Pathways to Politics Knowledge Hub

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Program alum   Campaigning   Local government  

In conversation: women leading in local government

Collage of photos: four female Councillors

In this special ‘in conversation’ recording (originally a Pathways to Politics alums event), Cr. Susanne Newton speaks to three Pathways to Politics alums and recently elected Victorian local Councillors, Cr Dr Olivia Ball, Cr Tina Samardzija and Cr Jenna Davey-Burns.

Facilitator:

Cr. Susanne Newton, Councillor at Darebin City Council.

Photo of Councillor Susanne newton

Panellists:

Cr Dr Olivia Ball, Councillor in the City of Melbourne. Olivia was elected in 2020.

Photo of Councillor Olivia Ball

Cr Tina Samardzija, Deputy Major of Monash City Council. Tina was elected in 2020.

Councillor Tina Samardjzia

Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, Deputy Major of City of Kingston. Jenna was elected in 2020.

Photo of Councillor Jenna Davey-Burn

Related Alums

Photo of Jenna Davey-Burns smiling wearing a bright yellow summer dress, historical building and palm tree in the background
2019 Alum (Victoria)

Cr Jenna Davey-Burns

Cr Jenna Davey-Burns is Mayor of the City of Kingston, where she also served as Deputy Mayor between November 2021-November 2022. Jenna was a mentee in the inaugural Pathways Alum Mentoring program in 2020, where she was mentored by Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp.

Photo of Tina smiling. She is wearing a bright pink blazer and has blonde hair tied back.
2019 Alum (Victoria)

Cr Tina Samardzija

Cr Tina Samardzija is a Councillor and former Mayor of City of Monash. She has served on the council since 2020.

Tina was a commercial lawyer before moving to work in state and federal government on major legal, economic and social policy reforms including workplace relations, the NDIS and housing. She is the first-born child of parents who migrated from Europe

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