By Staff Writer

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association former national president, Kaele Way, has received an award in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

She has been appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to local government and the community.

Way is currently chair of ALGWA’s National Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Framework for Women in Local Government, known as The Way Forward.

ALGWA National President, Darriea Turley, said Way has provided “leadership and guidance to women throughout Australia encouraging and supporting women’s participation and involvement in local government”.

“Women are still greatly under represented in local government and Mrs Way has worked tirelessly at federal, state and local levels to ensure that issues that affect women’s low participation in Australian local government are addressed and the recommendations of ALGWA’s research in The Way Forward has been implemented by all local authorities – including mentoring programmes,” Turley said.

“Not only have women in the community been encouraged to stand for election but also female officers in decision making positions have been encouraged to strive for higher level management positions.”