National Council of Women of Victoria Inc.
Annual Report 2016-2017
National Council of Women of Victoria Inc.
Registered Office:
RHSV Building , 239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne.
Postal Address:
PO Box 18186, Collins Street East, 8003
M : 0447 351 234
Website http://www.ncwvic.org.au/
ABN18227073059 Registration No.A0004465H
Affiliated with
National Council of Women of Australia Inc. Ltd and thus to the International Council of Women/CIF which has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Our objectives
• To work for the empowerment of women and families, and to promote equal status for women and men in law and in fact.
• To maintain and strengthen Council’s relationship with members.
• To develop policies and responses on behalf of women on a state-wide basis.
• To act as a voice on issues and concerns of women at state and regional levels.
• To link with the women of Australia and the International Council of Women through the National Council of Women of Australia and contribute to the implementation of their plans of action and policies.
National Council of Women of Victoria - An introduction
The National Council of Women of Victoria is a not-for-profit, umbrella organisation with broadly humanitarian objectives, with more than forty affiliates, and a similar number of individual members, from across Greater Melbourne, regional and rural Victoria.
We bring together a number of the more significant member based organisations for women and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with Observer Status with the UN Economic and Social Council. This include professional organizations like the Victorian Medical Women’s Society, and Australian Women’s Local Government Association, member based groups like Soroptimist International, Girl Guides Victoria, various alumni associations, the National Council of Jewish Women, MU Australia Diocese of Melbourne, Australian Church Women , other church and faith based groups, newer and older diaspora groups ranging from the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Australia (Victorian State Executive), the Turkish Women’s Recreational Group, National Chinese Australian Women’s Association, Australasian Centre for Human Rights and Health, and many other local and community groups.
The International Council of Women, one of the first international women’s organizations, was founded in the United States in 1888. In Victoria, National Council of Women started in 1902 just after the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia and seven years after a National Council began in Sydney in 1896. Today’s National Council of Women Australia dates from 1931.
The common aim is to work for the well-being of women and their families: the right to physical safety, to education at all levels, and to receive equal pay for equal work. It is agreed that violence in the home and public places is a crime, as is discrimination on the basis of gender, race or marital status. We partner with professionals, policy makers and the community, to become more informed on issues of the day and to take action where appropriate including making submissions to Government, to Parliamentary Committees and other inquiries.
National Council of Women of Victoria supports the view expressed by Hillary Clinton, in 2012 that women and girls deserve the same rights as their fathers, brothers and sons. The NCWV Respect Brochure was developed in 2013 as a simple help for newcomers to help them understand the rights of women in their new homeland, Australia.
2016-17 Executive Members, 1 September 2016: Front row L-R: Sheila Byard OAM, Sarah Morgan, Mavis Lynch VP, Janene Blanchfield Brown President, Elisabeth Newman VP, May Hu JP OAM. Back row L-R: Janice Latham, Janet Park, Bronwyn Badham, Gauri Kapoor, Barbara Latham. Absent: Guosheng Chen, Sandra Huang, Benjie Perryman. Photo: J.Eleanor Holden
Interim President’s Report –Elisabeth Newman Women who choose to be equal with men surely lack ambition The Honorable Fiona Richardson MP, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, from December 2014 – August 2017
This 114th Annual Report of the National Council of Women of Victoria must begin with reference to the un- expected resignation of President Janene Blanchfield Brown, in May 2017, due to unforeseen circumstances. As Vice President, I was asked by the Executive to be Acting President till the June Council meeting, at which time I was elected Interim President to serve until the Annual General Meeting.
I wish to acknowledge the work that Janene has undertaken for NCWV. She first served on the Executive in 1997/98. Then, with her interest in women’s issues, she maintained her link with NCWV rejoining the Executive in 2015 and was elected President in 2016. She had a great vision for NCWV which, unfortunately, she was unable to bring to reality. Janene, as a member of the NCWA Board was also supportive of its work and put in considerable effort with the organisation of the June 2017 NCWA Conference.
President Janene Blanchfield Brown at the 56th Annual Women’s Australia Day Ceremony Pioneer Women’s Garden with Guest Speaker Janet Mitchelmore AO. Photo: Nui Oranthia
I also acknowledge the work of Gauri Kapoor the out-going Secretary/Public Officer. Gauri is to be particularly commended for her devotion to YoungNCWVic of which she has been Co-convenor since its conception in 2015 and her enthusiastic contribution to the launch of National Council of Young Women of Australia, as part of the NCWA Mid-Term Conference in Canberra in June 2017. On behalf of NCWV, I thank both Janene and Gauri for their contribution to the Council and wish them well.
In keeping with world trends, including that of International Council of Women-CIF, NCWV has maintained its place in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in all spheres of life. It was with pleasure that NCWV, in partnership with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (Victoria). and with support of the League of Women Voters Victoria, held the “My Vote My Voice” event, in August 2016, at the Parliament of Victoria. This has become a well received, successful annual event. The students focused their speeches on the theme “The right to vote the right to stand”.
The Melbourne Girls Grammar team receive the Jean Cheshire ‘Civics and Citizenship’ Award in honour of Jean Cheshire at the My Vote My Voice 2016 event at the Parliament of Victoria. Photo: Sophie Nowicka.
In May 2017 a second equally successful event, “Troubled Youth” forum, was also held at Parliament House, kindly hosted by David Southwick MP. A panel of distinguished speakers discussed the Juvenile Justice system and why youth become “troubled” tending to end up on the wrong side of the law. This forum was a continuation of the Respect Programme which looks to end all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. It is encouraging to note, such programmes, have generated increased interest in the work of NCWV coupled with expressions of interest in taking out membership. Several young women have joined YoungNCWVic which is pleasing for they are our future.
In January, the 56th Annual Women’s Australia Day Ceremony was held in the lovely Pioneer Women’s Garden when Janet Mitchelmore AO spoke about Dr Jean Hailes as a Pioneer of Women’s Health. We are indebted to the City of Melbourne for the provision of a grant to assist with this event.
Australia Day Ceremony, Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, 19 January 2016. Photo: Nui Oranthia
We are also most appreciative of being able to hold the February Council meeting in the Town Hall at the invitation of our Patron, the Lady Mayoress, Emma Page Campbell. In May, the Standing Committees Roundtable coincided with Law Week, with the theme “Protection of the Vulnerable in the new Economy of Care”. Drawing on the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into Elder Abuse, the focus was on changes to the Power of Attorney system in Victoria and the new Medical
Planning and Treatment Decisions Act. In June a delegation from NCWV participated in the NCWA mid-term Conference in Canberra. It was very pleasing to have a number of Young NCWVic members in attendance. They have taken a significant role in the establishment of Young NCW Australia which was launched during the Conference. The resolution submitted by NCWV on “Heart Healthcare’ was passed unanimously.
Since taking office as the Interim President at the beginning of June I have attended the AGM of a few of the Affiliated Organisations and have taken part in the two NCWA Board teleconferences. I have also been to Canada for an ICW-CIF Board meeting and the 124th AGM of the NCW Canada.
I would like to thank Executive Members and all Members who have assisted in some way with the day to day running of NCWV especially since mid -May. Thanks to all Members. including the members of YoungNCWVic, for your support and belief in NCWV which maintains the Council as an organisation with influence.
I commend all the individual reports, including the Standing Committee which appear in the supplement. All give an outline of the work undertaken during the year July 2016 to June 2017.
Girls are our future: UN Day of the Girl Child, October Council meeting 2016, L-R Joan Baden Powell (Girl Guides Victoria)with Sarah Morgan (Youth Adviser), Pam Hammond (Education Adviser) with YoungNCWVic members and interns Ruchira Kakkad, Victoria Waid, President Janene Blanchfield Brown, Gauri Kapoor and Tenille Gilbert Photo: J.Eleanor Holden
Media, and publications
SYN Nation Represent program 10 December, Emma Fu interview with Birute Don on gender discrimination issues in Victoria also referenced the NCW Victoria ‘s blogspot http://ncwvic.blogspot.com.au
The YoungNCWVic Facebook and blog has regular postings about the My Vote My Voice program. 2016 The May Forum on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and other events have all been covered by NCWV's website blog and the YoungNCWVic wordpress blog https://youngncwvic.wordpress.com
Submission May 2017 for NCWA on the ‘Strengthening the test for Australian Citizenship’ inquiry.
Administrative Matters
Secretary (Public Officer) elected for 2016-17 has been Gauri Kapoor.
During the past year, ten Council meetings, were held including the Annual General Meeting 1 September 2016, at Ross House, Flinders Lane, Melbourne except for February which was held at The Melbourne Town Hall, under the auspice of the Lady Mayoress, Emma Page Campbell, Patron of NCWV.
Nine Executive meetings were also held during the same period at Ross House. Gippsland Regional Branch joined some Executive meetings by teleconference.
During the year work re-commenced on reviewing the Constitution. The transitional arrangements flowing from the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (and associated Regulations) have come to an end. As an association using its own rules, National Council of Women of Victoria was not required to change its constitution.
When change is proposed the new Constitution (rules) must address every item required under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. Recent contact with Justice Connect/Not for Profit Law has confirmed that NCWV is eligible for Not For Profit assistance, and this will begin soon after the 2017AGM
Council meetings, topics and May Dr Shirin David, speakers 2015-16 International Needs Australia (INA) work in India
July The Australian Honours June Resolutions for the NCWA System with Melba Group member Mid Term Conference Jenny Standish
August Discussion of resolutions for the NCWA Mid-Term Office Bearers and Executive Conference. Members 2016-2017 President: Janene Blanchfield Brown till September AGM Michelle Phillips mid May 2017. Women and Parliament. Interim President: Elisabeth Newman October Girls are our future. UN Day of the Girl Child, with Immediate Past President: Sheila Byard OAM interns Ruchira Kakkad and Vice Presidents: Tenille Gilbert Elisabeth Newman Guosheng Chen November Pink sheet exercise, Respect Mavis Lynch, Regional Vice President 1800 National Action Plan for Reducing Violence. Secretary & Public Officer: Gauri Kapoor
December Claire Saxby, author My Treasurer: Sandra Huang until October 2016 Name is Lizzie Flynn Acting Treasurer: Sheila Byard OAM
Standing Committee Coordinator: May Hu, JP January Janet Mitchelmore AO, Jean OAM Hailes, Pioneer of Women’s Health, Pioneer Women’s Individual Elected Members: Garden. Barbara Latham Sarah Morgan February Red Cross first responder Janet Park Anne Corram ’Impact of Benjie Perryman. Bourke St tragedy’, and Yvette Wang Emma Fu, (YoungNCWV) Members Group: Bronwyn Badham with Birute Don (At the Melbourne Town Hall). Central Gippsland Branch Jan Baxter
represented by Mavis Lynch March Focus on Women and Local Government Geelong Branch Janice Latham
April Planning for the ‘Troubled Youth Forum’ on Wednesday 24 May
Honorary Positions International Council of Women Patron in Chief Elisabeth Newman - Vice President, The Hon.Linda Dessau AC Joint Coordinator Standing Governor of Victoria Committees, Convenor Small Patron Development Fund/ Director Project Five-O Ms Emma Page Campbell Lady Mayoress City of Melbourne Hean Bee Wee AM -Vice President, Honorary Life Members Chair Finance Committee Diane Alley OBE Leonie Christopherson AM - Advisor, Arts Mary Allinson and Letters Gracia Baylor AM Col. Joyce Fischer Janet Galley OAM Sylvia Gelman AM, MBE Mavis Lynch Anne Parton Betty Spiken Eleanor Sumner
Individual (Associate) Life Members
Beverly Blythe Bailey Leonie Christopherson AM Janet Galley OAM Sandy L. Munro Elisabeth Newman Jennie Russell OAM
National Council of Women of Australia – Positions held by Victorians Diane Alley OBE - Honorary Life Vice President Eleanor Sumner -Honorary Life Vice President Eva Court, Coordinator, Communications , Adviser Arts Letters Dr Pamela Williams OAM, Coordinator, Sustainable Development May Hu JP OAM Adviser, Mass Media
Honours and Awards
Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria, NCWV Patron in Chief, Companion AC in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Philomena Docherty, Former NCWV delegate, Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, Australia Day 2017
May Hu JP Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, Queens Birthday 2017
Awards
Sheila Byard OAM, Victorian Honour Roll of Women, March 2016
Lt. Colonel Patricia Spiken, Salvation Army (Rtd.), NCWV Honorary Life Membership September 2016
International Award
Elisabeth Newman – Medal ‘Women Peace Security’ awarded by NCW Ukraine fin March 2017 ‘for support of NCW Ukraine’.
In Memoriam
Yvonne Hurley d. 01/09/16, Delegate Janet Clarke Hall Society 1988-92
Thelma Dingle d.26/12/16, NCWV Bendigo Branch, President 1974-77, 1985-87 Delegate to NCV 1974 77, 1985-87, Country Vice President 1986
Membership and Links
NCWV has two classes of membership: for Member Organisations (Affiliates) and for Individual Members (Associates) who are in turn involved with a wide variety of state and regional level bodies, agencies and organisations.
NCWV Representatives:
Corrections Vic Stakeholder Forum - Barbara Latham; Ross House Association - Anne Parton
Organisational (Affiliate) Members
Australia Day Council (Vic.) Inc Australian Asia Professional Women’s Association
Australian Centre for Human Rights and Health Inc. Australian Church Women Victorian Unit Australian Local Government Women's Association Inc (Victoria) Beta Sigma Phi Victoria Inc Firbank Old Grammarians Association Grandparents Victoria Girl Guides Victoria Home Economics Institute of Australia - Victorian Division Larnook Ex-students Association Inc. League of Women Voters of Victoria Liberal Women's Council Victoria Melbourne G.G.S. Old Grammarian Society Committee Melbourne Legacy (Widows) MLC Old Collegians Club Moonee Valley Golden Age Women’s Group MU Australia – Diocese of Melbourne National Australian Chinese Women’s Association Inc. National Council of Jewish Women Australia (Victoria) Inc. NCWV Central Gippsland Branch NCWV Geelong Branch (eight affiliates) Parkdale Women's Club Inc Presbyterian Ladies College Old Collegians Association Returned & Services Nurses Club of Victoria Sub-Branch RSL Soroptimists International of Victoria The Korovian Club Turkish Women’s Recreation Club Inc. Ukrainian Women's Association of Australia - Victoria Union of Australian Women (Victoria) Uniting Church Australia Victoria and Tasmanian Synod Adult Fellowship Victorian Women’s Medical Society Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition WIZO Victoria Inc WCTU – Drug Free Lifestyles Women’s Property Initiatives
Links
COTA Victoria Fitted for Work Her Place: Women's Museum Australia Ltd. Jean Hailes Foundation Newcomers Network Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Project Respect Royal Historical Society of Victoria Travellers Aid WIRE Women’s Information Service Women with Disabilities Victoria Victoria Women’s Trust Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Photographers: Sophie Nowicka, Nui Oranthia, Janina Green, Yvette Wang, J. Eleanor Holden
Thanks to
Anon – Donors large and small, including stationary and other goods in kind. Bruce Atkinson MP, President of the Legislative Council, Parliament of Victoria Australian Local Government Women’s Association (Victoria) – Dr. Helen Harris EO Austin Byard CPA Anna Carlile and the team at Viola Design City of Melbourne Caulfield Park Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank Complete Function Hire Samantha Dunn MP, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Province Margaret Fitzherbert MP, Member for Southern Metropolitan Province Peter Green Macadvice Penne Gillies League of Women Voters of Victoria, Bessie Rischbeith Memorial Trust. Jaz Lee, Spaceheadz Multimedia Senator Gavin Marshall, Senator for Victoria Coralee Neville, Finmax/Hampton Group Minuteman Press, North Melbourne - Michael and Heather Milivojac and team Mary-Dee Morgan, and Parliamentary Services Staff, Parliament of Victoria Cr Cathy Oke, City of Melbourne Ellen Sandell MP, State Member for Melbourne Sherene Stewart, Sponsorship Coordinator, City of Melbourne Events Partnership Program The Victorian Electoral Commission Cr Jackie Watts, City of Melbourne Workgroup Computer Solutions WCS – Terry Komis and Team Westpac North Melbourne
Other acknowledgements
Law Week Roundtable (4 May 2017) Australian Law Reform Commission ALRC Elder Abuse Inquiry ‘Protecting the Rights of Older Australians from Abuse’. Coordinator May Hu JP, and Panel Members: Michael Wells PSM, Office of the Public Advocate Victoria; Marion Lau OAM JP, and NCW Victoria Migration Adviser, Nurcihan Ozturk.
Troubled Youth Forum (24 May 2017) Parliamentary Sponsor: David Southwick MP Coordinators Jennie Russell OAM and Lavina Malinek OAM Moderator: David Thomson (Fellow Sir Zelman Cowan Centre - Victoria University) Panel members: • Peter Norden AO FANZSOC, Adjunct Professor, Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University • Lisa Ward, Deputy Chair of Sentencing Advisory Council • Kel Glare AO, Former Victorian Police Commissioner • Kylee Bates, CEO Ardoch Youth Foundation • Dr Manjula O’Connor MBBS, FRANZCP, DPM, M.MED.- Consultant Psychiatrist • Brendan Murray, Secondary School Principal
NCWA Mid-Term Conference, Canberra, June 2017 - Sarah Morgan, Youth Adviser
NCWA was able to provide some sponsored places for young members from across Australia to attend the Mid-Term Conference in Canberra 13-16 June 201. Those attending took part in a Leadership workshop, and the main conference program including the Launch of National Council of Young Women Australia at the Parliament.
Gauri Kapoor and Sarah Morgan were nominated by NCWV to attend and were provided with some further assistance from NCWV Donors ‘Civic and Citizenship Fund’ to cover travel expenses. Melissa Keatley was also able to obtain leave from work and to attend at her own expense.
The National Council of Young Women Australia workshop was on Wednesday afternoon. Presenters were: from the YWCA Leadership with integrity (This session focused on self- reflection and our own personal values); Genevieve Jacobs ABC morning radio Canberra (Communication /social media awareness); and Zoe Ralph Author/presenter (This session focused on the art and practice of Assertiveness).
Thursday started with breakfast at Parliament House for the official lunch of National Council of Young Woman Australia by the Hon Michaela Cash (Minister for Women), followed by meeting the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and group photo opportunity.
Individual Members – Bronwyn Badham,Convenor
The Individual Members continue to meet bi-monthly, usually at Ross House on the morning of the monthly NCW Victoria Council meeting. Meetings during the past year were held in
August and October 2016 and in February, April and June 2017. Both Individual Members and Delegates are welcome to the Group’s activities and meetings. The August 2016 meeting was held in the Hayden Raysmith Room at Ross House. We elected the Individual Members Group Convener and Representative on the NCWV Executive for 2016-17, thanking Barbara Brown who was retiring after three years in that role. This was also an opportunity for old and new members to share information about their varied community involvements. At the 2016 NCW Victoria AGM on 5 September 2016 Barbara Brown presented $250 on behalf of the Individual Members as a donation to cover the cost of Storage at Ross House and other meeting costs. In October, we conducted a successful excursion to the Islamic Museum in Thornbury, travelling by bus to and from Spring St Melbourne, thanks to the help of Andrew Parton, Operations Manager, NuLine Charter.
The Individual Members were please to supply a Festive Basket for the NCWV end of the year lunch fund raising for the Monash Health Social Work program of assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living I out of home care.
The IMG February meeting was held at the Melbourne Town Hall as part of the main NCW Victoria meeting. Our guest speaker Duncan Buchanan from the Victoria Day Council spoke about encouraging nomination of women for annual VDC awards. In April Betty Spikin (Lt Colonel retired) spoke about ‘Living Overseas’. Betty as a long- term member of Soroptimist International was pleased to have SI Victoria President Erica Myers- Tattersall in attendance as a guest. The speaker at the June IMG meeting was Jodie Bateman who spoke about the work of Travellers Aid.
The 2017 Excursion on 12 October will be to the Gold exhibition at the Old Treasury Museum, Spring St. Melbourne. We will sponsor a Civics and Citizenship award for a school team in recognition of NCW Victoria’s 115 years of service to Victorian women and families, as well as making a donation to NCWV towards the cost of the Storage at Ross House for 2017-18 Thanks to members for their support during the past year especially to Janet Galley OAM as Minute taker, Anne Parton, Eleanor Holden and Barbara Brown as former Convener.
Central Gippsland NCWV–Jan Baxter President
The Branch met on 21 August 2017 at the Morwell Club to consider its future. President, Jan Baxter, welcomed members and guests from Melbourne - Sheila Byard, and Barbara Latham to what was not a normal AGM. The past two years has seen the Branch not able to supply office bearers so it has not been acting in accordance with the Constitution. The decision to close the branch has not been taken lightly. Members have appreciated Jan Baxter’s willingness to be Acting President and Diana McNeill as Acting Secretary/Treasurer. Due to illness, accidents and lack of transport there have been times when it was hard to have a quorum. Members in Morwell have only one driver and if she is unavailable they are unable to attend. The recent ill health of Mavis Lynch has left a huge gap in our group. Mavis, as a founding member, has a wealth of knowledge, she has been the Branch’s representative for NCW Victoria meetings and the Regional Branch Vice President for 2016-17.
On behalf of NCW Victoria, Sheila Byard congratulated the Branch on their work over more than six decades including the bringing the issue of female genital mutilation to the attention of NCWV and thence to NCWA and International Council of Women. She spoke about the various options that were open to members in the case of the branch closing including taking up individual memberships or carrying on as an “NCW Friends’ group”. Members are still going to meet for lunch from time to time as we have become great friends over the years and there is always plenty to discuss.
The Annual and Financial reports have been forwarded to Elisabeth Newman, as Interim President, and the books will be taken to the Stratford Historical Society to be archived with previous books. A donation was made to Travellers Aid in recognition of the important work of this body for travelers from rural Victoria. Residual funds will be forwarded to NCW Victoria. (Diana McNeill, Acting Secretary /Treasurer)
–Geelong Branch NCWV – Janice Latham, President
At the 2017 Annual General Meeting members received the 73rd Annual Report of the Geelong Branch of National Council of Women of Victoria.
Geelong Branch was founded 1944, Honorary Life Members are Judy Bent, Noele Cook, Carmel Dingeman, June McColl, and Anne Parton. The Branch consists of 11 Individual/Associate members, and 8 Affiliates, each with 2 delegates. There have been two Individual resignations. Two new individual members are to be inducted in November.
The 2016 Annual General Meeting on 15 August 2016 with NCW Victoria President Sheila Byard OAM in attendance.
Monthly meetings, on the third Monday of the month are held in the Reception Parlour, Sacred Heart College, Newtown. Committee meetings have been held October 2016, March, June and August 2017.
Geelong Branch is a member of The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame, The Geelong Historical Society, Osborne Park Association, Anam Cara and The Heritage Centre within the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre Geelong
Guest Speakers for the year have covered: Family Support - Children with Special needs. Rights of the Child - Children in Kinship care. Health, Education and our Heritage City. Empowering girls to remain in formal education. Days for Girls.
Committee members have attended the following events: Australia Day Ceremony at the Pioneer Women's Garden; My Vote My Voice, the Standing Committee Law Week RoundTable, the Troubled Youth Forum at Parliament House; NCW Victoria monthly Council meetings and NCWV Executive meetings.
In relation to the My Vote My Voice student event: Geelong College has registered 6 students to attend in 2017. Three girls to present speeches, three girls to observe. We will approach 3 Government schools next year and encourage participation.
Four trading tables were conducted at monthly meetings and Geelong Branch donated to:
$100 NCWV Newsletter $300 NCWV Presidents Discretionary Fund $300 Sacred Heart Family Support $250 ‘My Vote My Voice’ - Elva Carland award $500 Lifeboat Geelong $250 Young National Council of Women
To all members & delegates, thank you for your support, council and attendance. Your contributions of time, afternoon teas, raffle prizes, trading table supplies and purchases have served us well. Thank you to Helen Rodd, our diplomatic, highly skilled, IT savvy Secretary who has hosted all committee meetings at her home. To Jan Kinloch, Treasurer & Jeweller: In both areas you excel and we thank you for all the hours you have given. Your negotiating skills in obtaining the venue and catering contract for our Annual Lunch. Thank you Jan. To Helen Carruthers & Jill Graham for organizing the afternoon teas and rosters for each meeting. To Anne Parton & Marita Fitzpatrick for your guidance, networking and behind the scene work. I thank you all for the support you have given me and the friendship we have enjoyed.
NCWV Archivist Report - Janet Galley OAM
Whilst there has been little activity within the Archives of NCW Victoria during the past year there has been well researched material in being aware of the accuracy and reliable information on its formation in 1902.
The Inaugural Meeting of NCWV was held on 19th March, 1902 so this year, 2017 is 115th years of its existence in Victoria working to benefit women, children, families and the general community and society.
As well 2017 is year of recalling the establishment of the Regional Branches (formerly Country Branches) of the first Branch in Ballarat in June,1927. Ninety years of dedicated voluntary work to the regional, rural and remote women of Victoria over 90 years is a remarkable achievement. Whilst there are now 2 Regional Branches - Geelong (1944) and Central Gippsland (1964) there have over nine decades been Branches in Ballarat, Bendigo, Corangamite (Colac), Wimmera (Horsham), Murray Valley (Swan Hill), Sunraysia (Mildura), South Gippsland (Wonthaggi/Leongatha/Korumburra), Mornington Peninsula (Frankston), Goulburn Valley (Shepparton).
As Archivist, I have continued to lodge the Council Newsletter when distributed to Council Members for Legal Deposit with the State Library of Victoria and the National Library of Australia in Canberra as well the NCWV Annual Report.
Policy Process - Reports from the Standing Committees May Hu OAM JP, Coordinator of Standing Committees, August 2017
The Theme of International Council of Women for 2015-2018 is Transforming Society through the Empowerment of Women. I would like to thank all the conveners and advisors for their contribution to the Standing Committees in the past years. We have suggested speakers for the various events, and written and explored issues relating to our portfolios. We have been involved in the Annual Australia Day Ceremony in the Pioneer Women’s Garden, May SC Roundtable/Forum for Victorian Law Week, participated in the “Troubled Youth” May Forum at Victorian Parliament, and in the 2016 student event “My Vote My Voice” at the Parliament. NCWV’s Resolution “Heart Disease- Making the Invisible Visible”, initiated by Health Advisor Freda Kaufman, was carried at the NCW Australia Conference in June.
We regret that Gauri Kapoor is now moving on from NCW S/C work, and we wish her well as she takes up new roles. Hean Bee Wee AM has also retired from her portfolios. We thank them both for their contributions.
Welcome to our new conveners and advisors: Sheila Byard is taking up the post of Convener for Status of Women and Adviser, Legislation. Barbara Latham who is NCWV representative at Corrections Victoria Stakeholder Forums, will be Adviser, Human Rights. Young NCWVic member, Emma Fu, has agreed to be Adviser for Economics and Women and Employment
Sincere thanks to our five Conveners who mentor and edit the annual reports of the five portfolio areas: Communication – Eva Court (National Coordinator); Status of Women – Sheila Byard OAM (Immediate Past President); Social Issues – Elisabeth Newman (Vice-President ICW -CIF); Sustainable Development – Hean Bee Wee AM (Vice-President ICW-ICW); General Well-being – Pam Williams OAM (Acting Convener). This is the third year for me to be the Coordinator of Standing Committees. after accepting the position handed on by Eva Court and Wendy Le Get jointly in September 2014. I have appreciated the support of Elisabeth Newman, Sheila Byard, Eva Court, Gauri Kapoor and Pam Hammond.
We look forward to developing further issue based resolutions in the next 12 months. The Standing Committees of National Council of Women of Victoria continue to work within the framework provided by the ICW Plans of Action and NCWA policies; The theme of the Mid-Term Conference of NCWA 2017 was Future Directions, Our Council Our Voice - Driving Cultural Change.
Please note: The full Standing Committees reports are published in a separate volume.
May Hu OAM JP, Coordinator of Standing Committees, August 2017
Financial Report For the Year Ended 30 June 2017
National Council of Women of Victoria Inc.
Registration No. A0004465H ABN 18227073059
Statement by Members of the Committee The committee members submit the financial report of the National Council of Women of Victoria Inc. for the financial year ended 30 June 2016
Committee Members
The names of the committee members authorised to sign off on the accounts are: • Sheila Byard OAM • May Hu JP OAM
Principal Activities The National Council of Women of Victoria Inc. provides a variety of programs and activities for its affiliates and individual members so as to encourage the participation of women in all aspects of community life.
Significant Changes There have been no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the financial year.
Operating Result The deficit amounted to - $4,587 (2016 surplus $ 728 )
The Schedule 1 Regulation 15, Form 1 under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 presented here has been signed in accordance with a resolution of the committee by Sheila Byard OAM and May Hu JP OAM.
Insert scanned sheet as supplied.
Insert financial report as suuplied