Victoria’s 32 female mayors have united to speak out against family violence as their record-breaking mayoral terms come to a close.
The election of 32 female mayors in 2016-17 – including Macedon Ranges’ Jennifer Anderson – was the highest number of women elected to the job at one time in Victoria’s history.
It took the mayoral gender balance in the state’s 79 councils up to a ratio of 40-60.
As the election of new mayors unfolds, the women have come together to take a stand against family violence.
“We stand united in our concern about the unacceptable level of family violence in our communities and we hear the victims’ voices,” they said in a joint statement.
“Raising awareness of gender equity is essential to changing attitudes towards women that can lead to disrespect and violence.”
The leaders have called on the wider community to take action on the issue.
“This is an issue we need ALL to take a united stand on as a community,” they said
The mayors asked female politicians to pledge to take a stand on the issue, and called for male politicians and community leaders to continue to stand beside them.
Macedon Ranges council will elect its new mayor for the 2017-18 term at its meeting on Wednesday, November 22.
