Women to outnumber men in Unley Council chambers
'There is a changing of the guard in Unley.
Four men – Don Palmer, Michael Rabbit, Michael Hudson and Peter Hughes – all returning councillors, have been elected, alongside new Mayor Michael Hewitson.
Speaking in 2017, Cr Boisvert described Unley as a “retired gentlemen’s club” that did not represent the views of its residents.
She said a lack of gender diversity in local government was “silencing” the views of women in the community.
“A recent email from a constituent described the council as ‘unprogressive old men pursuing their own agenda’,” a post to her personal website at the time read.
“I sometimes refer to my colleagues as a retired gentlemen’s club but I do my best to work cohesively.
“However, it is evident to anyone that attends the meetings that we do not reflect our demographic.”
On her blog page yesterday, Cr Boisvert posted: “Yesterday’s vote count saw a change in he face of council. Eight women were elected!!”
Listing all the winning elected members, she also posted: “I’m certainly looking forward to working with these people for the next four years.”
The Local Government Association of SA this year rolled out targeted election promotion material with an “emphasis” on encouraging under-represented groups particularly women, culturally and ethnically diverse communities, Aboriginal people and young people run for councils.
Meanwhile, Unley Council communications officer Erin Thompson has been elected as Mayor of Onkaparinga Council. She intended to take on the mayoral role full time.'
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