Diverse women from across Queensland gathered at QUT’s Gardens Point Campus this month to begin the Pathways to Politics for Women program.
Since launching at QUT in 2020, Pathways to Politics has seen remarkable success in Queensland. This year has been particularly significant, with 26 alums running in the March local government elections and 13 winning their seats, including two who were elected as mayors.
We were excited to be joined by 9 of these alums during the first weekend of the program, to welcome the 2024 cohort and share their journeys from the Pathways to Politics program to political office.
Having already connected online, the 2024 QUT cohort was eager to share their stories, hear from others, and absorb insights from our speakers as they begin mapping their own pathways to office.
The weekend began with participants reflecting on what they wished to gain from the program, as well as hearing from alums about how to make the most of the program. These alums, who sat in the very same room a year ago, are now elected councillors.
Throughout the weekend, participants engaged with politicians and political experts who covered topics such as deciding to run, articulating your political vision, understanding party mechanisms, building a support base, and navigating the pre-selection process.
We hope all participants find the program enriching and empowering, and that it paves the way for their future success in the political arena.
Thank you
The QUT program would like to thank the following politicians and speakers who contributed to the first workshop: Bree James, Ann Aitken, Mayor Jos Mitchell, Minister Meaghan Scanlon MP, Sophia Li, Benita Suckling, Cr Jodie Shipway, Mayor Tanya Milligan, Angie Bell MP, Julie-Ann Campbell, Minister Leanne Linard MP, Melina Morgan, Kate Samois, Cr Trina Massey, Cr Nicole Johnston, Kate Flanders, Barbara O’Shea, Cr Julia Dixon, Maggie Forrest, Michaela Sargent, Cr Leanne Patrick, Cr Pye Augustine, Cr Natalia Muszkat, Cr Danita Parry, Cr Sophie Bougoure, Cr Seal Chong Wah and Cr Emily Kim.
