Frankston City supports Women Leading Locally program
Published on 18 May 2022
Women aspiring to become a Frankston City councillor are being encouraged to apply for a new program.
Applications are now open for the State Government’s Women Leading Locally program, which encourages applications from women in specific municipalities, including Frankston City, where women were most under-represented at the 2020 local government elections.
The program will help develop leadership skills, provide participants with ongoing mentoring and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful local government campaign. Women who are Aboriginal, live with disability or identify as LGBTQI+ are encouraged to apply.
Deputy Mayor Suzette Tayler, North West Ward Cr Sue Baker and South Ward Cr Claire Harvey encouraged women to consider participating in the State Government funded program, which will support 120 women over the next two years to develop the connections and tools they need to campaign as candidates in the next Council elections in 2024.
Cr Tayler, who is passionate about both community service and Frankston City, said: “I have lived in Frankston City all my life – it’s not just about rates, roads and rubbish. It is about families, and providing good programs for our youth and our elderly.”
She is currently in her fourth term on Council and has served as a Frankston City Councillor for more than 11 years.
Cr Tayler has advocated for upgraded sporting facilities for our children while delivering better planning frameworks that protect, enhance our heritage, neighbourhood character and updating community safety, as well as support to help small businesses get back on their feet post lockdown.
Cr Sue Baker was elected to Frankston City Council in 2020 and has enjoyed her time participating in vital Council deliberations and decision making, formulating policy and delivering results for residents.
“I wanted to support my community and make a difference locally – that’s why I stood for Council. My experience spans corporate and not-for-profit organisations managing people and resources.
“With this background and a passionate focus on customer service, I saw the opportunity to run for Council as the perfect role to bring my skills, experience and passion for people together in the place I now call home.
“It’s critical that women’s voices are heard on Council and I encourage other women to take the first step to achieving this by applying for the Women Leading Locally program,” Cr Baker said.
Cr Claire Harvey also won a seat on Council at the 2020 Council elections. She is passionate about action on climate change, waste reduction and moving toward models of a circular economy.
“Are you interested in becoming a Councillor and influencing what happens in your local community? Local Councillors play an important leadership role and work together to make decisions about what happens in our community.
“Councillors, in partnership with Council staff, are part of a team that work together for the sake of our community – the services that shape it and the direction for the future.
“The Women Leading Locally program is a unique opportunity to be supported into Local Government by skilled facilitators who want you to succeed and know what you need to get to the finish line,” she said.
Cr Harvey added Councillors play an important role in determining local government policies, developing and monitoring strategic plans and budgets, considering Council’s resources and the community needs and overseeing the allocation of the local government’s finances and resources.
The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “Fantastic to see this initiative supporting increased representation of women Councillors and mayors in Frankston.
“I am proud to be part of a Government Caucus that currently has 50 per cent representation of women within the State Government. We are now supporting Local Government to achieve the same target with the Women Leading Locally Program.”
Applications are now open and close 28 June 2022. There are online and in person information sessions being held. For more information, please visit https://communitydirectors.com.au/training/women-lead