ARARAT - The 2009 Australian Local Government Women's Association Conference was hosted by Ararat Rural City.
The annual conference celebrates women in local government and assists them to build support networks.
The event was held over two days at the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre Great Hall. On the first evening the Association held a conference dinner, with guest speaker Ararat Rural City Council CEO Steve Chapple.
During the second day the women participated in a number of workshops and open forums hosted by female CEOs, councillors and business owners.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Gwenda Allgood said the conference gave local councillors the opportunity to meet each other. "It was great to catch up with the newly elected councillors and give them a pat on the back to congratulate them,'' she said. "The conference is all about promoting local women in government and encouraging others to stand for council. "Some women feel intimidated when entering these types of roles because traditionally they were considered men's positions. "The conference provides women with mentors that can give them the confidence and support they need to enter local government.''
Each year the venue of the conference alternates between Melbourne and rural areas. Cr Allgood said she was proud to host this year's event. "We put in an application last July and we were really pleased to be chosen,'' she said. "Everyone loved the venue and it was great to have the opportunity to showcase Ararat.''
Local business owner Shelley Green from Green Eggs was a popular guest speaker at the conference. Ms Green delivered an inspirational speech, relaying her experience of setting up a free range egg business in Ararat. Cr Allgood said the women at the conference could relate to many of the guest speakers. "I think all women can relate to Shelley's story of starting up a business,'' she said. "It's beneficial to hear about the guest speakers' experiences and how they handled certain situations.''
The conference concluded with an afternoon tea and the 2009 annual general meeting.
The Ararat Advertiser 3/04/2009 7:34:00 AM
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During the second day the women participated in a number of workshops and open forums hosted by female CEOs, councillors and business owners. 
