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Country Vice-President, Australian Local Government Women’s Assn NSW
Member of ALGWA NSW over 20 years
I am an experienced Councillor, first elected in 1999, 22 years, serving local
Government in INVERELL SHIRE COUNCIL, a rural council.
Experience - NSW State I have served as: NSW Public Library Vice-President, Regional Development Board member, Joint Regional Planning Panel Member, Country Vice-President ALGWA NSW, Justice of the Peace
Experience - Locally I have served as: Deputy Mayor, Chair of Civil and Environmental Services Committee, Chair of Corporate and Economic Committee, Delegate to the Inverell Library Service and Equestrian Council
Education - most recently, Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Hons), from UNE Armidale, graduated 2014
Awards - received; Bi-Centenary Medal for services to culture and local government and a life membership to NSW Public Libraries and Equestrian Council.
I enthusiastically support women in Local Government. I will bring my experience, knowledge, skills, and contacts to benefit us all.
I was born and raised in Lithgow and have lived in Portland for the past 16 where I am currently raising my two daughters.
I work locally in Lithgow at Revenue NSW and was elected to Lithgow City Council in 2016.
I started advocating for Women and their right to have a voice in 2008, when I was formally elected to the Public Service Association (PSA) Women’s Council which has a proud history of fighting for better conditions for not only women but for all.
Since 2008 within the PSA I have held a number of positions such as Central Councillor and Senior Vice President.
I work hard for my community and I relish in advocating and making a difference, I volunteer for both the Lithgow Show Society and the Country Women Association.
I am a member of the NSW Labor Women’s Forum and Central West Women’s Health Centre board as I believe in the advancement of Women Leaders in all fields.
A greater effort is required to address the gender imbalance and I am willing ,able and passionate to work hard and will relish in the opportunity to work with all women from different backgrounds, experiences and beliefs towards the goal of 50/50 across every Council in NSW.
Amanda Spalding has been a long-term member of ALGWA since she started working in NSW local government in 2000. She has worked in Executive Management in NSW State and Local Government and English Local Government for over 25 years. She has been a General Manager (of Hay Shire) and a Director/Deputy General Manager of Parramatta, Manly, Rockdale, Fairfield and North Lincolnshire Council. She was also CEO of LGMA NSW (now LGPro) and was responsible for the development of the NSW Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government as well as having a leadership role in the development of the Integrated Planning and Reporting reforms. She is a Chartered Accountant.
Amanda has a long track record of volunteering including being Vice President of Womensport NSW, a Director of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, a Director of the Humberside Prince’s Youth Business Trust and is currently the Treasurer of Arts OutWest and is the Chair/Treasurer of Orange Community Broadcasters Ltd.
In 2018 Amanda was named in the Inaugural Top 50 NSW Public Sector Women award recognising women’s inspirational leadership within the public sector.
Amanda runs a management consultancy business that includes coaching and mentoring individuals and grant writing – Amanda Spalding Consulting.
Sera served as a Councillor on Fairfield City Council from 2016-2021, as well as serving as Deputy Mayor in 2018, chairing the Arts Advisory, Multicultural Advisory and Bonnyrigg Town Centre Committees. She joined the ALGWA NSW executive in 2018, and has served as Secretary since 2019, winning the Western Sydney Women "Woman Leader of Change" Award in 2021 for her dedication and commitment to gender equality in local government across NSW.
Sera is the Team Leader for the Capacity Building and Support team at the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association in NSW (MDAA) and is on the National Committee as a Board Member for the Australian Republic Movement. Her previous work included working in legal centres, as an advisor to Members of Parliament, higher education and research, disability royal commission and policy at MDAA as well as taxation. She has completed a Bachelor of Laws/ Social Science (Hons-Distinction) and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and is in her final year of a PhD in Australia's temporary skilled migration program. In her own words: "I hope to inspire all women from all walks of life and backgrounds, to have the tools, guidance and confidence to be able to become leaders in their local communities and many other facets of their lives."
Cr Karen McKeown OAM is currently in her 5th term as a Penrith City Councillor she was Mayor from 2019-2021 & 2015-2016 and Deputy Mayor in 2019-2020 & 2006-07.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Western Sydney University, Majoring in Management with double sub-majors in Law & Employee Relations together with the Executive Certificate for Elected Members from UTS. Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Graduate of Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
Cr McKeown is active in many community organisations and committees including City Vice President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW where she is committed to advancing women in leadership roles.
Cr McKeown is also a Councillor on Hawkesbury River County Council, Director of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, a member of the Local Traffic Committee, Chair of Resilience Committee, Chair of the Community Recovery Taskforce, Chair of the Multicultural Working Party, Director Active Super and Deputy Chair, Director of Local Government NSW, Director Australian Local Government Association.
Cr McKeown is one of Council’s Sustainability Champions and represents Council and the City on environmental topics. She is also passionate about all things Penrith, ending homelessness and providing a voice for our growing multicultural community.
Shellharbour City Council
I have a strong commitment to the local community and have represented the interests of residents in an official capacity for a large part of my life.
I was raised in the Illawarra, attended school at St Anne's College, Dapto and have raised my four children here in the area.
I am passionate about ensuring the fair treatment of all people and the delivery of services to our region, which I have worked to provide as Member for Illawarra (1999-2007), Temporary Chairman of Committees (2003–2007), Member of the NSW Regulation Review Committee (1999–2003), NSW Joint Select Committee on Victims Compensation (1999–2000), Vice Chairman NSW Legislative Review Committee (2003–2004), NSW Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety (Staysafe) (2003–2005) and Chairman NSW Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (2004 – 2007).
Community events are an important part of our social sphere and I have been a member of the Shellharbour City Australia Day Events Committee for more than 15 years
Elected to Council in 1995 my life experiences through travel and my Community Issues within our local government.
My support of public libraries is my priority as I see it has an emphasis on equity and equality and provides an opportunity for everyone to reach their potential.
In celebrating International Women's Day I have been instrumental in now having a collection of media on Women's Mentoring and issues to a value of $4000.
I have also been an executive member of the NSW Mining Related Councils Association for ten years addressing state issues as well as local community issues of mining.
I am currently on the Executive Committee of the Australian Local Government Women’s Assoc NSW. I have been involved since 2006 through to 2021. President, Vice President, then re-elected as a board member March 2021.
Local Gunnedah committees such as, Child Crime Prevention (chair), Mental Health Suicide Prevention (chair), Rural Fire Brigade, Day View member , CWA, Village Homes Committee, Challenge Disability Services, Hospital Advisory Board (chair), Domestic Violence Prevention (chair), Workshop Enterprises Gunnedah
Colleen was winner of Local Government
Rural Regional Councillor in 2010 .
Australian Local Government Women Councillor Runner Up 2012 for her projects for community and was featured in the first book for Women making a difference in Local Government.
Colleen encourages local women to participate in community organisations such as Meals on Wheels, Challenge Disability Services, Day View Club, and is also patron to the Gunnedah Scouts and Gunnedah Group 4 Rugby League Club.
Colleen has been appointed to the Rural Hunter New England State Health Board and was the first to be announced by the Member for Tamworth on the 4th May 2016. Colleen is still involved with this Board today.
Allyson Bradford is a local government officer of over 25 years of experience. Allyson has been a member of ALGWA NSW for 12 years, executive member for 6 years, secretary for 3 years, assistant treasurer for 1 year and recently re-elected on the executive board. Allyson is also currently the National ALGWA secretary.
Allyson has a 35-year career in IT, 23 years in the technical area and 12 years in facilitating projects. Allyson has been responsible for and successfully achieved desired outcomes for a number of major IT projects, including upgrading IT infrastructure services & security systems, writing and implementing IT policies & strategies.
Allyson is currently employed at Blacktown City Council, NSW in the Community unit section as a Social Planner. Allyson is currently responsible for homelessness, charitable foods, material aid, social planning and helps the rest of the team with other similar projects. She is an asset to the team with her knowledge of local government.
Some of Allyson’s many achievements include, a Diploma of Management, Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Training Assessment and currently studying for a Community Services certificate.
Allyson has been a tireless worker in many areas of council with a main focus on improving the conditions of work and empowering women. Allyson is very proactive and has volunteered her own time on the following committees: a member of the BCC ‘Strong Women Influencing Future Trends’ committee. This committee was part of the national framework for Women in Local Government and produced several projects including a documentary showcasing the diverse roles of women at Council.
Allyson was the first-ever woman Chair of the Blacktown City Council Staff Consultative Committee and a staff delegate for 7 years, member of the enterprise agreement committee during which she played a pivotal role in introducing the 16 weeks paid maternity leave and extending parental leave.
Allyson is a long-time member of the United Services Union and was on the United Services Union Women’s committee for 9 years and was also a co-chair of this committee. Which focuses on family and women issues, mentoring, career paths, recognition of skills, domestic violence, women’s conferences and attending parliament.
Allyson has a strong passion for her community, sport, family and social justice and she is a hard-working employee who contributes greatly to her employer and a mother of 2 wonderful daughters.
Engineer – Infrastructure and Asset Manager
Mosman Council
Winner 2018 Marjorie Propsting Scholarship: Defying the stereotype – Leading in a non-traditional role.
“I commenced in the non traditional role of female engineer with work experience at Blacktown at the age of 19, and have worked in this male dominated field at Penrith City Council, the Hills Shire Council, in the private sector, and currently at Mosman Municipal Council.
I want to use the knowledge and skills I obtain to help demonstrate to other women engineers that there are opportunities available to enhance both their personal and professional development and to show that as a female engineer it is not difficult to achieve your goals. Strong women are important. I defied the stigma of working in a male dominated industry and I feel that I have enough experience personally and professionally to now be able to share what difficulties and successes I have had, with like-minded females. This support is important to young women at university level. This is the age of great decision making in their professional development. I believe that as a female Civil Engineer with a WHS qualification I will have more respect in my role, encouraging young women to listen and take on board advice from me.
I am passionate about health care and its delivery to meet the needs of our diverse community. As an elected member of Griffith City Council, I am exposed to the concerns of the community and can understand and represent their views and concerns.
Professional Qualifications
Councillor, Griffith City Council since 2004 (including former Deputy Mayor) (Current) Director – Griffith Health Facilities Limited (Current)
Neways International Australia, Direct Marketer (Current) Justice of the Peace (Current)
Advocate for persons with disabilities and their carers
Skills & Experience
Chair – Local Emergency Management Committee (Griffith City Council) Chair – Communities Management Committee (Griffith City Council) Member – Country Education Foundation
Member – Local Area Health Advisory Board
Member – Murrumbidgee Irrigation
Member – Western Riverina Arts Board
Member – Western Riverina Community Library Management Committee
Member – Griffith Education Foundation Committee
Member – NSW Carers Association and also a Carers Representative of the Association
Australian Red Cross
Soroptimists International – Griffith Branch
Multicultural Disabilities Advocacy Association
Former Member
Greater Southern Area Health Services Advisory Council
Former business owner (hair and beauty salon)
Competencies
Confident and experienced
Community orientated Board Member and Councillor Extensive people , business and networking skills Experienced public speaker
Experienced lobbyist at Local, State and Federal levels (specifically health and disabilities)
Other Information
Fluent in Italian
Born to Greek parents (and speaking fluent Greek) I was raised in Bondi in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. I now live in Holsworthy within the Liverpool LGA with my husband and 5 fur babies.
My background is customer service within the federal and state Public Service, working for the Department of Local Government and Shires Association, The Premier’s Department, The State Archives Department and The Department of Industrial Relations as well as The Defence Housing Authority. I have also worked for the NRMA and worked for 13 years as a bilingual customer service officer for Centrelink before leaving my desk job and moving on to public speaking.
I am also a woman living with a significant physical disability and I get about in a motorised wheelchair as I have since I was a small child.
I have previously run for federal, state and local government elections as I strongly believe there should be a higher percentage of women who also live with a disability elected in all types of government. With this in mind, I will be running as an Independent candidate in the Liverpool City Council elections in September.
From 2013 to 2016, I served as a Living Life My Way Ambassador for the Department of Ageing and Disability promoting disability rights via speaking engagements at workshops, conferences and seminars and appearing in several YouTube videos, newspaper articles and TV segments. This required me to travel around various parts of NSW.
I currently serve on 3 Liverpool Council committees (the Liverpool Access Committee, the Liverpool Environment Advisory Committee, and the Liverpool Civic Advisory Committee) and have been for a number of years as well as regularly attending Council Residents Group meetings.
I have previously served a number of years on the Management Committee of the Animal Justice Party NSW Branch where I also served as acting Convenor.
I am also currently serving on our local Special Religious Education (SRE) Board.
I am passionate about raising awareness for people living with disabilities, particularly women, our environment and animal welfare and I would love to see my community, as indeed everywhere, living in an environment that is accessible, equitable, clean, green and safe. I enjoy being active in my local church and I love dining out, going to the beach and seeing new places.
My strong sense of fairness and just treatment of our community and to ensure good and fair delivery of services, to see our community grow stronger led me to join Local Government, I was elected to Griffith City Council in September 2016.
I am a partner in a successful building business for the last 48 years as well as serving on many sporting and school committees as president and vice president. I have also worked as a Personal Assistance in a real estate company, a Community Health Educator/Nutrition with Griffith Community Health Centre, assistant in a family Graphic Design business and ran my deep tissue therapy business. However, all my life I’ve had this passion to help people and this passion encouraged me 20 years ago to become a counsellor and mediator. My aim has been to encouraging and support women on a journey of discovering who they really are by guiding them to look deep inside, and find that strong, powerful woman that has been buried deep for too long!
Committees and Associations I am involved in; -
Griffith Spring Fest Committee
Business Development and Major Projects Committee
Griffith CBD Upgrade Committee
Griffith Tourism and Events Committee
Griffith Community Centre Committee
Griffith Cemetery Working Group
Griffith Christmas Working Group
Suicide Prevention Committee
Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment Committee
Griffith Country Education Foundation
On the Board of The Australian Man Cave (Supporting men to reduce the suicide rate)
Griffith Women in Business
Justice of the Peace Association
I am passionate about making a difference to better the lives of others and was elected to Ku-ring-gai Council in Nov 2018 in a by-election. I have a strong community focus and advocacy for supporting services in mental health, disability, youth suicide, domestic violence prevention and urban wildlife protection.
I am currently involved and volunteer with many local community groups including Girl Guides, Rotary, Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, Triple H Community Radio, Wildthings NSW, Homelessness Task Force and Toastmasters; as well as a number of internal Council committees including the Community Safety Precinct Committee, KYDS and NSROC.
I have a professional background in banking and finance, business development, project management, events, transport, tourism and small business.
I am a member of the Liberal Women’s Council Executive and Chair of the More Liberal Women for Local Government Committee. I am looking forward to working with the ALGWA executive team to increase our current representation overall of women in local government positions and working towards the 50/50 target across all Councils in NSW.
