This week on a special edition of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by 2026 Mary Rogers Award Winner Councillor Melina Sehr from Stonnington City Council.

Cr Sehr received the honour at a special Award ceremony at Queen's Hall, Parliament House last week.

This is the second year the VLGA has delivered the Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government, in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Named after Mary Rogers – the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council (City of Richmond 1920-1925) – the annual Awards, first launched by the VLGA last year, celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of women Councillors as civic leaders in local government.

Councillor Sehr was recognised for the enduring impact she has had as a civic leader across her 24 years on Council. Cr Sehr has been a strong advocate for other Councillors and an inspirational and courageous leader who has championed civic participation, gender equality, and advocated for a safer working landscape for Councillors, particularly women.

Her leadership has actively reshaped the landscape for women working in government and public life, driving systematic change that ensures women can participate as civic leaders safely and without fear.

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