Gender Equality Action Plan and Progress Report

Ararat Rural City Council is committed to creating a fair, safe and inclusive workplace, and to ensuring gender equality is considered in the way we plan services, make decisions and support our community. Council’s 2026 Gender Equality Action Plan outlines practical actions to build on progress already made, address remaining barriers and strengthen equal access to opportunity, leadership, flexible work and career development.

The plan has been informed by workforce data, staff consultation and Council’s previous gender equality work. It identifies priorities including reducing occupational gender segregation, supporting equitable recruitment and promotion practices, monitoring pay equity, promoting flexible work and shared caring responsibilities, and maintaining a respectful workplace free from sexual harassment and discrimination. The plan also recognises that gender inequality can intersect with factors such as disability, age, cultural background and caring responsibilities.

Council’s accompanying 2026 Gender Equality Progress Report outlines progress against the workplace gender equality indicators and reports on gender impact assessments completed for selected Council policies, programs and projects. Together, these documents support transparency and accountability, and show how Council is working to embed gender equality into everyday practice, governance and community service delivery.