At its regular meeting this week, Council appointed members to the Gender Equity Advisory Committee.
The aim of the Gender Equity Advisory Committee (GEAC) is to provide Council with advice on improving Gender Equity within the Hepburn Shire Council and Community. It is an advisory committee, not a decision-making body, which will make recommendations to Council and provide advice on improving gender equity within Council and the community.
Community members appointed to EAC are Lynda Poke, Suzanne Dyson, Mika Pediaditis, Devon Taylor, Petra Bueskens, Lindy Churches, Isabelle Dupre, Michael Veal, Mara Macs and Maia Irell.
Gender Equity entails the provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities on the bases of gender. The concept recognises that people may have different needs and power related to their gender and that these differences should be identified and addressed in a manner that rectifies gender related imbalances. The objectives of the Committee are:
  • to advocate for gender equity within the Hepburn community and beyond,
  • to provide feedback and advice to Council on the gender equity implications of its policies, plans and services, and
  • to contribute to the promotion of Council and community collaborations that support and promote gender equity.