MAROONDAH: Aaward for Cr Kylie Spears
Cr Kylie Spears of Maroondah has been named the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government.
The Victorian Local Governance Association, in partnership with the State Government, made the announcement on Thursday (Nov. 27) at a special presentation ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House.
The Maroondah City councillor and former mayor was recognised for her visionary and inclusive leadership and her work in strengthening civic participation, championing gender equality, and amplifying underrepre-sented voices.
As National President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and former President of ALGWA Vic, Cr Spears has a long-history of mentoring emerging women leaders and has made significant contributions to advancing equality in local government, championing investment in female-friendly sporting facilities, as well as through the arts, cultural and youth initiatives.
Cr Katharine Nikolic from Brim-bank City Council was awarded the Emerging Woman Leader Award – a first-term councillor and one of the youngest in Victoria, whose strategic insight, lived experience and a deep commitment to equity is already inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.
She is currently co-chair of the Brimbank Youth Council, has empowered young people to influence decision-making and lead campaigns on mental health, inclusion and civic participation. As Deputy Chair of LeadWest, she is also having an impact regionally, contributing to major infrastructure commitments including Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Station and the Calder Park Drive interchange.
Monash City Council was recognised for its long-standing leadership in the Gender Equity space and the success of its investment in internal collaboration and external partnerships, receiving the Gender Equality Council Champion Award.
As a Victorian leader in primary prevention, Monash has delivered major multi-partner projects addressing gender equity and preventing violence against women, including the Eastern Region PVAW program, Generating Equality and Respect, Community Leaders United by Sport, and the Free from Violence initiative.
Internally through its Gender Equity Advisory Committee it has successfully driven cultural and behavioural changes, increasing staff confidence, shared language, and use of Gender Impact Assessments.
Through its work the Council continues to advance gender equity and inspire others to do the same,
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt said these Awards shone a spotlight on the important contribution women make to the local government sector and the importance of gender parity.
She said they also serve as a platform to promote and advocate for the advancement of gender equality and focus on supporting women’s participation,