The committee is currently calling for nominations from local residents – male or female – to join the group. It is made up of 15 community representatives and up to five members from Greater Shepparton City Council, including a councillor who acts as Charter Champion. The current Charter Champion is Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem.
The volunteer committee aims to promote women in leadership and decision-making. It focuses on promoting diversity, active citizenship and gender equality.
The committee is active in the community, with recent activities including International Women’s Day events; free film screenings highlighting the needs of refugees and the issue of forced marriage as well as a forum on forced marriage; financial literacy workshops for women; and an annual award for outstanding local women.
The good work of the committee was recently recognised by LGPro – Victoria’s peak body for local-government professionals – when it was named as the winner in the LGPro Awards for excellence in organisational diversity.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem encourages both men and women to apply for the committee.
“The committee is committed and passionate about making a difference for women,” Cr Adem said.
“Being a part of the committee is rewarding and can help individuals gain skills while making a difference. One of the key principles of the committee is diversity, so we aim to have a membership that reflects the diverse community of Greater Shepparton. It is important that the voices of women as well as men are heard regarding the opportunities and issues affecting women in Greater Shepparton.”
There are currently five vacant community positions. Memberships are for a two-year period. Current members whose memberships expire at the end of the 2015/2016 financial year can reapply.
For more information go to http://bit.ly/GSWCAACA, email women@shepparton.vic.gov.au, phone council (03) 5832 9700 or visit council offices at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton. Applications close 5pm Friday, May 20, 2016.
