Baw Baw Shire to host 2024 ALGWA Victoria conference

The flagship event of Australia’s peak body for women in local government, the conference will take place on 26 – 27 April 2024. It will centre on the themes of Resilience and Reinvention, showcasing the perspectives of inspirational women within the local government sector. 

The region's leading performing arts and cultural space, West Gippsland Arts Centre, will be one of the many sites to host the conference activities that will include a range of guest speakers, local business owners and prominent community members whose experiences and expertise embody the conference themes. 

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to mark their calendars for 26 – 27 April 2024 and register their interest via the website. Further information on accommodation, keynote speakers and activities will be released over the coming months.  

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe played a pivotal role in advocating for the conference to be held in Baw Baw and announced the good news recently at the National Conference hosted by Mornington Peninsula Shire.  

“I share a strong passion for empowering women from diverse backgrounds and cultures to thrive in their careers and be granted opportunities for leadership development,” says Mayor McCabe. 

“As a Council, we are committed to facing down the challenges and issues facing women within our sector, and to do everything we can to see them overcome. By holding this conference in Baw Baw, we will give a local platform to female leadership, highlight the challenges and issues facing women within our sector and inspire the next generation of female leaders.” 

As a proud member of ALGWA Victoria, Baw Baw Shire Council is pleased to showcase the organisation's commitment to driving real change for women and gender diverse people. 

“Our organisation is actively committed to supporting gender diversity and is aiming to see a greater gender balance,” says Acting CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Leanne Hurst. “Hosting this conference is another opportunity to embed sustainable change within our organisation and the local community. We hope it will inspire women to participate in Local Government and community leadership more broadly.” 

The announcement of Baw Baw Shire as hosts of the 2024 ALGWA Victoria conference follows Council’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women's Charter, and the ongoing efforts to increasing women’s participation in the key decision-making forums across local governments of Victoria.