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Celebrating International Women's Day, Tuesday 3 March, Government House

Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, Patron of The National Council of Women, hosted NCWV and guests at Government House to celebrate International Women's Day from 5pm to 7:30pm.

Jacinta Parsons moderated the NCWV Health Panel - a panel of international leading experts who discussed the latest updates in Women’s Health - the key contributions to Women’s Health in Australia, the role of female hormones in these diseases, the importance of tailoring treatment for women and men, the impact of AI on violence towards women and the role of women in leadership to change policy.

	Research into women’s health matters not only because women make up more than half the population, but also because women fulfil vital roles across families, workplaces and communities, as caregivers, partners, leaders and colleagues. Improving sex- and gender-aware research and clinical education strengthens health outcomes for everyone. This message was reinforced at a Women’s Health Panel hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, at Government House ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, organised in partnership with the National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV). As Australia approached International Women’s Day, the Governor highlighted the importance of meaningful conversations and practical action to address gender inequity. In that spirit, guests were welcomed to Government House for the panel. Elida Brereton also welcomed guests on behalf of NCWV, outlining the 124 years of NCWV advocacy.
The event brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and advocates to examine longstanding gaps in women’s health research, treatment and clinical training, with leading experts sharing insights into persistent gender bias in medical research and healthcare outlining ways to build a more equitable health system for women and girls. The NCWV Health Panel discussion, moderated by ABC’s Dr Jacinta Parsons, provided thought-provoking insights and highlighted the latest evidence and remaining gaps in women’s health. The panel featured leading experts, including Professor Cassandra Szoeke, NCWV Health Adviser and author of “Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing”, The Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care (Women’s Health), Professor Helena Teede AM, Director of Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, Monash University and an Endocrinologist at Monash Health, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, Head of Women’s Mental Health at Cabrini Health, and Sarah Barnbrook, Founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc. Professor Cassandra Szoeke highlighted that women were historically excluded from clinical trials, a legacy that continues to affect treatment outcomes today. “Women were only mandated to be included in clinical trials at the turn of this century... before that time, they weren’t included. In the last decade information on the sex differences has doubled in the diseases impacting Australian women, diseases of brain & heart. ..., There are now tens of thousands of publications outlining different symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention for women compared to men”. (200 of these are by Prof. Cassandra) Professor Helena Teede explained that women’s hormonal systems influence health across the lifespan and are closely linked to risks for chronic disease, cardiovascular conditions, bone health and mental wellbeing. “Our hormonal systems are different in women and fluctuate throughout life, from puberty to pregnancy and menopause, with significant impacts on physical and psychological health.”
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni emphasised the importance of recognising women’s distinct mental health pathways, particularly the interaction between trauma and hormonal change. “Our research shows two key platforms underpin women’s mental health: trauma and hormonal change. For some women, depression linked to hormonal changes responds better to hormone-based treatments than standard antidepressants.” Sarah Barnbrook, NCWV Human Rights, ICT and Social Media Adviser, warned that emerging technologies are rapidly changing the scale of harm experienced by women online. “Artificial intelligence is changing the scale and the velocity of harm. Abuse and misinformation can now be generated instantly, replicated infinitely, and distributed across borders. If we are serious about improving women’s health outcomes, we must address the digital environments where misinformation and technology-facilitated abuse can undermine women’s safety, wellbeing and access to trusted health information.”
	Ged Kearny MP thanked the NCWV for their ongoing advocacy and Prof Szoeke for her leadership in women's health. "I truly believe the Government Health Packages were won because we have more women in parliament than ever before. ...The more women in leadership, the more women working collectively, the more progress we make for our movement".
As Australia marks International Women’s Day, the discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration between researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community organisations to ensure health systems better reflect women’s biological realities and lived experiences. Each attendee received a ‘Bookmark’ produced by NCWV listing symptoms of possible heart attack in women and suggestions for prevention. Bridget Mather, Robyn Byrne, Fiona Dorman, NCWA President, Pam, Elida; NCWV Exec with Sarah, Helena, Cassandra Below: NCWV and NCWA members with the Governor after the Women’s Health Panel, Government House

For extended bios and links to further information, click here

To send a question for the panel, send us an email

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NCWV Annual Pioneer Women’s Ceremony 2026 - Celebrating Pioneer Women in Aviation

Sunday February 1st, 11:00am – at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, King’s Domain, Melbourne.

Let's Add Some Pink in Aviation. We celebrated the achievements of the Australian women who have contributed to the development of the industry over the past century. Women have played an important role in the founding of Australia’s aviation industry. Young women in Australia saw accomplishments elsewhere and dreamt big. One was Nancy Bird-Walton. Known as the ‘Angel of the Outback’, Nancy always aspired to a career of flying. During a time where aviation was a curiosity for women, other women also had ambitions to make a living out of flying and being a pilot. Under the tutelage of Charles Kingsford Smith, at the age of 19, Nancy became Australia’s youngest woman to gain a pilot licence.

Speakers at NCWV’s celebration included Adrianne Fleming OAM, Pilot and Head of Operations and CASA Flight Examiner for Tristar Aviation, who has held various state and national positions in the Australian Women Pilots’ Association, encouraging women to pursue their aviation dreams.

Kathy Mexted is the author of two books on Australian women who fly. Her first book features 10 Australian women who fly fixed wing aeroplanes. She received the Nancy Bird-Walton award 2012 for the most noteworthy contribution to aviation in Australasia, and the Order of Australia Medal for services to the Aviation industry in 2016.

Captain Deborah Lawrie AM (formerly Wardley), who currently flies with Virgin Australia. She was inducted into the Victorian Honor Roll of Women in 2001, received the Master Air Pilot award in 2017 and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 and in 2022 inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Davida Forshaw, Director, National Board for Women in Aviation Aerospace, who has spent her career balancing the high-stakes world of the flight deck with a deep interest in leadership and people. Her journey began in 1979 at Moorabbin Airport, where she started flying aged 16. She is one of Australia’s first female jet pilots.

Full details of their talks is in the February Newsletter.

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NCWV Annual Luncheon, Thursday 27 November 2025.

We were back at William Angliss Restaurant. This wonderful face-to-face gathering started at 12 Noon with a welcome drink, then a two-course meal, tea/coffee, with much chat, laughter, and sisterhood.

We collected items for women in need, to be donated to Impact for Women.

Coral Ross AM, our speaker is a founding Director and Chair of AGEC [Australian Gender Equality Council] the members of which represent over 500,000 women in the workplace. Coral has had an esteemed career in local government and is currently the National Vice President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association. A professional journalist with more than 20 years’ experience, Coral shared some of her experiences in gathering news from around the world.

Full details of the day and Coral’s speech are in the December Newsletter.

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Individual Members Visit Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne

On Thursday October 30th from 12 noon, there were 20 Individual Members and friends, led by Convenor Sheila Byard OAM, who enjoyed their visit to the Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne, seeing a unique Exhibition “65,000 Years: a Short History of Australian Art“. This was extremely comprehensive, engaging, and at times confronting, which made many of us vow to return before the exhibition closes on November 22nd. There were works of art and artifacts on loan from the NGV and many other galleries and collections, all of which demonstrated the incredible artistic skill and legacy of Indigenous artists, and the impact of colonialisation on the lives of Aboriginal people. Thank you Sheila, for organising this Individual Members visit, a Millie Peden excursion, honouring this previous valued member.

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My Voice My Vote by Pam Hammond, Education Adviser

My Voice My Vote started as a result of research finding that young people were disengaged with the democratic processes. We hope that the students who attend will go on to better grasp the intricacies of our democratic system. Since 2014, 40 different schools have participated, some many times, and a total of 600 students. These events have raised students’ awareness of the rights and responsibilities of voting; gender issues in local and state governments; lack of diversity in local organisations and councils; attitudes of young people to voting; when women and First Nations people were able to vote; giving voice to students about the Role of Treaty in achieving Reconciliation and Social Media – a blessing or a curse.

The 2025 theme: What is special about Australian Democracy was designed to have students examining our democracy and comparing with other countries. The event commenced in Queen’s Hall at 9:15, then moved into the Legislative Council Chamber, where Elida Brereton, President NCWV, welcomed guests, panel members, teachers, and students, then introduced the keynote speaker Lucy Skelton. She was part of the Melbourne Girls’ College team and speaker at My Vote My Voice in 2018 and 2019. Lucy has had many interesting roles since then. She realised that being involved in politics was the way to influence change and show that young people should be there, so she ran for Parliament only losing by 3000 votes. With nearly a decade of experience in advocacy and volunteering Lucy is now a policy analyst, CEO and founder of FORE Australia, a social enterprise which assists organisations get ideas to decision makers. Last year, she joined the team at Global Voices, where she helps lead delegations of young Australians to international forums.

Lucy challenged the students ‘What will you do after your speech?’ She outlined three steps: have a clear Ask – what is the issue; Identify who to approach, why reach out/trust them; what do you want them to do. Another factor is choosing the right level of government. We then played the Jurisdiction Game. She encouraged all to get politically involved and not to be concerned about age. You gain more access when you are involved. Mentoring can assist in your development.

The schools participating were: Firbank Grammar, Jiayuan Charity Music School, Al Siraat College, Mullauna Secondary College, Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School, MacRobertson Girls’ High School, Star of the Sea College, Rosehill Secondary College, Melbourne Girls’ College, Ringwood Secondary College. Most students spoke clearly, making eye contact with the audience, all addressed the theme extremely well, with different emphases, including compulsory voting; women voting/standing for parliament before other countries; preferential voting; access to parliamentarians; local govt system. The panel noted all of this and gave general feedback at the end. Their assessments of each group have been used to nominate Awards. Matt Fregon MP, Deputy Speaker, spoke about voting and the responsibility of MPs, congratulating the students and encouraging them to become involved.

Pam Robinson AM, NCWV Council Member: Wow, what a great morning of Student Presentations. An absolute winner, which provided a valuable experience for the students presenting in Parliament House, and for their schools, as well as others attending. Leaving Parliament House, I wonderfully came across one of the boy students on his phone saying 'Hi Mum, it was really, really good' and at the bottom of the steps down to Spring Street, a bunch of the girls stopped me to say they were going to ask their teacher and parents if they can join NCWV, asking me ‘it's free for us to join isn't it? Can we just come to some things if not all?’. My reply: Yes, Yes.

From one of the guests: May I congratulate you and your “National Council of Women” team for the wonderful session you organised with so many schools covering our youth view of explaining “Why our Democracy is special”. The students were informed, passionate, articulate and all-round fantastic. Watch out world - here they come! Well equipped they are to do so.

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NCWV Council Meeting, Thursday 3 July 2025

Twilight meeting, 5:15 – 7:00pm; Ross House, 247/251 Flinders Lane Melbourne, and by ZOOM.

We were delighted that Dr Simone McCarthy PhD, Executive Dean Research Fellow, Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation was our Keynote Speaker. Simone briefed us on Young Women and Gambling – women’s vulnerability to gambling: research, issues, and potential harm reduction strategies.

Dr McCarthy’s PhD considered Australian women’s lived experiences of gambling and gambling-related harm, and the practical and political responses to addressing women’s vulnerability to gambling through a gendered lens; and focused on a range of determinants that influence women’s consumption of harmful products and contributes to gender inequity. See July Newsletter for her informative talk.

Over the last 25 years National Council of Women Australia has passed resolutions on Gambling. The Resolutions are set out below:

Internet Gaming (Melbourne 2000)

The National Council of Women of Australia:

• affirms its absolute opposition to the hosting of Internet gambling sites in Australia;
• calls on the Commonwealth Government to urgently develop ways of banning access to overseas gambling sites to people in Australia, and
• calls on the Commonwealth Government to explore ways of using international treaties and obligation to control Internet gambling.

Electronic Gambling (Sydney 2008)

NCWA calls on the Federal Government and through its Constituent Councils, the State and Territory Governments, to address the major social problem of electronic gambling by legislating to commit to the removal of all electronic gaming machines from Pubs and Clubs within five years.

Sports Betting

National Council of Women of Australia Ltd. meeting in Conference requests Minister for Communications, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, to revisit the "Broadcasting Services Amendment (Advertising for Sport Betting) Bill 2013” with a view to reintroducing it and strengthening its provisions with particular reference to the banning of live betting advertisements and gambling advertisements on television during recognised children's television viewing times.

Gambling (Alice Springs 2014)

That NCWA urges the Commonwealth Government to immediately develop strategies to reduce problem gambling in our society. Such a strategy should incorporate recommendations such as those of the Australian Medical Association in order to address the needs of those most at risk, our youth, and children through:

• education to demoralise gambling in society;
• intervention programs to redress the rapidly growing youth gambling problem;
• elimination of cultural practices in schools whereby children are encouraged to participate in pseudo gambling associated with major sporting events.

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May Forum on UN CSW Conference - Thursday 1 May 2025

The Speakers at this NCWV May Forum were:

Dr Donnell Davis, UNAA National President and a Director with Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific; Board member National Foundation for Australian Women 2013-2017; Founder of Envirobusiness Foundation- Sisters4Sustainability. She holds a doctorate in urban climate governance, University Southern Queensland, and completed post doctorate at Stanford University in Innovation, Ethics, design and accelerated interdisciplinary.

Dr Davis spoke about the Pact for the Future, adopted in Sept. 2024, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, human rights, digital cooperation, youth and future generations, gender, and the transformation of global governance.

There were 159 countries represented, down from 189. Australia had a strong voice and advocacy with 120 delegates, leading in e-safety and youth wellbeing. There were intergenerational conversations, but as 9 – 19 year olds were often neglected, there is a need to focus on their vulnerabilities. Donnell stressed that there are laws in place to protect women and girls in many areas, but not all.

There are 5 dangers: Danger, Disease, Distress, Duress, Denied Freedom. Great Grandfathers words: ‘Granddaughters will shape the future’. Website: Adolescents and Youth

Another vital area – Climate Health, which will disproportionately affect women. Temperatures over 39°C can be fatal, and pathogenic diseases are aggravated by climatic hazards. Also, 1/3 of Pacific countries are threatened to be inundated.

Donnell will be speaking in Canberra and in Parliament about outcomes of CSW and how Australia can help shape the future.

Sarah Barnbrook, a delegate for Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific at CSW69 and a member of NCWV, is a committee member of State of the World's Children (SoWC), Founder of AFK (Away from the Keyboard) Inc, through which she is leading efforts to build safer digital environments while fostering human connection in an increasingly online world. As a teenager, she was targeted and groomed online by an older predator, a manipulation that led to a coerced marriage. Her experience highlights the serious and long-term risks of online grooming and exploitation. Rather than remain silent, Sarah transformed this experience into a powerful platform for change. She is an international Speaker, Author, Not-For-Profit Advocate and was awarded Volunteer of the Year and recognised for Youth Impact at the Women Changing The World Global Awards in London in 2025. She is a Professional Member of Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN); currently serves as the Company Secretary for the Australian Gender Equality Council (AGEC), and is the Chief Revenue officer at Women 4 STEM.

Sarah expressed similar concerns to Donnell about the future of CSW, as prior to the start, President Trump had black banned some countries from entering USA and had dissolved some departments including the Education Department.

CSW was huge in delegates and sessions. The Australian delegation met regularly to share what they had attended. Sarah was particularly drawn to Emerging Technologies, AI and the effect on children, with violence online and Child Marriage especially daunting. Sarah’s workshop was Unseen Risk of AI for the Girl Child about which she is passionate. See: Beautiful.ai - Empowering Women Globally: Reflections on CSW69

Sarah states: ‘I am committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to drive meaningful progress through advocacy, education and collaborative action. By amplifying grassroots voices, fostering intersectional solutions and empowering next generation of leaders, we can build a more just and equitable world for all.’ ‘The closing declaration gained consensus, but a lot was lost! We need to stand ground, nothing further to be lost. No time for complacency! We need to hold governments accountable.’

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April Council Meeting, 3rd April, 12:00

Ahead of the upcoming Federal election, National Council of Women Victoria invited NFAW to ‘Shine the Gender Lense on the policies of various political parties’. Speaker: Professor Helen Hodgson, Chair National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW). Dr Hodgson has lectured in Taxation at UNSW, Edith Cowan University and Curtin University. She was also a Member of the Legislative Council in Western Australia between 1997 and 2001. Helen holds qualifications in accounting, business law and taxation, is a Chartered Tax Advisor, a Registered Tax Agent, a Fellow of the Australian Society of CPA’s and a member of the SMSF Association. Her areas of expertise include trusts, superannuation, the taxation of small business entities and tax policy, and she was a participant at the 2010 Tax Forum. She is also a member of the Tax Advisory panel for ACOSS, the Social Policy Committee of the National Foundation for Australian Women and the Women in Social & Economic Research group. She now chairs the NFAW Social Policy Committee.

Helen gave us some background stating that ‘Women Budgets’ started in the 1980s as part of Federal budgets, but have reduced, so in 1988 NFAW was formed to highlight gender responsible budgeting. They have prepared papers using a gender lens for 25 Federal budgets! The 2025 Statement, see Gender Lens on the 2025 Election | NFAW summarises the issues that Helen spoke of at the meeting. She did emphasise that the Stage 3 Tax cuts need to be more targeted at the lower end.

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March Council Meeting 6th March

Venue: Australian Institute of International Affairs Vic, 13th Floor, 356 Collins St. (between Elisabeth and Queen Streets)

Speaker: Denise Mary Allen — Antarctic Medal recipient 1989

Denise Allen has been one of the pioneers for the involvement of women in the Antarctic. She has spent six winters in Antarctica as an observer for the Bureau of Meteorology, including two consecutive winters. She has carried out a water sampling program for Monash University in the Vestfold Hills Lakes and supported station operations by marking safe routes on the ice plateau, establishing fuel dumps for traverses and providing assistance to many scientific programs. See March Newsletter for details

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64th Pioneer Women’s Ceremony

This was held at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden in Kings Domain, Melbourne. This event celebrated Victorian Pioneer Women in Agriculture. In 2025 it is 30 years since women in Australia were legally considered farmers under the law and therefore the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognised, under occupations in the Census, that women can be farmers rather than simply "farmers' wives”.

Two parliamentarians gave short addresses at the start of the event. Michaela Settle MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Regional Development, highlighted the $20 billion agricultural sector and the critical role of the Victorian Rural Women’s Network in championing and empowering women into leadership and influential decision-making positions. Emma Kealy MP, Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Mental Health, acknowledged the valuable work of the NCWV in supporting women’s advocacy and leadership. She paid tribute to women pioneers, past and present, sharing stories of 19th-century women who, despite raising large families, made significant contributions to their towns and regions in the mid-late 1800s. She emphasised that, while being a mother is an important role, it does not define a woman’s entire identity. Emma highlighted the example of Dr Kendra Clegg, a present-day pioneer, who led the Grampians emergency recovery response while balancing farm work and made significant contributions to the region and community.

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NCWV End of Year Festive Luncheon - Hazel Edwards OAM on Writing for Young People

As National Council of Women Victoria Inc has long been interested in children’s education and books that encourage respect for girls and other cultures, we were delighted to announce that our guest speaker at the 2024 Annual Luncheon was Hazel Edwards OAM Australian Educator, Author, Speaker and Literacy Ambassador.

Hazel has written books for children, teachers and adults. Her best-known publication is the children’s picture book classic There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake (1980), now a series of picture books, classroom play scripts, a musical stage production and a short movie.

Hazel is a prolific author with over 200 books across numerous genres - Picture Books, Easy Reading Books, Young Adult Fiction, Adventure Writing, Adult Mysteries and Non-Fiction.

Her memoir ‘Not Just a Piece of Cake’ (2023) takes the reader behind the books. It’s about risk-taking, intellectual growth, and inspiring the next generation of creative minds.