing the community, Cr Munari’s previous professional experience includes working in media at Network Seven, followed by a decade spent with a company that produced voiceovers for radio and television commercials. Further easing into rural life and seeking more time with family, Cr Munari said they pulled back from their jobs and took up the challenge of running their own small businesses.

“This gave my wife and I the ultimate freedom to choose our own work hours and nurture quality family time.”

Prior to Cr Munari, previous female Moorabool Shire Mayors have included, Ms Dianne McAuliffe, 2006-2008, Ms Marg Card (dec.) 2000-2002, and inaugural Shire Mayor following council amalgamations, Ms Del Leggat (dec) 1996-1997. Although Council’s records are incomplete prior to this time, local historian and researcher Ms Margaret Love has confirmed that within the original Shire of Bacchus Marsh, she had held the role of first-ever appointed female councillor in 1973, ahead of becoming the Shire’s first female President in 1976. Ms Love said Del Leggat had similarly held the Shire President role in around 1989-1990.

Ms Love said as well as bringing leadership skills to the role, there was more advice she would like to pass onto Cr Munari.

“It is important you hold fast to the principles you bring to the role of councillor – that of having no hidden agenda, being open and honest, and holding true to your values especially in difficult situations. Use the challenges and opportunities to grow as a person and never lose sight of the fundamental responsibilities of a local council.”

During the course of the one-year Mayoral term, Cr Munari will receive an allowance of $102,650.