Richard Wynne MP

Housing Minister and State Member for Richmond Richard Wynne today announced new training and mentoring programs to encourage women to work in the housing sector.

Speaking at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne ahead of International Women’s Day, Mr Wynne said at least 200 women from the not-for-profit sector would benefit from the $140,000 Brumby Labor Government funding.

“We are investing in the skills of Victorians and we recognise that stronger workplaces include a mix of men and women, with a diverse breadth of experience and expertise,” Mr Wynne said.

“The Brumby Labor Government has taken the lead on promoting women into leadership roles because we know that they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.”

Women’s Affairs Minister Maxine Morand said the Government understood women continued to balance work and family life and, as a result, did not always have the opportunities they deserved to prosper.

“Women make up a critical 75 per cent of the not-for-profit sector but most are not in senior positions and the number of women staying in the sector or moving into leadership roles is dropping,” Ms Morand.

“That is why we are taking action to encourage more women to enter and stay in the Housing sector, which benefits from a diverse mix of experience and skills. I am proud to be part of a Government that advocates for equal rights for women and drives real change.”

Mr Wynne said the new training included:

• $80,000 over the next three and a half years for a new mentoring program that will match female workers from the housing, homelessness, family violence, social housing advocacy and support program sectors with senior workers from community housing and support; and
• $60,000 to expand the Women’s Leadership Alliance sponsorship program for another three years. The program, run by Workplace Training Advisory Australia, offers a mixture of hands-on mentoring and workshops to develop leadership skills for women aspiring to take on more senior roles within their organisation.

Mr Wynne also launched the Carmel Pellegrino Policy Development Scheme.

“Carmel Pellegrino started work in housing at the Department of Human Services in 1995 – first at the Fitzroy office and then at head office, developing policy and advocating for people living in public housing,” Mr Wynne said.

“Sadly, Carmel passed away last year and we want to commemorate her passion for helping vulnerable Victorians. This year, staff in regional housing offices can take up a 12-month secondment in the head office policy team, with additional mentoring and training.”