Eight graduates of the University of Tasmania’s Pathways to Politics for Women program will be eagerly watching the count in the State’s local government elections.
The group completed the program while running their campaigns for six local Tasmanian councils.
They were among 17 participants to graduate on Tuesday, 27 October from the University’s third offering of Pathways to Politics at Government House.
Tiffany Ashdown ran for Hobart City Council; Melinda Reed for Sorell; Amy Robertson for Huon Valley; Jo Westwood, Teisha Archer and Stephanie Kirkman Meikle for Kingborough; and Jo Brodie and Carly Allen for Clarence.
The national non-partisan program, which aims to get more women into politics, has already helped more than 100 women get elected to parliaments and councils around Australia. Pathways to Politics alums have made a total of 261 electoral runs with a 37 per cent success rate.
The program ran from July to September in Tasmania, both online and in intensive face-to-face sessions in Launceston and Hobart.
The program provides comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support for women who are aspiring to political leadership.
Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
Pathways to Politics for Women was initiated through the vision of Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of the Trawalla Foundation. It is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute and the University of Melbourne and launched in 2016.
You can register your interest for 2027 at pathwaystopolitics.org.au/about/expressions-of-interest
What they said:
Tiffany Ashdown: “The best thing Pathways to Politics gave me was a group of women who genuinely back each other. Running for Hobart City Council in 2026 has been so much easier knowing they’re cheering me on, sharing advice and showing up for each other through every doorknock and candidate forum. That camaraderie has been invaluable.”
Stephanie Kirkman Meikle: “When I started on the Pathways to Politics program, I knew that I was motivated by a sense of outrage at world politics and duty to put myself forward as a voice of reason. I did not yet know how much support and encouragement would be rolled up with the program. From the politicians who have taken time to talk to us about their experiences, to my fellow alumni, everyone has given so much of themselves to enrich our experience. It’s been quietly shaping my outlook and expectations that politics can be a force for good.”
Carly Allen: “The Pathways to Politics for Women program has been an incredibly valuable experience, strengthening my confidence and helping me recognise elected office as a genuine pathway for me. As a Greens candidate for Clarence City Council, now contesting my third election since 2025, I’ve been able to put what I’ve learnt into practice, deepen my understanding of our political system and learn from women with experience across all levels of government. Just as importantly, the mentoring, encouragement and connections with such inspiring women have reinforced that there is a place for me in politics and that I have something meaningful to contribute. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and grateful to the Greens for encouraging me to step up and to the Pathways program for helping me grow in confidence, build valuable connections and embrace the possibilities ahead.”
Jo Brodie: "I was seriously considering standing for Local Government prior to entering the Pathways to Politics program, but it was being accepted into the course, and the encouragement I received as a participant, that solidified it for me. From that moment forward, the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thinking back to the presentations, resources, guest speakers and support network, my campaign has reflected what I have learnt about candidacy and about myself."
Jo Westwood: "The Pathways to Politics program equipped me with practical skills to help navigate the challenges of political campaigning. Pathways gave me an opportunity to interrogate my ‘why’ in a safe and supportive environment. The network of support was invaluable in helping me weather life on the campaign trail. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of a cohort of strong, generous women who filled my cup with kindness and laughter throughout my campaign journey."
Media contact: Communications.Office@utas.edu.au