The UTS Centre for Local Government (UTS:CLG) and the NSW Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA NSW) have developed an exciting program, “Empowering Women in Local Government”.
This innovative Program has been specifically developed to support women considering nominating as candidates in the 2016 Local Government elections; existing women councillors and women working within the NSW Local Government sector.
ALGWA NSW President, Councillor Vicki Scott, said “ALGWA NSW is delighted to be partnering with UTS:CLG on this innovative Program that aims to redress the existing gender imbalance in NSW Local Government. The statistics show us that across Australia women remain significantly under-represented in local government at both an elected level and senior management level. ALGWA NSW wants to work to change this! We encourage any woman considering standing for Council elections in 2016 to participate in this unique learning opportunity.”
UTS:CLG Centre Director, Associate Professor Roberta Ryan said, “This type of program has never been offered before and UTS:CLG commends ALGWA NSW for its visionary leadership in championing gender equity in local government”.
UTS:CLG Program Manager Nicole Campbell said, “Empowering Women in Local Government” is a fantastic opportunity for women to learn about local government; develop their leadership skills; understand effective engagement and communication techniques and learn how to campaign effectively.
The “Empowering Women in Local Government” Program is a six day course comprising a mix of on-line and face-to-face learning. The course is framed around three modules:
- Module 1: Understanding NSW Local Government: Local Government in context; Local Government reform; gender representation in Local Government; gender balanced decision making
- Module 2: Developing professional and personal leadership skills; leadership theory, understanding emotional intelligence; personality characteristics; strengthening positive communication; thinking strategically; media management; presentations and public speaking
- Module 3: Campaign Logistics: planning your campaign; establishing your theme; nominating; building your team; resourcing; legal compliance requirements; campaigning tools and techniques; pre-poll and election day; interpreting results and post-election evaluation.
The Program will establish a strong peer-to-peer network of women working in local government, which in itself is a very exciting outcome.
The 6 day Program will be delivered by UTS:CLG’s highly qualified local government team and will comprise a mix of online coursework and face-to-face workshops.
The “Empowering Women in Local Government" Program was formally launched at UTS on 8 October 2015 (6:00pm-8:00pm, Level 7, Building 10, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo).
The second course will commence on Friday 5 February 2016.
The cost of the course is $600 (ex GST) for ALGWA members and$1500 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to join ALGWA NSW.