Champions for Gender Equity

For over two decades, South Australian local government has been committed to gender equity, recognising its business, cultural, and community benefits. While progress has been made, the LG Professionals SA Board has made this an ongoing priority, establishing the Local Government Champions for Gender Equity Working Group in 2024. 

The purpose of the Working Group is to:

• Support the local government sector to demonstrate courage and leadership in advancing gender equity
• Advocate for, promote, and inspire progress in gender equity
• Identify and implement gender equity principles and actions
• Support local government to align efforts with the strategic directions of the United Nations and federal and state governments
• Improve visibility of local government progress in achieving gender equity.

We are pleased to introduce the Working Group to you, passionate volunteers aiming to drive real and lasting change across the sector.

Meet your Champions for Gender Equity

Heather Barclay
Chief Executive Officer
Rural City of Murray Bridge
h.barclay@murraybridge.sa.gov.au

Abby Dickson
Director Corporate Services
City of Port Adelaide Enfield
abby.dickson@cityofpae.sa.gov.au

Julia Grant
Chief Executive Officer
City of Burnside
jgrant@burnside.sa.gov.au

Ben Gower
Chief Executive Officer
Wattle Range Council
bjg@wattlerange.sa.gov.au

Michelle Hammond
General Manager Community Connections
Campbelltown City Council
mhammond@campbelltown.sa.gov.au

Michelle Kennedy
General Manager Natural and Built Environment
City of West Torrens
mkennedy@wtcc.sa.gov.au

Victoria MacKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
City of Victor Harbor
vmackirdy@victor.sa.gov.au

Bridget Mather
Interim Chief Executive Officer District Council of Tumby Bay

Matt Pears
Chief Executive Officer
City of Mitcham
mpears@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Farlie Taylor
Director City Strategy, Community and Culture
City of Prospect
farlie.taylor@prospect.sa.gov.au

Karen Teaha
Acting Chief Executive Officer
LGA South Australia
karen.teaha@lga.sa.gov.au

Thuyen Vi-Alternetti
General Manager Infrastructure and Environment
Rural City of Murray Bridge
t.vi-alternetti@murraybridge.sa.gov.au