Janice Margaret Dale

In the mid-1970s Jenny Dale was a well respected nurse in Victoria's rural north-east with a growing family. She was a fixture in the canteen on match days at Yackandandah Football Club and was on the swimming pool committee, all vital assets in a township of 700 people.

However, frustrated by the red tape involved in establishing a local aged care service in the early 1990s, she decided to run for election to her local council. Jenny quickly developed skills in local government and when the Indigo Shire Council was formed in 1997, she was elected as the first Mayor. It is a role she has filled twice since then.

As Mayor she instigated the first meeting of the North Eastern Women in Local Government Group in 1998, recognising the need for a support network for the few women councillors in a region covering 12 municipalities. As a member of the Australian Local Government Women's Association, Jenny has supported and mentored candidates for local government across the State. She has been Rural Vice President of ALGWA since 2002.

Current Indigo Shire Mayor Bill Hotson offered glowing praise. "Jenny is a true leader of people, and she particularly champions the cause of women in taking equal roles and breaking through glass ceilings," he said. Mayor of Alpine Shire, Cr Julie Carroll, believes north east Victoria is a better place to live and work thanks to Jenny's contribution, initiative and "her belief in the power of the community and her ideal of helping one another".

Jenny is a lead figure within the Municipal Association of Victoria and in her ongoing role on the board has always sought to represent the interests of women, the aged and rural communities.

For many years Jenny has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to strengthen the health service available to her local community. She was State President of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association (VBNA) when it amalgamated with Aged Care Victoria. Jenny is also on the board of the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care and continues to support many community groups ranging from the Lions Club to various sports and the Red Cross.

Her philosophy is simple. "I never expect or ask anything of others if I am not prepared to do it myself," she said.