2025 LGPro Women's Forum & Dinner

Rural Women's Professional Development Scholarship

LGPro offers scholarships to women working in small rural councils each year to support their access to professional development. These annual scholarships aim to reduce the costs of attending the LGPro 2025 Women's Forum and Women's Network Dinner. These costs include registration, accommodation, and travel for those who might not normally be able to attend because of these barriers.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have received the scholarships in past years from LGPro's contributing sponsors, the number of scholarships is increasing this year thanks to the generosity of these sponsors.

Each scholarship offers $1,500 plus GST towards Professional membership and attendance, including travel support.

Applications close COB 15 September, 2025. Recipients will be advised by 26 September.

This scholarship is open to all who identify as women and non binary.

Background

LGPro takes a lead role in promoting gender equity in the Local Government sector. We were instrumental in the establishment of the Women's Ministerial Roundtable by the Minister for Local Government and we strive for gender diversity on our Board and in our leadership programs.

In collaboration with LGPro Corporate Partners and the generous contribution of some large councils, multiple Rural Women's Professional Development Scholarships are being awarded to women working in small rural councils to support their attendance at the 2025 Women's Forum and the Women's Network Dinner.

Who is eligible to apply?

The scholarships are open to female officers at any level who work at a local government identified as a 'small council' under the Victorian Local Council classifications.Individuals can nominate themselves with the approval of their CEO or their authorised delegate.

What will the scholarship cover?

Scholarship funds cover the attendance at both events and an LGPro Professional membership for 12 months, while the balance contributes to related accommodation and travels costs.

Process

Recipients of the scholarship should register for the Women's Forum & Dinner as per normal. The recipient's council needs to raise an invoice for $1,500 plus GST as soon as possible, and send it to LGPro at info@lgpro.com. LGPro will then be able reimburse the council.