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Cr Miranda Sage To Take Part In Women In Local Government Forum

Local women invited to learn about the life as a local government councillor

By Carol McCormack - 8th October 2002 - Back to News

Cardinia Shire Council’s Women in Local Government Forum will take place Wednesday 9 October 2002 from 7pm at Pakenham. Cr Miranda Sage from Bass Coast Shire Council will take part in the Forum.

The Forum will be conducted like the popular television show "The Panel" and will be chaired by leading Melbourne journalist Jill Singer with special guest, former Victorian Premier, Joan Kirner.

Cr Sage will be a member of a panel of women involved in local government, who will discuss the issues of being a councillor and how to survive public life. Other members of the panel include Tonya Stevens, a young councillor from Maribyrnong City Council, Lisa Proctor from Latrobe City Council, and Di Moore, former mayor and current councillor with Yarra Ranges Shire Council. These women vary in ages from late 20’s to late 60’s and all have a story to tell about their election to local government and their experience in the council chamber.

"Women have a lot to offer their community through local government as they bring to the table a great deal of knowledge and experience across a vast range of topics," said Cr Sage. "Equal representation provides the balance that reflects the composition of our community."

According to the National Framework for Women in Local Government released in November 2001, women make up less than 30% of elected local government members and 15% of mayors.

‘As a result of community demands, there has been a broadening of services delivered by local government to include an increasing focus on community development, environmental management and longer term strategic planning. These changes have resulted in new skills and attributes being required and women can contribute significantly to these in the future,’ the report says.

The Women in Local Government Forum will be held at the Pakenham Football Club Pavillion, Princes Highway, Pakenham. For more information about the Forum, contact Andrea Ferris at Cardinia Shire Council on (03) 5945 4258 or email a.ferris@cardinia.vic.gov.au.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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