Celebrating the Women at RDA
In celebration of International Women’s Day, RDAMIW would like to give recognition and express our gratitude to the incredible women serving on our committee. As leaders in our community, they play a vital role in our success, and our endeavour to make the voice of our region heard.
Meet the women that make things happen
Karen May – Committee Member
Councillor Karen May’s vast local government experience, which totals more than 16 years, will hold her in good stead for her role as Deputy Mayor in the current council. She is a strong advocate for issues in our region and played a leading role in recovery from Cyclone Debbie and bushfires and is Deputy Chair of the Mackay Region Local Disaster Management Committee.
What leadership roles do you currently fulfil in our community?
I am Karen May, Deputy Mackay Regional Council, and l am committed to delivering a strong voice for the Mackay Region. I currently have the privilege of representing council in several different organisations such as:
Regional Development Australia Board
Mackay Regional Housing Company
Greater Whitsunday Communities
Sarina Landcare, Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group
North Queensland Bulk Ports Community Reference Group
Dalrymple Bay Community Reference Group
Character and Heritage Advisory Committee
Regional Arts Development Advisory Committee
Invest Mackay Advisory Committee
Sustainability & Environment Advisory Committee.
Also, in a volunteer capacity, I Chair the Community Bank Sarina Board (Sarina & District Community Financial Services Ltd) and Mackay Women’s Service board. I have also been a small business owner for the past 24 years.
What does the 2021 International Women’s Day mean to you?
I love International Women’s Day as this gives us a chance to celebrate the contribution that women make to our region. It is great when we all come together and discuss how things are going in their neck of the woods. I love the support that women give each other, share ideas - what has worked and not worked for us. Having a women’s perspective around the board or committee table brings a very diverse view on matters. It is essential to have both male and female voices at the table. This ensures that you are making the best decision possible.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
When I first became elected to the Sarina Shire Council back in the year 2000. I was the only female councillor from 6 councillors, the Mayor, five executive managers and the CEO. Back then, local governments were very male-dominated organisations. I felt I had to know more and do more than the men to ensure my voice was heard. I have learnt over the years that you need to make sure you do your research so that when you speak, you can speak with confidence. I have also learnt to be courageous and not shy away from the hard decision that you sometimes must make. I think women have a definite advantage to be able to express their view with care, integrity, and passion.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?
I would encourage women thinking about standing for local government to believe in themself, and their ability to do the job. Make sure you take the time to investigate what is involved in the role. Don’t come with a view that you can fix everything for everybody. Be a visionary and strategic thinker. When you speak, you should speak from your heart, learn to identify opportunities and make sure you take advantage of them. You need to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and don’t be frightened to seek advice and support from others. You may be the elected representative, however, it is very important your family is supportive, otherwise, it would be hard to manage the role.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
I believe that it is very important for women to support each other through the journey of life. One thing women are good at is talking to each other about a whole range of different things. You can draw strength from each other, share knowledge, work and life experiences.
“We all need to build our own toolbox of support and resources to enable us to deliver the best version of ourselves.”
Janet Clifford – Secretary
As an elected councillor of Whitsunday Regional Council for over a decade, Janet has been involved in many of the Whitsundays’ major projects that have had extensive engagement within the community. Janet is currently Chair of the Whitsunday Housing Committee, a not for profit company that manages emergency, transitional and long-term social housing throughout the Whitsundays. She is a State executive member for Australian Local Government Women’s Association, National Executive member for ALGWA representing Queensland and Director of the National Rural Women’s Coalition. She is also a Director of Reef Catchments Limited and, prior to her election, successfully ran her own tourism, sales and marketing business. Over the past 25 years of living in the Whitsundays, Janet has formed a strong knowledge of the region and its’ sectors, and is dedicated to serving the community.
What leadership roles do you currently fulfill in our community?
I was re-elected for my fourth term as the councillor for division 1 with the Whitsunday Regional Council. As such, I sit on numerous boards and committees which are as varied as the wonderful region we live in. Sports park, Housing, PCYC, Australian Local Government Women’s Association both State and National, the National Rural Women’s Coalition, Chair of the Environmental Disaster Recovery Group and more.
What does the 2021 International Women’s Day mean to you?
The day when we as women can celebrate how far we have come.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
There has been some bias from some people but overall being a woman councillor in today’s landscape, is not as confronting as when I started working many years ago. Half the pay packet of men doing the same or similar work, no maternity leave and limited chance of promotion or recognition.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?
Grow a thick skin, develop a keen sense of humour, do your homework, don’t back down, be consistent in your actions and words. Finally, if you make a mistake - own it.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
I think it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said (or words to the effect), “there is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women”.
“Don’t let anyone steal your dreams and it’s never too late to follow them.”
Gina Lacey – Committee Member
Councillor Gina Lacey has lived in Moranbah for 46 years, and was re-elected to represent Division 3 in 2020, making it her fifth term on Council. She was elected a member of the Belyando Shire Council in 2004 and in 2008 elected to represent her division with the Isaac Regional Council.
Councillor Lacey worked for the CFMEU for 15 years and has been a small business owner for 10 years. Married to Clint, they have two children. Councillor Lacey quotes her late father and well-known local, Pat Hannay, as the most significant influence on her ideology, and is ultimately driven by the principles of equity, fairness and common sense. An active and engaged Councillor who values her years of experience, Councillor Lacey is never afraid to challenge the status quo and genuinely values diverse thinking in decision making. She is a keen rugby league supporter and spectator, a proud local and is determined to advocate for Moranbah, Isaac and everyone’s rights to have a say in their community’s future.
What does the 2021 International Women’s Day mean to you?
A great time to reflect and assess the value of my personal contributions. More importantly, it’s a perfect time every year to consider the strategic role we need to play in the future of our community and society as a whole.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I faced barriers of both physical and mental health in my career, just like most, but a gender barrier is not something I can identify with. Probably the biggest barriers I have had to contend with are being underestimated due to a lack of formal education and almost a disregard for a valued perspective, having lived in a small, regional mining community for most of my life.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?
A balanced gender perspective around any decision-making table is the best chance of getting the best outcome. Back yourself. Have a go and do what men are really good at, and put your hand up for growth experience. Be brave.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It is a really important part of the puzzle, that will lead to genuine equality. It’s important for everyday women like me, who hold leadership roles to share their stories of being imperfect, of trying and failing, and of stepping up to question the status quo. The struggle is real, but it’s real for everyone, regardless of gender – don’t wait for things to be perfect.
Maree Franettovich – Committee Member
Maree has a longstanding professional interest in regional capacity building, with a passion for business and people.
Having applied her professional expertise across a diverse range of industries, including federal parliament, tourism, finance, health, agribusiness, recruitment, career development, transport and logistics, Maree is a highly sought-after consultant and committee/board member.
What leadership roles do you currently fulfil in our community?
Committee Member RDA Greater Whitsundays
Deputy Chair & Company Secretary Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank
Director Reef Catchments Inc
Director Mackay Regional Housing Company / Connect Housing
What does the 2021 International Women’s Day mean to you?
Opportunity to celebrate contribution of women to our community (and particularly those who quietly go about their business every day in their roles - work and home). Also, opportunity to reflect more personally on the women who have made an impact in my life and at the top of my list would be my Mum.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I have been very fortunate as I have progressed through my career. That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges. It’s important to persist (have someone or a circle who will support you and encourage and tell you the hard stuff you might not want to hear - in your interests of course). One of the main barriers and particularly so early on in your career is about establishing your ‘value’ (to yourself) as well as to others in professional setting.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?
My advice is not specific to my field as such - make the most of opportunity and give things a go at various life stages - you have to be able to see opportunity (and be OK that you are not sure how it will turn out). Back yourself; Find that trusted advisor/s; ask for advice from trusted sources. You need someone who believes in you. Celebrate your achievements no matter how small. Be sure to have some fun along the way.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Important to be a ‘positive’ contributor and do what you can to assist those you encounter on their journey. It may just be a kind word of encouragement.