An extraordinary 42 alums of the Pathways to Politics for Women program are running in this month’s Victorian local council elections.
From Baw Baw to Bayside, this politically, culturally and professionally diverse group of women will be running in nearly 30 percent of Victoria’s local government areas (23 of Victoria’s 79 LGAs).
41 of these candidates are from the University of Melbourne’s Victorian Pathways to Politics program, which is now in its ninth year. Among them are 13 participants from the 2024 cohort and 10 alums who are incumbent Councillors or Mayors.
This remarkable participation rate reflects the broader momentum and national impact of Pathways to Politics for Women, with 64 electoral successes which include two alums currently serving in the Federal Parliament and seven alums in the Victorian Parliament across five parties.
This year alone over 110 alums will have run for election in state, territory and local elections by the end of 2024. In addition to our 42 alums running in the Victorian local government election:
- 26 alums ran in Queensland’s local elections in March, with 13 successfully elected, including two Mayors and 5 from regional areas.
- 5 alums ran in the Northern Territory elections, with 1 successfully elected.
- 22 alums ran in the New South Wales local elections in September, with 11 elected.
- 4 alums are running in this month’s ACT General Election.
- 14 alums are running in this month’s Queensland State election.
In addition, at least 8 alums are poised to run in the Federal election, with more expected to announce their candidacy when the election is called.
Pathways to Politics alums across the political spectrum are stepping up for office and changing the face of Australian politics. This momentum is driven by the program’s unique non-partisan offering of practical training, mentoring and career-long support, which equips women to realise their capabilities and confidently navigate the complexities of running for office at all levels – local, state and federal.
Tess Morgan, a participant in this year’s University of Melbourne program and candidate for Ballarat City Council, expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received:
“The Pathways program has enriched and strengthened my political career by supporting me while I’m working hard to support others. As a mother of two kids including a young baby, I have been given every support and opportunity to run a highly effective political campaign thanks to the connections, professional development and mentoring of this empowering program.”
Faiza Nouman, a candidate for Bayside City Council and alum of the 2023 program, also shared how the program empowered her to run for local council:
“The Pathways to Politics program played a significant role in shaping my decision to run. It gave me the confidence and the practical skills needed to step up and represent my community. The support and network from the program have been invaluable in helping me navigate this journey.”
Cr Susanne Newton, Mayor of Darebin City Council, a member of the inaugural University of Melbourne program, was one of the first Pathways to Politics alums elected to office in 2016:
“Even in what is my third Council election, I remember all the lessons I learnt from Pathways to Politics in the first cohort in 2016! That you need to be a part of the change you want to see, and to make the path easier for those that follow. What is so wonderful to me this time around is that one of my Pathways to Politics mentees, Courtney May, is a running mate and we are campaigning side by side in Preston. I have loved being able to support Courtney as a first-time candidate, but also to see her find her own feet and find her own way to campaign.”
Dr. Meredith Martin, National Co-Convenor of Pathways to Politics and Director of the University of Melbourne program, says:
“We are incredibly proud of the 42 alums who have put themselves forward in Victoria and of Pathways’ extraordinary momentum nationally, with so many alum from our programs across Australia running at all levels of government. Collectively, they represent a diverse and dynamic group of leaders and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they have in their communities.”
Applications for our 2025 programs will open across Australia in March 2025. To be notified when applications are open, register your interest here.
About Pathways to Politics
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society. Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, we provide unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
The program has over 600 alums nationally, including 157 who completed the program in 2024.
Programs are non-partisan and open to women across Australia. Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of philanthropic and university partners.
Pathways to Politics is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne. The foundational Pathways to Politics program launched at the University of Melbourne in 2016, followed by programs at QUT in 2019, UNSW in 2021, Charles Darwin University in 2022, the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra in 2023, and The University of Western Australia and University of Tasmania in 2024.
