Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Scully -

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Women’s Legal Status Act in NSW, which enabled women to stand for election to local government and the legislative assembly, and to practise as lawyers;

(ii)         ten years later Lillian Fowler became the first woman elected to a NSW local council when she was elected to the Newtown Municipal Council in 1928;

(iii)        Fowler went on to become the first female Mayor in Australia, when she was elected Mayor of this Council in 1937;

(iv)       women make an enormous contribution to local government in NSW, with about 330 women local councillors serving in this state;

(v)         despite, this women are under-represented as local councillors, and in 2012 made up only 27 per cent of councillors across NSW; and

(vi)       the achievements of women in local government in the past and today should be uplifted and celebrated; and

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested :

(i)          to promote community events by or in conjunction with other organisations  celebrating the centenary of women in local government, and, where possible, provide appropriate support; and

(ii)         to provide an update to Councillors via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

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