Media Release | 28 May 2024
Support for women in renewable energy
The Allan Labor Government has announced Gippsland Women’s Health as a successful recipient of a grant to support their work helping employers attract and retain women in traditionally male-dominated workforces and to advance gender equality.
On Friday 24 May, Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins joined Gippsland Women’s Health Chief Executive Officer Kate Graham at local business Elecsome’s Solar Panel upcycling plant in Kilmany to announce the grant.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said “Supporting more women in Gippsland to enter, stay and progress in energy and manufacturing careers is a win, win situation for local women and employers.”
“This grant to Gippsland Women’s Health supports better economic outcomes for women in Gippsland and will help local organisations address skills shortages in some of Victoria’s strongest growth sectors while contributing to driving greater gender equality across the state.” Minister Hutchins said
Gippsland Women’s Health is extremely proud to be a successful recipient of this grant program with our aim of breaking down barriers to women’s entry into and advancement in industries such as energy and manufacturing. These industries have often historically included in-flexible working arrangements, a lack of paid parental leave, gender discrimination, sexism and sexual harassment which has led to their underrepresentation in these workforces.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said “We’re helping to create better workplaces that are easier for women to join, stay and thrive in including within the energy industry which is booming with new opportunity.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said “It is fantastic that we can support Gippsland Women’s Health with this grant to enable them to work towards greater inclusion and advancement for women in the energy and manufacturing industries in Gippsland.”
Gippsland Women’s Health will receive a $100,000 grant to collaborate with employers in Gippsland’s renewable energy sector.
The grant to Gippsland Women’s Health is part of a second round of grants to develop strategies to boost women’s participation and equity in manufacturing and energy, which forms a key part of the Labor Government’s response to the Inquiry into economic equity for Victorian Women.
CEO, of Gippsland Women’s Health Kate Graham, said “I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Minister Hutchins and the Allan Labour government for this grant. It is a tremendous opportunity for us to continue our work with the renewable energy sector in Gippsland through learning and development, contemporary policy and practice application, and a framework to not only bring women into the renewable energy industry but to retain and advance them.”
For media enquiries please contact Marketing and Communications Manager, Elissa Duck: elissa.duck@gwhealth.asn.au Phone: 0434 407 477
