SUE Clarke AM has been appointed as the first independent chair of the Greater Bendigo Gender Equity Coalition.
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The body is a collective of 34 organisations and groups dedicated to advancing gender equity and the prevention of violence against women in Greater Bendigo.
Ms Clarke - who is currently involved with Bendigo Foodshare, the Zonta Club of Bendigo, and Bendigo UFS - was selected to chair the coalition after a competitive application process.
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"I'm excited to be part of the process," she said. "Bendigo has such a great collaborative culture so I thought this might be a great time to share some of my experience over the years.
"I'm hoping I can add some value to that process."
Her achievements include being head of Bendigo Community Health Services for 11 years and the chair of Haven; Home, Safe.
Ms Clarke said she would use that experience to help progress the work the coalition had already done over the past 18 months.
"We're looking at three elements," she said. "We need to think of structural change so people are employed and considered within the community.
"The plan also talks about engagement - talking, listening, and learning. The other part is some of the pilot programs that they have underway.
"But I'm keen to consider how we can integrate those into conversations with the community. I'm keen to listen and learn, and hopefully I can add something to the process."
Ms Clarke said she would start meeting with the coalition's small coordination group from next month.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Jennifer Alden said Ms Clarke was a great fit for the role.
"There is still much work to do to ensure shared benefit and opportunity for all," Cr Alden said.
"We look forward to having Sue at the helm as the Gender Equity Strategy is implemented through strong community engagement, building and maintaining partnerships, and advocacy."
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