By shaping a more welcoming and diverse workplace we'll be able to build an inclusive and fairer culture in the community through the City's policies programs and services.

Greater Geelong has a long history of trailblazing community members who have pushed to improve opportunities for women. Mrs Zillah Crawcour became Geelong's first female councillor in 1957 and since then women have remained active in local government representing the needs of the community.

While we're yet to hit equal representation on Council the City has reached parity within its senior leadership group and continues to implement primary prevention programs and initiatives at a grassroots level.

In 2019 Council endorsed Ba - gurrk: A gender equity framework for the Greater Geelong Region and the organisation has since trialled gender impact assessments and a partial workplace gender audit as part of a Victorian Government pilot.

We have made strong progress but as we know there is more to do. We promise not to rest on our laurels.

This action plan maps out an exciting way forward in challenging gender stereotypes and unconscious bias and removing barriers.

We will continue to create safe places empower females of all ages and advocate loudly for women.