THE local government election is fast approaching, and new candidates are preparing to take on a leadership position as a Councillor of the Bass Coast Shire; meanwhile, Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve has announced that she will be stepping down this October and instead taking on a mentoring position to support women in politics as part of the national Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA).
Using your voice is an important part of spreading purpose, and Cr Le Serve will network with like-minded women through the ALGWA in order help to build confidence in those wanting to stand for local government.
“After 12 years of service within Council, I believe the chamber is ready for new eyes and a fresh perspective,” she said.
“It’s important to leave a positive mark on the community, whilst too ensuring council is well-represented.”
Cr Le Serve ran for local government with a vision to advocate for the water line community children’s centre and gain better access to services up in the north end of the shire, she too fought for the farmers – having a farming background herself.
“The farmers are the ones that work the land, protect the environment and support the food supply. More still needs to be done to support our farming community with a better rating system so that we don’t rate them out of existence,” said Cr Le Serve.
“To me, that’s an important next step that we need to take. In my time we were able to achieve an 80 per cent differential rate for farmers and continue the rural land rebate program.”
Cr Le Serve shared that she has learnt a lot in her 12 years servicing the community, she has met so many incredible people and had an experience like no other.
“There is always unfinished business,” she said. However, instead of standing for Council in this year’s election – in August Cr Le Serve will be participating in the training program to become a Master Mentor.
The ALGWA Master Mentoring program will run over four weeks and formed to support women’s participation in local government, emphasising inclusivity and diversity.
This training will then assist Cr Le Serve in further supporting and guiding women through their election campaign – helping them to build confidence and further develop time management skills all whilst providing valuable insight and firsthand knowledge.
Cr Le Serve explained that there is a need for truth-telling and community support, and by taking part in this mentor program, she hopes to
empower women to lead.
“Over the years, I’ve had three terms of government, and therefore have been introduced to many different people, from different aspects of life and together we have learnt from one other.”
As a Master Mentor Cr Le Serve hopes to encourage and prepare women for a career in politics.
“Once you’re elected, you become a part of a team – one that needs to learn to collaborate, and together learn of people’s differences. Be respectful on that journey and that will set you up for being a good councillor,” she said.
Cr Le Serve shared that it was important for her to leave council in a better place than when she started, and she believes this to be true – sharing that it has been a privilege and great honour to lead the community.
The Bass Coast Shire Council will go into caretaker mode as of September 17, providing all candidates a fair campaign for the October election. Cr Le Serve invites anyone to contact her directly if they have any questions about becoming a candidate.
Mayor Cr Le Serve will finish with the Bass Coast Shire Council on
October 26.