Local Government is so much more than roads, rates and rubbish in the 21st Century.
300 staff are employed across the municipality and 66 percent of these are women. One of four council directors is a woman and 56 percent are managers. Annual planned activities in the park, of which many are free, cater for all ages also. Hopefully we will enjoy the March Shepparton Arts Festival again in 2021 – post COVID virus.
Councillors are required to liaise with all council staff and should have knowledge of each program under Council’s umbrella. Staff provide briefings to Councillors and report on budget as per policy and planning criteria.
There are six women and 11 men nominating for the nine positions from October.
Voters should consider the need to elect a gender balanced team at the 2020 election. The 2016-2020 team of five males and four females has demonstrated how well the principles of gender equity, diversity and women’s civic participation apply to governance decisions. Let’s keep Greater Shepparton a great place to live, work and play.
Patricia Moran
Shepparton
