Mitchell Shire Council’s Director Advocacy and Community, Mary Agostino, has been named on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, along with 23 inductees for 2021.
The prestigious honour roll recognises women who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and excellence in their field of expertise, with more than 600 women inducted since 2001.
Ms Agostino (pictured) was inducted to a new category COVID-19 Response and Recovery for her work establishing the Mitchell Leadership Alliance which brought together local health and community service providers to develop a coordinated approach for people affected by the pandemic.
With most of her career spent in Melbourne’s growth corridors, she has worked closely with established and emerging communities to understand their needs and to identify opportunities to create resilient and supportive communities.
“I am very humbled to join hundreds of women who have made a real difference to the communities, sectors and organisations that they work with,” she said.
“I am very fortunate to be surrounded by good people who go above and beyond to get results for our communities and help drive initiatives that create a better future for everyone.
“I have seen first-hand how creating resilient communities can influence good outcomes for generations to come.”
In a statement, Council said Ms Agostino had secured substantial investment into growth areas including funding for public transport (rail and buses), roads, schools, early learning centres, police infrastructure, family violence and mental health services.
It said she was committed to putting community needs first, to helping people become strong community and sector leaders, to empowering women and to leading gender equality policy and actions.
“Mary is a great asset to our organisation, our community and the local government sector. We are very proud to see her recognised in this way,” said Council CEO, Brett Luxford.
