Blow to boys

By Jade Lawton
THE two year reign of an exclusively male Cardinia Shire Council may be broken in 2011.
Former Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere has expressed interest in standing for next year’s by-election to replace departing Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson, who resigned from council this month to spend more time with his family.
Cardinia Shire Council has had the dubious honour of being the only metropolitan Melbourne council without a female representative after Ms Lempriere was voted out in 2008.
Ms Lempriere said it was still early but she was giving her return to the council chamber ‘serious consideration.’
“I do think I can contribute once again,” she told the News.
“I’m still very much involved in the local government and I believe I have a lot to contribute to Toomuc Valley, through that region.”
Ms Lempriere is president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and has twice served as mayor of Cardinia Shire. She runs a conveyancing business and is also a wedding celebrant, and she and husband Jeff are involved in the Rotary Club of Pakenham.
Ms Lempriere developed a reputation as a strong-willed and independent councillor during her two consecutive terms.
“I think there will be quite a few people happy to see me back on council, and quite a few people that won’t,” she admitted.
Ms Lempriere said she would like to see a woman take the position, whether it was her or another independently minded female.
“We need to have a more balanced council. I’m not saying men don’t do a good job, but I think women think differently from men, and approach the community in a really different way,” she said.
“I think there are lots of people who may throw their hat in the ring, and I hope women do, not just for this by-election but for the next election as well.”
Cr Pearson has said he will stay in the seat until a by-election is called to avoid a council vacancy.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will determine when the by-election is held, most likely in February or March.