ALGWA: A new way ahead for women in local government
9 November 2004
Mrs Kaele Way has been elected as National President of the Australian Local Government Women's Association at its Biennial Conference held in Orange, New South Wales, on November 5.
Mrs Way has been elected for a two year term as President of ALGWA, an organisation representing women interested in local government with membership including councillors, former councillors, members of parliament, women employed in the local government sector.
ALGWA provides assistance and support, such as mentoring programs, for elected councillors and intending candidates for local government elections.
Mrs Way has served as a councillor on the Whitehorse City Council in Melbourne for six years, is a Justice of the Peace and is a consultant in local government and community support.
Mrs Way said she looked forward to expanding the activities and networking role of ALGWA and strengthening its liaison activities across Australia.
"ALGWA will also build our role as an important source of advice to the Federal Government on issues relating to the role of women in, not only local government, but government generally.
"ALGWA is an important provider of training for women at levels of local government, whether elected officials, candidates, senior management or trainees. Women are still seriously under-represented in both the elected roles and senior management in local government.
"We actively promote local government as a tremendous career opportunity for women and work hard to encourage greater community participation in Australia's 675 councils.
"I also look forward to working closely with other organisations, such as the Australian Local Government Association, state local government associations and others that work to promote the role of women in local government," Mrs Way said.
