Deputy reaches out to help

By Lia Bichel
WOMEN from the Inner Wheel Club of Berwick and Narre Warren gathered at Pin Oaks Receptions in Hallam on Monday to network, discuss business, and be inspired.
Guest speaker Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne Susan Riley, spoke to the group about overcoming challenges to achieve success.
Councillor Riley left school at the age of 15 before working as a journalist in Dandenong, starting her own publishing company, and eventually becoming the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
She now juggles life as a wife, grandmother, and businesswoman with her council responsibilities.
She said she became involved in the council after being approached by former Mayor John So.
“I made postcards as part of our campaign and I doorknocked. Everyone who had questions, John went and spoke to them directly,” she said. “It was very humbling and I was privileged to have the opportunity to represent the people.”
Cr Riley said highlights of her first term as Deputy Mayor included reaching out to women in business.
Cr Riley continues to reach out to women in business as her role as Deputy Mayor to current Melbourne Mayor Robert Doyle. “I enjoy every challenge the constituents throw at us, and I am fortunate that we have a strong CEO and great city to promote,” she said. “It’s a huge challenge but I am always up for anything that comes up. We have a team which is committed. We are united.”
Rotary Club of Narre Warren President Roger Hall also attended the event and handed over a cheque after the groups contributions to the Highland Gathering event and $1600 raised from a recent sausage sizzle.