Brimbank councillor Katharine Nikolic has received a state government award at a ceremony celebrating the achievements of women in local government.
The first-term councillor took home the ‘emerging women leader award’ at the inaugural ‘Mary Rogers awards’ which the state government said was awarded to Cr Nikolic for demonstrating exceptional leadership and for her work empowering young people to shape local government decision-making through youth-led projects.
On social media, Cr Nikolic said she was “humbled and enthused” to receive the award.
“This award isn’t just a reflection of what has been achieved so far but about the future we are building together where our communities are heard, where young leaders rise with confidence and where Melbourne’s west continues to shape the agenda at every level of government,” Cr Nikolic wrote.
Cr Nikolic is currently co-chair of the Brimbank Youth council and served as deputy chair of LeadWest, an advocacy alliance for Melbourne’s western metropolitan region, this year.
According to the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), Cr Nikolic has empowered young people to influence decision-making and lead campaigns on mental health, inclusion and civic participation.
VLGA said she is also having an impact regionally, contributing to major infrastructure commitments including Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Station and the Calder Park Drive interchange.
According to the state government, the ‘Mary Rogers Awards’ was launched earlier this year to support women in local government and highlight the importance of gender equality in local decision making.
Mary Rogers was the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council in 1920.
