Council
13 March, 2026
Mayor graduates politics program
CORANGAMITE Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin was among a strong number of women graduating from a recent politics program.
The Pathways to Politics program, administered in Victoria by the University of Melbourne, aims to increase the number of women in Australian politics through training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support.
The program marked 10 years last year, with Cr Makin among the alumni for the year.
“The Pathways to Politics program is about equipping women with the knowledge, networks and confidence to participate in public life,” she said.
“For those of us from regional and rural communities, opportunities like this are incredibly valuable.
“It allows rural women to connect with leaders from across the country, share experiences and better understand how politics works at local, state and federal levels.”
Cr Makin said the experience had been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
“I feel incredibly proud and honoured to have completed the program,” she said.
“It was a unique opportunity to step back and really understand the landscape of politics across all three levels of government.
“One of the most special parts of the program was the connections and friendships that formed along the way.
“Bringing together women who are passionate about their communities creates a really powerful network that will continue long after the course has finished.”
Cr Makin said programs like Pathways to Politics play an important role in strengthening representation and ensuring women from regional and rural areas have a voice in shaping Australia’s future.
“It’s programs like this that help open doors and encourage women to put themselves forward, particularly those from rural communities who may not always see themselves reflected in political leadership,” she said.
“It’s a great program and I highly recommend anyone to put their application in.”
Applications to attened thsi year’s program closes on April 30.
Information on how to apply can be found at trawalla.smartygrants.com.au.
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