Our History
The Australian Local Government Women's Association Inc
The national association had its beginnings in Canberra on 15 October 1951 when 16 local government women drawn from all States of Australia attended the Jubilee Women's Convention in the Jubilee Year of the Commonwealth of Australia. Among the first Vice-presidents was Councillor Ethel E. Wache, Noarlunga Council, South Australia.
The Association now has all Australian states and the Northern Territory as member Branches federated through a common National Constitution with a National Board. The National Board is a collaborative body comprised of membership from each of the state branches, and seeks to strengthen networking, mentoring and innovative opportunities that encourage and support women in local government. It holds a Biennial Annual General meeting and conference. which has been held every year since 1966.
More History information at: www.algwa.net.au/about/
The Association now has all Australian states and the Northern Territory as member Branches federated through a common National Constitution with a National Board. The National Board is a collaborative body comprised of membership from each of the state branches, and seeks to strengthen networking, mentoring and innovative opportunities that encourage and support women in local government. It holds a Biennial Annual General meeting and conference. which has been held every year since 1966.
More History information at: www.algwa.net.au/about/
ALGWA SA Branch Inc was formed in 1964 when there were only nine women elected to councils throughout South Australia.The Branch lapsed and was re-formed as an incorporated association in October 2005 with a Commonwealth Government’s Women’s Leadership and Development grant through national ALGWA.
Ellinor Gertrude Walker 1930 [State Library of South Australia [B 7327]
ALGWA SA founding members included Ellinor Gertrude Walker O.B.E as first President.
She was awarded an O.B.E. in 1971 and died in 1990 aged 97.
Ellinor wrote the draft of the The Guardianship of Infants Act 1941 which gave mothers equal rights with fathers in relation to children for the first time in South Australia.
Elizabeth Furner began taking an interest in both writing and local government, stimulated by her disgust about the discriminatory franchise laws.
Elizabeth joined the Australian Local Government Women's Association, rising quickly to President of the South Australian Branch, and did much public speaking as well as standing for council in North Brighton. http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0690b.htm
Elizabeth joined the Australian Local Government Women's Association, rising quickly to President of the South Australian Branch, and did much public speaking as well as standing for council in North Brighton. http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0690b.htm
ALGWA SA inaugural Executive Ctee 2005: L-R Cr Irene Whennan, Jo Manual, Julie Kerr, Mayor Kristina Barnett, Cr Fiona Barr.
Cr Iris MacDonald (former Henley & Grange Council) was one of the first Board members of ALGWA SA and State President 1970-1974 and National President 1972- 1974. Last known records show that in 1996, Cr Debbie Wood was President, Julie Greig MP was Secretary and Alderman Yvonne Caddy was Treasurer.
Re-formed ALGWA SA Branch: October 2005
The following people were elected to formerly start a branch in South Australia:
The inaugural President was Kristina Barnett (Prospect Councillor 1987-2006/ 2009- current; Mayor 2000-2006; Local Government Association SA State Executive Committee 2003-2006). Kristina was awarded the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal in 2001 for services to local government and the community.
The interim committee was
President: Mayor Kristina Barnett, Prospect Council
Vice President (Metro): Cr Fiona Barr, Port AdelaideEnfield Council & national delegate
Vice President (Metro): Cr Irene Whennan, Marion Council
Vice President (Rural): Mayor Joy Baluch, Port Augusta Council
Vice President (Rural): Cr Mary Beckett, Alexandrina Council
Secretary: Julie Kerr,Local Government Managers Association SA Division
Treasurer : Jo Manuel, Public Library
Cr Sandra Brown: Onkaparinga Council & national delegate
Cr Betty Gill: Salisbury Council
Cr Miriam Smith:Tea Tree Gully Council
Cr Heather Wright:Walkerville Council
Faye Barrett: Office of Local Government
Renee Harrison: Office of Local Government
Ann Blinman: East Waste Management
Anne Petch: Adelaide Council
Re-formed ALGWA SA Branch: October 2005
The following people were elected to formerly start a branch in South Australia:
The inaugural President was Kristina Barnett (Prospect Councillor 1987-2006/ 2009- current; Mayor 2000-2006; Local Government Association SA State Executive Committee 2003-2006). Kristina was awarded the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal in 2001 for services to local government and the community.
The interim committee was
President: Mayor Kristina Barnett, Prospect Council
Vice President (Metro): Cr Fiona Barr, Port AdelaideEnfield Council & national delegate
Vice President (Metro): Cr Irene Whennan, Marion Council
Vice President (Rural): Mayor Joy Baluch, Port Augusta Council
Vice President (Rural): Cr Mary Beckett, Alexandrina Council
Secretary: Julie Kerr,Local Government Managers Association SA Division
Treasurer : Jo Manuel, Public Library
Cr Sandra Brown: Onkaparinga Council & national delegate
Cr Betty Gill: Salisbury Council
Cr Miriam Smith:Tea Tree Gully Council
Cr Heather Wright:Walkerville Council
Faye Barrett: Office of Local Government
Renee Harrison: Office of Local Government
Ann Blinman: East Waste Management
Anne Petch: Adelaide Council