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This article was published on Friday, 8 March, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council recognises contributions of first female councillor and CEO

The rooms were renamed on International Women’s Day to acknowledge the contribution women make in local government. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Greater Shepparton City Council Acting Director Community Amanda Tingay said the idea to rename the rooms came from Council’s Gender Equity Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2020 to recognise and celebrate women in the workforce.

“This action was to name a meeting room after our first female Councillor/Mayor to celebrate their achievements. The Gender Equity Working Group held much discussion over this action and acknowledged that pre-amalgamation the two worthy recipients were the late Alice McLeod (first female Councillor – Shire of Shepparton - 1969-1973) and Pat Smith (Gibson) - (first Town Clerk – City of Greater Shepparton - 1976-1981).

Patricia Smith and the family of Alice McLeod attended the launch and expressed their appreciation for the recognition of the roles they played as women in local government.

PROFILES

Alice Bessie McLeod (1921-2001) became the first woman councillor in the 115-year history of the Shire of Shepparton in 1969, when she was elected to the Kialla Riding. This was at a time when women’s participation in the three levels of government was not representative of the population.

Coming to the Goulburn Valley as a midwife in the 1950s, by the time of her election she was working with her husband Malcolm on their farm at Kialla. Alice’s decision to stand for election was prompted by her concern about the prospect of increased rates and the financial position of the Shire. Her areas of interest included road safety, health, adult and continuing education and the role of libraries. Her involvement in the Women’s Electoral Lobby also provided a role model for other aspiring women.

Her Certificate of Appreciation when she retired from Council in 1973 acknowledged her role – ‘She initiated drive in many instances which resulted in the interests of the ratepayers being furthered to a considerable extent. She offered an above-average contribution and earned a reputation for her enthusiasm, forthrightness and reliability.’

Alice continued to challenge stereotypes by gaining further qualifications at Secondary and University level, graduating in 1983 in Arts/Law and establishing a successful law practice at the family residence in Arcadia, which continued throughout the remainder of her life.

Patricia Margaret Smith (Gibson), OAM was the first woman in Victoria to hold the top position in local government. Pat was appointed Town Clerk (this would equate to the current position of Chief Executive Officer) for the City of Shepparton in 1976, a position she held until 1981 when she retired.

Her 32-year involvement with Council began with a junior stenographer/telephonist position in 1949, working for the Town Clerk Raymond West. Within two years she was his Secretary.

Pat embarked on studies by correspondence to become qualified to hold the position of Town Clerk. She acknowledges that the roles she took on her career path were only possible through the loyalty, dedication and respect of her fellow staff. She acknowledges the vital roles of councillors, many of whom worked tirelessly with vision and expertise to advance the fortunes of the City. For an indication of her standing: she also served as Chief Commissioner of the Shire of Delatite during Victoria's local government reorganisation in the early nineties.

Pat was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 January 2004, ‘For service to local government, and to the community of Shepparton.’

As of 2019, her work continues as an enthusiastic fundraiser and volunteer with the Goulburn Valley Hospice Care Service and as a member of Saint Augustine’s Church.