The people of Logan have voted seven women to the local city council. One is deputy mayor, others chair important committees. All of them are making their mark to determine the future of our fast-growing region.
In light of International Women’s Day tomorrow, we asked their thoughts on life in politics.
Deputy Mayor, Natalie Willcocks
Councillor Natalie Willcocks was elected to Logan City Council in 2020 and was appointed Deputy Mayor in 2022. Before Council, she was a high school teacher where she taught Health and Physical Education, Legal Studies and Home Economics. She also worked with disengaged and disadvantaged young people and help them transition into education.
What inspired you to become a Councillor?
As a former Legal Studies high school teacher, I always had a passion for politics and the law and educating students more about Local Councils and Government. Especially in this era, as Local Councils are more than just roads, rates and rubbish. Local Council is about community. It is where we live. It’s our schools, jobs, clubs, community groups and so much more. I am passionate about the community that I live in and have called Division 11 that I represent home for nearly 20 years. It is a neighbourhood of people that care about each other and feel they belong together. I always knew the role would have its challenges but would also be very rewarding. I have embraced the role and I know that I am on a journey with Division 11 and the City of Logan, as we navigate the best of what we can achieve.
Politics/council was once a very male dominated industry, do you think it still is geared towards men or has it changed? If so, how?
In most industries it shouldn’t matter if you are male or female. Women just need to keep breaking the glass ceiling to show that we can do almost everything a man can do. Society and our way of life has adapted with improved childcare, and flexible work arrangements to make it viable for women to contribute to any workforce they might choose.
What do you think women bring to the industry?
Depending on the person, I don’t think there is necessarily any difference in what, as female, we bring to the industry. We all have different viewpoints and they should all be respected.
In terms of “gender norms or roles” … were there any challenges you faced in your career in politics?
In three years since being elected, I have progressed from being a high school teacher, to Councillor, to Chair of Governance to Deputy Mayor of Logan. There were plenty of challenges faced and overcome along the way. I have loved every minute of my roles since being elected and I look forward to going to work every day.
What is your message to women out there looking to get into politics?
With any career, make sure to do your homework and find out if this is the industry or the role that is right for you. Talk with women in politics, find a role model or mentor. know I like to think I am very approachable and love to chat about my role. Have faith in yourself and take that next step. I am so glad that I did, as I found the career that I love and have a passion for.
Division 2 Councillor, Teresa Lane
Councillor Teresa Lane was elected to Council in 2020 and is the Chairperson of the City Infrastructure Committee. She was raised in the suburb of Kingston and enlisted in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps RAAOC. Completing her enlistment Cr Teresa worked in Federal and State Government departments helping local families.
What inspired you to become a Councillor?
Achieving great outcomes and delivery of services for the local community where I grew up and now work and live in.
Politics/council was once a very male dominated industry… do you think it still is geared towards men or has it changed?
Three female Chairs (Infrastructure, Governance and Lifestyle) out of four portfolios, female deputy mayor and three other elected women says we are doing okay at Logan City Council.
What do you think women bring to the industry?
Compassion, multitasking, common-sense, passion and vision.
Who do you look up to and aspire to be like?
I have taken my mum’s teachings, combined with my father’s strengths and my family’s morals and am representing my community to the best of my ability.
Why should more women get into this industry?
If they are elected great but it’s not an ‘us or them’ situation. My males colleagues have compassion, drive, vision and common-sense and use it to make great decisions on behalf of all residents in their divisions.
Division 3 Councillor, Mindy Russell
Councillor Mindy Russell was elected to Council in 2020. As a qualified Child and Family Practitioner and school teacher, prior to Council she managed The Family Place a community-led family support program in Logan which provided strategic partnering across disciplines to solve complex issues while working with families to provide their children with every advantage.
What inspired you to become a Councillor?
Prior to becoming a Councillor, I managed a local community centre working with Logan families with young children. Through the relationships built with these families and various other practitioners, I increasingly developed a desire to make a difference. I really loved the opportunity to get to know and advocate for families within the centre, but eventually wanted to do more. I now see Division 3 as one big community centre, just with many more families.
Politics/council was once a very male dominated industry… do you think it still is geared towards men or has it changed? If so, how?
From what is depicted in the media, politics appears to be a very masculine and combative industry. However, this largely hasn’t been my experience. From the helping profession I came from, which is generally considered a feminised one, I expected entering politics to be a more drastic shift. Within Logan City Council, it is generally a very collaborative environment.
What do you think women bring to the industry?
About half of the population are women, so I believe that having women make up about half of the Council means that Logan’s got it right. What this provides is diversity of perspectives. The more diverse experiences and ideas that come together, the better the Council can represent the community.
In terms of “gender norms or roles” … were there any challenges you faced in your career in politics?
I’m still fairly new in the world of politics, so I can’t say I’ve faced much of that. The current cohort of Councillors wouldn’t allow it. The women are strong advocates for their communities and the men are a supportive group.
Division 4 Councillor, Laurie Koranski
Councillor Laurie Koranski was elected to Logan City Council in 2016 and in 2020 became Chair of the City Lifestyle Committee. The long-term Logan resident previously owned a successful dental surgery with her husband, so she strongly supports local businesses and aims to help local youth and encourage community organisations to prosper.
What inspired you to become a Councillor?
Prior to being elected in 2016, I was a small business owner who took an active role in our local area. I volunteered for the Cancer Council and was the P&C president at my children’s school. I also served as a board member for Regional Development Australia Logan and Redlands and the Community Bank. In my role as president of the local Chamber of Commerce I began to develop an interest in local politics. I was asked to lend my voice to community action group VETO and together we successfully lobbied to protect swathes of the Logan River from clearing to make way for a power line easement. I realised then that the best way for me to effect positive change in our community was to become a changemaker. I felt the area I live in was underrepresented in Council so I put my hand up and successfully contested the seat in 2016. I was re-elected in 2020.
Politics/council was once a very male dominated industry… do you think it still is geared towards men or has it changed? If so, how?
Deloittes conducted a recent study on gender diversity in the boardroom across 72 countries. They found only 6.7 per cent of board chairs are women and a mere 5 per cent hold CEO positions. So clearly there is a lot more work to be done in the area of gender diversity in leadership positions.
Traditionally in politics there has been a chronic lack of women at the decision-making table. We are a Council with a male Mayor, five male and seven female Councillors. I am proud to be part of Council where women are well represented. And this is of course reflective of what the Logan community wants in terms of leadership – as they elected each of us to our respective roles. While I wholeheartedly support current Mayor Darren Power, I am hopeful our next mayor will be a woman.
What do you think women bring to the industry?
I can’t speak for others, but I like to think I bring kindness, compassion and empathy to the role. I remember struggling to balance the family budget and trying to make ends meet running our small business. These experiences keep me grounded when deliberating over Council’s billion-dollar budget. I think generally women in politics tend to be less ego-driven. As Councillors, our role is to represent our community and to be the voice of our resident in Council. This is something I never lose sight of.
In terms of “gender norms or roles” … were there any challenges you faced in your career in politics?
Politics is not for the faint-hearted. Out in the community, as a female politician I have faced numerous hurtful and degrading slurs pertaining to my appearance – comments pertaining to my weight, makeup, clothing. Sadly, in some sections of the community, there is still this notion that as women our appearance is somehow reflective of our capacity to effectively do our jobs. It is important as women that we call out this ignorant behaviour.
What is your message to women out there looking to get into politics?
I love serving and representing the residents of Logan. It is a great privilege afforded to few. That being said, those considering a career in politics need to be prepared for the brutality of the role. It can be rough and there will be days when you will go home and wonder why you chose this path. On those days I reflect upon my family. I was late to politics. Like a lot of women I put my career on a back burner to support my family. In 2015, I remember asking my then 13-yearold son and daughter (twins) if I should run for local Council. They were both wildly enthusiastic about the notion. I realised then it was important for me to show them I was prepared to follow my own advice. I’d always encouraged them follow their dreams and to stand up for what they believe in. I needed to show them I was prepared to walk the talk – and I have.
Division 12 Councillor, Karen Murphy
Cr Murphy was elected in 2020 after a 15-year career in the real estate industry, she has lived and worked in Logan since 1989. Cr Murphy was awarded Volunteer of the Year by Quota Beenleigh 2016 and named Volunteer of the Year by Quota International in 2017 in Washington DC, for her work with the youth of Logan.
What inspired you to become a Councillor?
I was already heavily involved with my local community as a member and youth mentor with Quota Beenleigh and President of the Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce. The opportunity came in the 2020 election and with the support of my family and friends, I put my hand up to run as a Councillor. It was a natural progression to serve my community.
Politics/council was once a very male dominated industry… do you think it still is geared towards men or has it changed? If so, how?
The tide has changed. Women are more than half the population, so we must have representation in the decision-making process.
What do you think women bring to the industry?
Balance. We think differently and have a unique approach to problem solving.
In terms of “gender norms or roles” … were there any challenges you faced in your career in politics?
No. I believe I have been treated and respected as an equal.
What is your message to women out there looking to get into politics?
Surround yourself with people who will encourage, respect, and push you along the journey. You will learn so much more about yourself. I also encourage you to reach out and have a chat with one of the many women in politics.
