Published on Wednesday, 14 June 2023 at 7:48:18 AM
Two female leaders at the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder have won a prestigious national award for their local government work in the community development sector.
The City’s Director of Community Development Mia Hicks and Manager of Community Development Lauren Chapman-Holle have jointly won the Women in Local Government category of the 2023 National Awards for Local Government.
The annual awards highlight initiatives implemented by local governments that are innovative, make a difference in their local communities, display excellence, and have outcomes that are replicable across the country.
The Women in Local Government Award recognises outstanding female leaders making a positive difference in their local government and community, and who advocate for gender equality, women’s rights, and representation in the workplace.
The announcement was made on the first day of this year’s Local Government Week conference in Canberra (13-16 June), where Mrs Hicks and Ms Chapman-Holle were presented their Award by the Hon Minister Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
Mrs Hicks and Ms Chapman-Holle said they were humbled by their nomination and success, and that it was a privilege to work in community development at the City.
“We are so thankful to the community for the votes and most importantly for the recognition of women in local government for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” said Mrs Hicks.
“The City is extremely supportive of women advancing their careers in this valued industry, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be doing what I love as a job.”
“I work with so many other amazing women at the City and we’re making some real inroads for the betterment of residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder – we’re really smashing out some goals.”
“It’s exciting to have the ability to really make a difference in people’s lives. I’m so proud of our Community Development team.”
Ms Chapman-Holle said it was an honour to be recognised by the community and peers for the work that we do.
“Community Development plays such a vital role in helping make Kalgoorlie-Boulder such a wonderful place to live, especially as it is such a female-dominated sector.”
“Having spent my career in local government with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, it is fantastic to see how far the industry has progressed, and how supported women in our industry are.”
“Being able to support staff while they help our community has been a real highlight of my work. It’s a privilege seeing the difference community development makes to all sectors of our community,” said Ms Chapman-Holle.
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chief Executive Officer Andrew Brien said the City was proud of Mrs Hicks and Ms Chapman-Holle’s work and success.
“Mia and Lauren have significant local government experience and play an important part in the work the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder does.”
“Mia and Lauren are passionate, powerful advocates for our community. We value their work, and they exemplify the strong work being done by women in local government.”
Hear from Lauren and Mia
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