A group advocating for more diversity and more women on Northern Grampians Shire Council last week announced seven candidates would contest next month’s council elections.

The More Women for Council – NGS group formed in support of current councillor Lauren Dempsey, who publicly called out an alleged culture of disrespect behind closed doors at the council earlier this year.

Cr Dempsey and Cr Karen Hyslop, the only current female councillors, are part of the group.

Last week the pair announced they would stand for re-election in October, while fellow group members John Farrell, Jenny Greenberger, Justine Hide, Karen Probst and Lisa Whyte also signalled their intention to run.

Nominations for local government elections, which will take place across Victoria next month, opened on September 9.

More Women for Council – NGS spokesperson Jenny Greenberger said the candidates were a diverse group with had passion and experience.

She said the candidates chose to launch their campaign together because they shared a vision of promoting gender balance and diversity for better representation on council.

Ms Greenberger said all seven candidates believed equal participation of women and men in politics was an important goal for effective democracy, good governance and strengthening communities.

“We all support the initiative of the More Women for Council – NGS interest group, which promotes putting the unity back into community by offering choice and diversity,” she said.

“It is time for new beginnings with fresh ideas and fresh energy.”

Ms Greenberger said suggestions that More Women for Council – NGS was pursuing an all-female council were false.

“More women does not mean all women as has been suggested by some community members,” she said.

People can find more information about More Women for Council – NGS by searching for More-W4C-NGS on Facebook. A website at www.more-w4c-ngs.info is in development.

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