THE representation of women in local government – or lack thereof – was one of the main talking points in the lead up to last month’s Orange council election.
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And the selection of a single female councillor in Joanne McRae did little to douse the flames of that debate.
Not even Cr McRae’s ascension to the deputy mayor’s seat at last week’s council meeting has silenced a city which, in some corners at least, would like to see a more equitable spread of gender diversity among elected officials.
The reason for this desire is easy enough to understand: women make up half the population and, as such, they should represent half the decision-making influence in council chambers.
Sounds reasonable to us.
But those who will invariably rail against the absence of a greater feminine touch in the policies and rulings the newly-formed council will produce would do well to remember there’s other avenues of influence open to women who seek to change our city for the better.
The past week has seen two stellar examples in our own headlines.
Karlie Irwin has helped thousands of people since she started the Pay it Forward community service shed with the simple goal of helping those who need it.
In November 2015, Mrs Irwin started the social care network from her garage, which she filled with items to pass on and has since expanded to a larger shopfront in Glenroi.
In July, Pay it Forward expanded again, opening a crisis accommodation facility.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs Irwin was recognised for her dedication with a NSW Government Community Service Award.
On Saturday, the Redhead Hunt 4 HD world record attempt created a sea of ginger locks at Wade Park.
Organiser Rachael Brooking worked tirelessly to get the event off the ground. In doing so, she not only raised funds and awareness for Huntington’s Disease – a cause near to her own heart – but drew thousands of visitors to our city.
They came, they enjoyed, they spent money, all of which directly or indirectly benefits the ratepayers of Orange.
The willingness of these two women to roll up their sleeves and selflessly give to others should be held up as shining examples of what service to our community looks like.
It’s worth remembering that not all public servants win votes.
