Statement from Mayor Bolam: Councillors nominated for state honour
Published on 01 December 2025
I would like to congratulate Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy and Councillor Emily Green on being named nominees at the inaugural Mary Rogers Awards Ceremony.
These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in local government and honour the legacy of Mary Rogers, Victoria’s first woman councillor elected in 1920. Steffie and Emily’s nominations recognise their leadership, service to the community and commitment to strengthening gender equality in local government.
Supported by the Victorian Government and managed by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the Mary Rogers Awards aim to inspire more women to stand for council and enhance diversity in decision-making across Victoria.
Deputy Mayor Steffie Conroy
Fresh from welcoming a beautiful newborn, Steffie stepped into the role of Deputy Mayor as first time Councillor with remarkable energy and purpose. She has delivered real outcomes for Carrum Downs such as introducing new public art, improving CCTV coverage and advancing vital infrastructure projects. She also championed completion of the long-awaited $4.95 million Sandfield Reserve upgrade, completed in October.
Steffie brings warmth, relatability and a strong community presence to every event she attends. Her genuineness, approachability and wit make her a natural ambassador for Frankston City. She has consistently provided steady leadership in the Chamber and has ensured continuity through periods where mayoral duties required delegation.
A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Steffie has championed support for families experiencing domestic and family violence. She has also been instrumental in expanding council’s community safety efforts, establishing a second patrol group of Rapid Response Officers to address anti-social behaviour beyond central Frankston.
Steffie helped revitalise the city’s approach to major events and celebrating local history, overseeing planning for two new citywide events in 2026 and a week-long celebration of Frankston’s 60th anniversary. She recognises the tourism and civic-pride value of major events and their alignment with Frankston’s broader transformation.
All of this has been achieved while Steffie continues to be a devoted mum to Cormac and Callan, and a supportive partner to her husband Nathan.
Steffie, you’re brilliant – you deserve this nomination.
Councillor Emily Green
Emily radiates passion, kindness and a deep commitment to her community. A devoted mum to Ash, she balances council duties, motherhood and tertiary studies with determination and grace.
Emily’s dedication is reflected in her consistent presence, attending every Council Meeting and a wide range of community events. Her advocacy has delivered major improvements for Seaford, including the opening of the $22 million Kananook Car Park, the approval to commence construction on the $60 million Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium, and the upcoming completion of Seaford Kindergarten. She also led local environmental improvements, including extensive new tree plantings and the introduction of offset devices in Kananook Creek to reduce pollution.
Emily has been a strong voice for accessibility, successfully securing a council resolution to conduct a municipality-wide disability compliance review. She also championed this year’s new initiative offering ratepayers a voucher for a free tree, supporting both environmental resilience and neighbourhood amenity.
Thoughtful and community-minded, Emily played a key role in securing support for the Women’s Spirit Project, Mums Supporting Families in Need, Community Support Frankston and The Babes Project, helping families, especially single-income households, navigate cost-of-living pressures.
Emily, you bring so much heart to the Council Chamber – you deserve this recognition.
It is remarkable that both councillors, still in their first year, have already achieved so much. I look forward to seeing what they will accomplish over the next three years.
Congratulations again to Steffie and Emily for this well-deserved honour and for their outstanding leadership in serving the Frankston community.