Cr Rochelle Halstead, right, says Hannah Eisen showed her leadership qualities when she was elected the first female president of the Phillip Island Board Riders Club. By Rochelle Halstead
AS A former Frankston mayor and a councillor in the Frankston and Bass Coast councils, I’m often asked whether we need more women in local government. Of course we should welcome women into leadership roles, partly for reasons of equality but also because their involvement inspires younger generations of girls.
We only have to look at what happened when the AFL introduced women’s teams. Female participation skyrocketed to a point where local government has been frantically providing female change rooms. It’s refreshing to see women contributing not only in the club’s tuck shop, where they have long been treasured, but now on the field itself and in the board rooms of clubs around the country.
AS A former Frankston mayor and a councillor in the Frankston and Bass Coast councils, I’m often asked whether we need more women in local government. Of course we should welcome women into leadership roles, partly for reasons of equality but also because their involvement inspires younger generations of girls.
We only have to look at what happened when the AFL introduced women’s teams. Female participation skyrocketed to a point where local government has been frantically providing female change rooms. It’s refreshing to see women contributing not only in the club’s tuck shop, where they have long been treasured, but now on the field itself and in the board rooms of clubs around the country.
It’s similar in local government, where Victoria leads the country in terms of women’s representation. At the October 2020 elections female participation jumped from 38 to 43.8 per cent.
To say the journey has been an easy one would be an insult to all those women who have fought for equality for years. Women were only given the right to stand as candidates in local government in 1914 and we are only now, 107 years later, creeping up on the 50 per cent target set by the State Government
To say the journey has been an easy one would be an insult to all those women who have fought for equality for years. Women were only given the right to stand as candidates in local government in 1914 and we are only now, 107 years later, creeping up on the 50 per cent target set by the State Government
| My journey in the political world only began through a role I secured in an MP’s office as a receptionist. At the time I had no understanding of the world of politics. I did not study politics at school and barely understood the different levels of government. But I really enjoyed the role and I learnt a lot from helping people to navigate departments that I was trying to navigate myself! Life skills like this can be found in many different areas of life and work. Mothers do it every day when providing for their families or assisting with school or sporting events. Most women do it naturally without even realising, which is why we often underestimate our value. After six years working for an MP, there was a change of government and I lost my job. Local government elections were approaching, and friends and family encouraged me to run as a candidate for the Frankston City Council. I had never seen myself as a politician but my friends and family saw something in me that I hadn’t recognised. | Calling Bass Coast women With only three female councillors out of nine, Bass Coast is one of 30 Victorian councils targeted by the Women Leading Locally Fellowship Program, which aims to increase the representation of women councillors and mayors. The program will support 120 women drawn from the target municipalities through two 12-month fellowships leading to the 2024 local government elections. Participants will learn how women’s leadership transfers so well into political office, how communities benefit from having more women in council chambers, and how they can support other women into power |
When I stood for council I was so nervous about the outcome. What if I actually won?! I had put myself out there based on what others thought I could do. I was duly elected as a councillor for McClelland Ward in 2003. My introduction to local government was tumultuous with a highly political council at the time and not a lot of support. There was no training for candidates or councillors; you were just thrown into the position and left to find your way. (I’m pleased to say that is not the case now and training is compulsory for candidates and councillors.)
Nevertheless, I found people I could trust in the Frankston City Council, a lot of them staff who helped me understand and navigate the world from inside. I learnt quickly and was elected as Mayor of Frankston only 12 months into my term. The role itself was hard but rewarding. You are spending time with people who contribute to the very fabric of the society they live in. It’s a humbling experience to represent your local community and speak on their behalf. It seems to me that women do an exceptionally good job in this role!
In 2020, now living in Bass Coast, I was ready to use my experience again and stood for the council. I was elected as one of nine councillors. I’m fortunate to have two incredibly talented female councillor colleagues. Cr Leticia Laing is an example of how women with young families CAN be involved with local government, with the right support. And having served as a Bass Coast councillor for 10-plus years, Cr Clare Le Serve brings an incredible amount of experience and local knowledge and is always there to offer guidance and support.
The offer of 60 fellowships through the Women Leading Locally Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for more women to be supported in standing for local government.
Women who are already in the role are ready to encourage and support other women in taking the journey. There are so many capable women in Bass Coast who would make good councillors. Come on girls, get on board!
Rochelle Halstead is a Bass Coast councillor and a former Frankston councillor and mayor.
Nevertheless, I found people I could trust in the Frankston City Council, a lot of them staff who helped me understand and navigate the world from inside. I learnt quickly and was elected as Mayor of Frankston only 12 months into my term. The role itself was hard but rewarding. You are spending time with people who contribute to the very fabric of the society they live in. It’s a humbling experience to represent your local community and speak on their behalf. It seems to me that women do an exceptionally good job in this role!
In 2020, now living in Bass Coast, I was ready to use my experience again and stood for the council. I was elected as one of nine councillors. I’m fortunate to have two incredibly talented female councillor colleagues. Cr Leticia Laing is an example of how women with young families CAN be involved with local government, with the right support. And having served as a Bass Coast councillor for 10-plus years, Cr Clare Le Serve brings an incredible amount of experience and local knowledge and is always there to offer guidance and support.
The offer of 60 fellowships through the Women Leading Locally Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for more women to be supported in standing for local government.
Women who are already in the role are ready to encourage and support other women in taking the journey. There are so many capable women in Bass Coast who would make good councillors. Come on girls, get on board!
Rochelle Halstead is a Bass Coast councillor and a former Frankston councillor and mayor.