Archives
A few weeks ago, I mentioned Professor Marilyn Warren being included in a Herald Sun list of 30 women who had made significant contributions to Victoria in the last 30 years. A more recent list, on 5 November, listed 30 young Victorians who have made their mark, promising a bright future for our state.
One of those was none other than our esteemed local Mayor of Kingston, Georgina Oxley. Georgina was in my Homeroom in Year 9, Room 25 in 2010, starting at Kilbreda in 2008. Extremely intelligent and forthright in expressing her opinions, it was no surprise to hear that Georgina had been elected to the Kingston Council, being elevated to Deputy Mayor at the tender age of 22 years in 2017 and then becoming Mayor the following year.
The Herald Sun says of her, “Youngest female mayor to be elected to a council in Australian history when she was sworn in at 23 years and four months in 2018. Was re-elected as mayor the next year, and again contested last month’s council elections. A Chelsea resident, she began the council’s first family violence prevention plan, in 2019”.
On re-election in November 2019, she stated: “I am passionate about my community and I am excited for what the future holds for the City of Kingston”.1 On 11 November, Georgina was re-elected as a Councillor representing Longbeach Ward. Cr Oxley’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Steve Staikos was elected Mayor on Wednesday 18 November, 2020.
Another past pupil, Andrea Foxworthy (Class of 1992), along with Philippa Campey produced a movie which is showing currently at the Como Cinema. 'Brazen Hussies' combines archival footage, memorabilia, personal photographs and personal accounts from members of the Women’s Liberation Movement 1965 to 75 to show how they challenged the culture of the times, demanded equality and promoted the cause of Women’s Rights, paving the way for others like Georgina Oxley.
Damian Smith
Archives
Notes 1 https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Media/Cr-Georgina-Oxley-re-elected-as-Kingston-Mayor
Image Credits: Herald Sun, City of Kingston, IMDB