Central Coast Council’s new Status of Women Advisory Group includes five women from the former Wyong local government area.
The new Advisory Group was formally recognised at a special function on Monday, March 5. Members of the Group will provide advice, advocate and raise awareness of issues that affect women on the Central Coast, as well as promote local networks and events that celebrate women in the community. Council Director, Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council was overwhelmed by the response from the community to be part of a group to empower and support women across the Coast. “We received a large number of applications from women wanting to step up and represent women on the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said. “The ten successful applicants bring with them a vast range of skills and experience and represent a diverse range of backgrounds, age groups and areas of the Central Coast.
“The Group will identify strategies to develop social, economic and personal leadership opportunities for women.” Councillor Lisa Matthews will chair the Central Coast Status of Women Advisory Group and will be joined by fellow Councillors and Julie Vaughan, as well as the successful ten members of the community. Community representatives from the north of the new Central Coast LGA are Ms Christine Arnaldi from Hamlyn Terrace, Ms Danielle Habib of Chittaway Point, Ms Sharryn Brownlee of Woongarrah, Ms Margot Castles of Shelly Beach and Ms Courtney Jones of Toukley. Other members of the Status of Women Advisory Group are Clrs Holstein, Hogan, Pilon, MacGregor and Vincent, Ms Sharon Walsh of Saratoga, Ms Miranda Cashin of Avoca Beach, Ms Belinda Kimpton of Wyoming, Ms Sally Jope of Umina Beach, and Ms Danielle Hobday of Mangrove Mountain.
Mayor Jane Smith said with International Women’s Day being celebrated on Thursday, March 8, this is the perfect time to announce the new Advisory Group for women on the Coast. “The Status of Women Advisory Group will work to foster participation from women to establish networks, create and participate in organised women’s events and promote a regional focus,” Mayor Smith said. “We want to see the Status of Women Advisory Group develop connections and networks across the Coast, as well as promote women in leadership positions, and I think the Group we have selected will do just that.”
Source: Media release, Mar 5 Central Coast Council media