Women and Local Government

Is it important to have women involved in Local Government?

From my first two weekly press releases, you are now aware that I am local born and bred; I am a woman; I am a wife; I am a Mother; I am a Grandmother; and I have thirty years plus Local Government experience and knowledge. There is a great deal of information about 50:50 vision for A National Program for Gender Equity for Local Government, implemented in 2009 and just after Queensland Council amalgamations. The report marks a new phase in implementing the National Framework for Women in Local Government. It launches a range of initiatives under the banner 50:50 Vision. The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) sees the strategy to be a decade-long program to advance gender equity in local government.

National Statement of Commitment

We will work towards increasing the representation of women in local government, both as elected members and as senior managers and professionals. We will undertake ongoing reviews of policies and practices to remove barriers to women’s participation and to engender safe, supportive working and decision-making environments that encourage and value a wide range of views.

Goal

To increase the participation of women in Australian local government so that Councils more accurately reflect their communities. This will be evidenced by continuing growth in numbers of women councillors, mayors, chief executives and senior staff in all States and the Northern Territory and in all types of Councils.

Objectives

• To create Councils and communities where all participate and actively share their skills, knowledge and experience.
• To engender inclusive Councils where a full range of opinions is sought, respected and taken into account in decision-making
• To ensure effective leadership in implementing the strategies set out in this Framework
• To expand training and networking opportunities that will support

The Local Government Association of Queensland states that of the 512 councillors in Queensland, just 150 (29 per cent) are women and only 11 per cent of council CEOs are represented by females. The statistics do not sit well with many females involved already with local government, as there are countless women in the state who merit senior civic roles.

I believe and support most importantly that candidates are not elected on gender basis only, but also on individual merit.

The 2012 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee consisted of all women, and was a very productive group.  I was employed at the RADF Liaison Officer by Somerset Regional Council.

Cheryl’s stronger Kilcoy Vision Is Infectious

Article from the Gatton newspaper

CHERYL Gaedtke has been involved in community groups in the Somerset for well over 20 years and on Monday was recognised as the regions Citizen of the Year.

Since 1987, the fourth generation Kilcoy resident has been involved in various community groups including the Mt Kilcoy P&C Association, Kilcoy- Woodford Junior Rugby League Club, Kilcoy
Hammers Softball Club, Kilcoy Police Liaison Committee, Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community, Kilcoy Toastmasters, Somerset Community Support Association and the Kilcoy and Community Bank.

Her length of involvement in each group has varied from 12 months to six years except for her involvement as a member of the Endurance Riders Association which has spanned a decade. Mrs Gaedtke said the award was a great honour and one she did not expect to receive.

“It is hard work, but is worth it through the people you meet and this award is the pinnacle,” she said. She added that volunteering also had its own awards.

Mrs Gaedtke was nominated for her “significant contribution and passion for the Kilcoy and surrounding communities”.

Her nominee said her vision for a stronger Kilcoy is infectious. Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann congratulated Mrs Gaedtke on being awarded Citizen of the Year.

Festivies at the Somerset Civic Centre on Monday also included the induction of 15 new Australian citizens.
They joined the Somerset community from New Zealand, Philippines, India, South Africa, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka. 200 residents attended the
free buffet breakfast followed by the combined Australia Day Awards presentation and citizenship ceremony.

2015 Citizen of the Year – Cheryl Gaedtke

Cheryl’s hard work and dedication to the region was recognised at the 2015 Australia Day Awards ceremony where she was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award!

Cheryl’s significant contribution  and passion for the Kilcoy and surrounding communities are very evident in her commitment and support of a wide range of activities.  One recent example of this was the successful running of the Kilcoy Christmas Carnival.  As President of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and this Sub-Committee, her strong leadership, encouraging and empowering approach she engaged both committee members and businesses in the area to achieve this wonderful Community activity which bought together wide variety of residents including hundreds of children.  Also, Cheryl’s active involvement on the Kilcoy & Community Bank committee has seen interest and commitment by local people and business grow considerably. Cheryl is an avid promoter of Kilcoy and the wider Somerset Region.

Click to view Cheryl’s Citizen of the Year Nomination Form Details.

Click to view a history of Cheryl’s volunteer work.