Australian Local Government Womens Association (SA Branch)

In 2005, a South Australian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA SA) was re-formed as a non-profit non-political organisation.

ALGWA SA's aims, consistent with those of the national association, are to:

• assist in promoting knowledge of the role and function of Local Government;
• promote, support and encourage women to participate and be represented in Local Government;
• promote, support and encourage women to make Local Government a career of choice; and
• promote and advocate for the common interests of women who are engaged in, or interested in, Local Government.

Anyone interested in supporting and promoting women's involvement in the Local Government sector is welcome to join.

For additional information about joining the SA Branch contact Julie Kerr - executive@lgmasa.org.au

For more information about the Australian Local Government Women's Association visit the national association website, http://www.algwa.net.au/

2006 Council Election Project - Taking up the Challenge Information Kit

In 2006, ALGWA SA Branch was successful in securing a grant from the Local Government Research and Development Scheme (LG R&D) in South Australia to develop an Information Kit to encourage women to consider standing for Council elections in South Australia.

The development of the Information Kit grew out of a concern for the level of women's representation in Councils in South Australia. Research of elections data shows that not only are women under-represented in local government but the socio-economic and demographic profile of elected women is limited.

The Taking up the Challenge Information Kit provides information about what Councils do, what being an effective Council Member involves, some practical hints for campaigning, and information about the support available to Council Members. Exploring the web page links referred to throughout the text will provide you with a wider range of resources and ideas, which expand on those offered in this publication.

Taking up the Challenge Women Candidates in Council Elections in SA (626 kb)

Taking up the Challenge - a work in progress

Taking up the Challenge was released in draft form just prior to the opening of nominations for the November 2006 Council elections on 5th September 2006. Nominations closed on the 19th September 2006.

Post the November 2006 elections, Taking up the Challenge was further developed to include testimonials, examples, and case studies of "real live" women candidates - whether successful or unsuccessful in the elections.

The final document was launched on April 11th 2007 at an ALGWA SA event, and promoted at the LGA biennial conference - "Community Renewal - Community Sustainability" 11th - 13th April 2007.

ALGWA hope this will be a valuable resource for women who are ready to take up the challenge of becoming a Council Member in lcal Government in South Australia.