Balancing the scales IWD 2026

This International Women’s Day we’re proud to share the progress made to balance the scales in our communities.

Equality is not about advantage for some; it’s about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone. [UN Women Australia]

In 1947 Gladys Boniwell was the first woman elected to Glenorchy Council and the first woman elected to local government in Tasmania. In 1949 Dorothy Edwards was the first woman elected on Launceston Council, and in 1955 became the first woman elected as mayor of an Australian city. Today our communities have 103 women (39%) elected members across Tasmania’s 29 councils, led by 16 female mayors (55%) and 15 female deputy mayors (51%).

The balance is tipping, yet changes in several councils since the 2022 election shows progress is not inevitable and we must persist. Women in local government have paved the way for more women and girls in leadership, leading by example, supporting women candidates and championing the role of women in local government and other walks of life.

Here are some of the women elected to local government in Tasmania and their years of service…