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Australian Local Government Women's Association Victoria conference to be hosted by Baw Baw Shire on 26 - 27 April 2024

Baw Baw Shire will host the ALGWA Victoria state conference in 2024, focusing on resilience and reinvention in local government. The event aims to empower women and promote gender diversity in leadership.

By news@gippsland - 8th June 2023 - Back to News

Council is pleased to announce the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) Victoria state conference will come to Baw Baw Shire in 2024. The flagship event of Australia's peak body for women in local government, the conference will take place on 26 - 27 April 2024. It will centre on the themes of Resilience and Reinvention, showcasing the perspectives of inspirational women within the local government sector.

The Resilience and Reinvention themed conference will take place over 26 and 27 April 2024 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul

Arts conference venue

The region's leading performing arts and cultural space, West Gippsland Arts Centre, will be one of the many sites to host the conference activities that will include a range of guest speakers, local business owners and prominent community members whose experiences and expertise embody the conference themes.

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to mark their calendars for 26 - 27 April 2024 and visit ALGWA Victoria is coming to Baw Baw Shire!. Further information on accommodation, keynote speakers and activities will be released over the coming months.

Empowering women leadership

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe played a pivotal role in advocating for the conference to be held in Baw Baw and announced the good news recently at the National Conference hosted by Mornington Peninsula Shire. "I share a strong passion for empowering women from diverse backgrounds and cultures to thrive in their careers and be granted opportunities for leadership development."

"As a council, we are committed to facing down the challenges and issues facing women within our sector, and to do everything we can to see them overcome. By holding this conference in Baw Baw, we will give a local platform to female leadership, highlight the challenges and issues facing women within our sector and inspire the next generation of female leaders," says Mayor McCabe.

Gender diversity catalyst

As a proud member of ALGWA Victoria, Baw Baw Shire Council is pleased to showcase the organisation's commitment to driving real change for women and gender diverse people. "Our organisation is actively committed to supporting gender diversity and is aiming to see a greater gender balance," says Acting CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Leanne Hurst.

"Hosting this conference is another opportunity to embed sustainable change within our organisation and the local community. We hope it will inspire women to participate in Local Government and community leadership more broadly," Ms Hurst said.

The announcement of Baw Baw Shire as hosts of the 2024 ALGWA Victoria conference follows council's reaffirmation of its commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women's Charter, and the ongoing efforts to increase women's participation in the key decision-making forums across local governments of Victoria. To learn more, please visit ALGWA Victoria 2024 State Conference page.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back Lakes Entrance Recreation Centre and celebrate rural women’s contributions to East Gippsland
  Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back a proposed three-court recreation centre in Lakes Entrance, while Chester celebrates rural women’s contributions and supports Rendell’s campaign ahead of November’s state election.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
  The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses.
• Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
  The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.