The program will help develop leadership skills, provide participants with ongoing mentoring and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful local government campaign.
The program encourages applications from women from the 30 municipalities where women were most under-represented at the 2020 local government elections — such as Moira — and women who are Indigenous, live with disability or identify as LGBTQI+.
To kick-start the program, there will be a series of online and in-person seminars highlighting the valuable work of women leaders across Victoria.
Participants will also learn about the Women Leading Locally Fellowship, which is fully funded by the Victorian Government and will support 120 women to develop the connections and tools they need to campaign as candidates in the next council elections in 2024.
At the last council elections in 2020, Victorian set a national record in electing 272 women, representing 43.8 per cent of councillors.
Applications for the program open May 12. Find out more at: localgovernment.vic.gov.au
Time for a flu vaccination
Victorians are urged to get their flu jabs to stay well this winter and reduce pressure on the health system.
Influenza is a seasonal infection that usually occurs from April to September and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications regardless of age.
In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated the flu can contribute to more than 3300 deaths in Australia.
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone older than six months and is free for people considered to be at higher risk from influenza including:
- children from six months to under five years;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age;
- pregnant women;
- people aged 65 and over; and
- people with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications
No interval is required between the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as they target different viruses.
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