The Devonport City Council supports an inclusive workplace where employee differences in areas like gender, age, culture, disability and lifestyle choice are valued and on 20 September 2010, endorsed the following statement of Commitment.

 “We will work towards increasing the representation of women in Local Government, both as elected members and 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.”

In November 2010 Devonport Council along with 21 other Councils were awarded the Bronze Award in the inaugural Gender Equity Awards, leading the way in local government in Australia.

The Gender Equity Awards is the first national accreditation and awards program which encourages councils across Australia to address gender equity issues within the organisation and among their elected representatives.

The 50:50 Vision – Councils for Gender Equity Program seeks to work with all Councils to:

1. increase the number of skilled women in the Local Government sector, both at elected and senior level positions;
2. drive cultural change in what continues to be a male dominated industry; and
3. make an important contribution to building excellence and the long term workforce capacity with the Local Government sector.

Further information on the 50:50 Vision can be found at www.5050vision.com.au

    

WomenCan

In October 2010, the WomenCan campaign was launched for candidates in the 2011 Local Government Elections Women from all walks of life are being encouraged to put their hands up for next year’s local government elections, being held in October across the State.

The campaign launch kicks off a year-long calendar of events including workshops on how to campaign; working with the media; and balancing work and family.

Women can subscribe to an email network for up-to-date information on events through; log on to www.algwatas.asn.au or phone Women Tasmania on 1800 001 377.