December 3, 2025
National ALGWA President Cr Kylie Spears has been awarded the inaugural Mary Rogers Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a civic leader in Victoria.
The awards, held in Queens Hall at Parliament House, were proudly presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and funded by the Victorian State Government.
As Maroondah City councillor and former mayor, Kylie who is now in her third term, was recognised for her visionary and inclusive leadership and her work in strengthening civic participation, championing gender equality, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
As National President of ALGWA and former President of ALGWA Victoria, Kylie has a long-history of supporting, encouraging and mentoring emerging women leaders and advancing equality in local government, as well as improving opportunities and facilities for women in sport, the arts and culture.
The award, named after Mary Rogers – the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council (City of Richmond 1920-1925) – acknowledges the significant contributions and achievements of women councillors as civic leaders in local government.
Victorian Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos, said the awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women in local government and their contributions to strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.
“We are now very close to achieving gender parity across Victoria’s councils. The Mary Rogers Award will continue to inspire more women to stand for local government and lead change in their communities,” Minister Staikos said.
Other winners included Cr Katharine Nikolic from Brimbank City Council who was awarded the Emerging Woman Leader Award and Monash City Council was recognised for its long-standing leadership in the Gender Equity space.
VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt, said that these Awards shone a spotlight on the very important contribution women make to the local government sector and the importance of gender parity.
“The high-calibre nominations we received for the inaugural Mary Rogers Awards are testament to the depth and breadth of talented women leaders currently working in the local government sector,” Arndt said.
CAPTION: Cr Kylie Spears with Victorian Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos.