Hobsons Bay City Councillor Luba Grigorovitch and Laverton resident Colleen Gates will both run for election next month. 86572 Picture: CHELSEA HATHERALL
By ALESHA CAPONE
A PAIR of passionate women have encouraged their fellow females to stand for the upcoming Victorian council elections.
With voting set to start next month, Hobsons Bay City Councillor Luba Grigorovitch and Laverton resident Colleen Gates will both contest the Wetlands ward.
Cr Grigorovitch is a Labor-endorsed candidate and Ms Gates is an independent but they both would like to see more women representing their communities.
In addition Cr Grigorovitch is the council’s Women’s Advisory Committee chairperson.
In this role she has invited female residents to attend a council meeting on Tuesday 11 September and a meet-and-greet session afterwards.
“In my opinion, equity is the best way of serving our community,” Ms Grigorovitch said.
Ms Gates said representation in government should mirror the diversity of the ratepayers.
“I also believe that our elected councillors will need to demonstrate that they are dedicated to equality, ready to listen and passionate about community needs, regardless of gender,” she said.
Both of the women are busy preparing for October’s election.
Cr Grigorovitch said she was excited about the challenges posed by the recent Victorian Electoral Commission’s decision to change Hobsons Bay’s council wards.
“There is much that needs attention in Seabrook and Laverton,” Ms Grigorovitch said.
“I am up for the challenge and more than capable of addressing the tasks ahead.
“Being a councillor allows a person the honour of making a difference in the community they represent.”
Ms Gates is chairperson of the Laverton Community Association and involved in the Laverton Community Renewal Program.
Ms Gates said she would like to see improvements to the Point Cook-Central Avenue roundabout, increased accessibility to public transport and adequate bus services in the municipality.
Anyone intersted in attending the Hobsons Bay City Council meeting on Tuesday 11 September at 7pm can RSVP to Andrea Agius, 9932 1044 by 10 September.
