Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2007 Inspirational women from all walks of life Contents Foreword

1 Foreword I am pleased to present the stories of 2 Phyllis Andy the remarkable women who have joined 3 Dianne Bailey-Tribe the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2007. 4 Annette Bear-Crawford These women have used their skills, 5 Marilyn Beaumont knowledge, commitment and compassion 6 Josie Black OAM to better their communities and have made 7 Anne Brunell OAM a lasting contribution to women in Victoria. 8 Ola (Carola) Cohn MBE They have excelled in their chosen fi elds 9 Lynda Gibson and are testament to the depth of talented 10 Barbara Jennings women we have in this State. 11 Licia Kokocinski 12 Cuc Lam Given their tireless work for others, it is 13 Professor Pranee Liamputtong fi tting that we honour them, and the causes 14 Voula Messimeri-Kianidis they serve, on International Women’s Day. 15 Maggie Millar They join 356 women already inducted 16 Bruna Pasqua on the Honour Roll, which began in 2001 as 17 Maureen Postma part of our Centenary of Federation celebrations 18 Dr Belle (Isabel) Reid and continues until 2008, when we mark the 19 Professor Doreen Rosenthal AO centenary of women’s suffrage in Victoria. 20 Kay Vrieze 21 Kaele Way I’d like to thank these extraordinary 22-23 Queen Victoria Hospital Founders women for their passion and determination. They are role models for women’s leadership and their achievements stand as an inspiration to us all.

Jacinta Allan MP Minister for Women’s Affairs

1 Victorian Honour Roll of Women Phyllis Andy Dianne Bailey-Tribe Strengthening Indigenous communities Dedicated crusader in the fi eld of autism

For more than 20 years Phyllis Andy has Her exposure and deep understanding of For the parents of a child diagnosed with Her inspiration is seeing the milestones been an active community leader and tireless Indigenous issues was garnered from her the complex, lifelong condition of autism reached and says “it is important to provide worker for the East Gippsland communities various roles working in childcare, family spectrum disorder, their child’s diffi cult and opportunities for parents to get enjoyment out of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Lake support and community health. challenging day-to-day behaviour requires of their children and remember that they are Tyers, focusing on women and children. sensitive understanding, specialist support children fi rst and autism is secondary.” Phyllis was a founding member of Lakes and intervention. Using her standing as a Entrance Koori Elder groups and Lakes Children with autism can be anxious, rigid, respected Indigenous Elder, Entrance and Lake Tyers women’s groups. Dianne Bailey-Tribe has become have pedantic speech patterns, throw Phyllis has infl uenced change She was also involved in the Gippsland and a renowned expert and leader tantrums and Dianne says “we use a lot of East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative Board, in the fi eld of autism. She has pictures to help the child understand the world and established partnerships, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust Board, around them and it works like magic.” programs and services that create and the Gippsland Lakes Community Health pioneered the delivery of services Dianne trained and became a leader in her lasting benefi ts and a growing Board of Management. for children with autism to give all those associated with the child the fi elds of occupational therapy, psychotherapy sense of local reconciliation. To her community, Phyllis has also become an and community service and has always tools and understanding to better Phyllis sees education as the key to unoffi cial adviser, giving guidance and showing worked with children and adolescents with a better future. leadership on Indigenous community issues, work with them. mental health issues. as well as advocating for women’s issues. “I try to make it a little bit better for the next “The secret is that it’s an all-of-family She recognises the need for greater generation of Indigenous women and children “Women are the drive behind our families like approach and we are no longer working knowledge and understanding for to access things better than what we did as our mothers were and their mothers before just with the child. Now the parents are fi rst, occupational therapy treatment for children kids and young adults,” Phyllis said. that. We are always out front making changes then the parents together in partnership with autism.This has become not only her for the betterment of our communities,” with the child,” Dianne said. hobby but her working passion. “The inspiration to help others came when Phyllis said. I presented graduation certifi cates to 10 Much of Dianne’s work involves helping Dianne is a Trustee of Occupational Therapy Indigenous women on a childcare course. parents to grieve in the early stages of Research Trust Fund. She is a mentor, trainer, It meant the future and it felt special to see diagnosis and understand the challenges counsellor and friend to many in her role as the Indigenous women standing side-by-side they face, as well as offering cautious optimism Chief Executive Offi cer at Irabina Childhood with the white people and they were equal about the future for them and their child. Autism Services, and she continues to raise at that moment,” she said. awareness of the complexity of autism spectrum disorders in the community. Phyllis later campaigned to improve the health and safety of Indigenous families and often placed herself in diffi cult and dangerous circumstances to protect vulnerable Elders, women and children. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 2 3 Annette Bear-Crawford Marilyn Beaumont 1853 – 1899 Creating healthy environments Social reformer for women and children

Annette Bear-Crawford was a leading Annette was born in , trained in Marilyn Beaumont is passionate “The longer I worked in advocacy the more force in Victoria’s feminist movement and England and worked as a social worker in about standing up for what is I’ve learnt to speak the truth and bring others a passionate advocate for equal rights for the London slums before returning to Victoria, right and is driven by the way along with me. I trust my instincts and give women. She worked tirelessly to improve the where she became one of the fi rst members voice to what I see around me that isn’t right. status and conditions of women and children of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to women unite. To act upon it, stand up and say it.” in the late nineteenth century. Children and the Victorian Vigilance Society. “Together we have to be courageous and Now the Executive Director of Women’s Annette united the existing suffrage societies She helped obtain amendments to legislation name whatever it is that’s not right, from the Health Victoria, Marilyn continues to provide to establish the Victorian Women’s Franchise affecting women including successfully raising really big issues about women being unequal leadership and advocates for the specifi c League in 1894, and formed the United the age of consent for girls to sixteen years to women’s access to superannuation,” health needs of women. Council for Women’s Suffrage. and the appointing of women as factory Marilyn said. “Seeing how the health system works or inspectors. She also campaigned for police Both groups were infl uential in gaining equal Marilyn’s forthright attitude, enduring vision doesn’t work and using resources more matrons and for women to administer the opportunities for women and ultimately the and women’s health knowledge have been effi ciently is what drives me now,” she said. Infant Life Protection Act 1890. vote for the women of Victoria. used to inform policy, infl uence government Her commitment extends to mentoring One of her most enduring achieve- and health professionals, and create healthy As an important social reformer of her time, environments for women. staff and she sits on a number of boards Annette’s infl uence extended to encouraging ments grew out of her concerns for including Melbourne Health and Corrections and educating women to undertake public the welfare of unmarried mothers After training as a nurse, Marilyn was involved Victoria, as well as being a member of the in the grass roots women’s movement and work, attend speaking engagements and and their children. Women’s Correctional Services Advisory to stand for election on all-male boards gay liberation, and emerged in the 1970s Committee and the Ministerial Advisory and committees. Annette led the fundraising campaign to as an activist for street kid services and for Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Transgender establish the Queen Victoria Hospital and women with drug and alcohol dependence. and Bisexual Health. as a result, the Queen’s Shilling Fund raised As State Secretary South Australia and then 63,250 shillings from the women of Victoria, Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing equivalent to around $2.5 million today. Federation (ANF) she raised the professional Sadly, she did not live to see this hospital recognition of nurses to an unprecedented opened, dying prematurely from pneumonia degree on national heath policy issues. while in London representing Australia at the She campaigned for the introduction of Women’s International Conference. important working conditions that have, and continue to have, a positive and enduring Annette is buried in London and a plaque in effect on nurses across Australia. Christ Church, South Yarra, commemorates her life. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 4 5 Josie Black OAM Anne Brunell OAM Community activist and educator Inspiring those who have set their limits

Josie Black has been leading, shaping Josie organises activities ranging from Dressed in her jeans, Anne Brunell looks “I saw people with disabilities worse than and enhancing the lives of people in festivals to leadership programs, and also like every other young mum attending to mine. I hadn’t had much exposure to other Victoria’s southwest regional community mentors women and advocates for people her two active young sons. disabled people, only amputees, and there for the past 25 years. who are socially and culturally marginalised I saw people competing that were blind or She speaks to many school children and or disadvantaged. in a wheelchair,” she said. “I am a champion for rural people and gives inspiration, encouraging them to particularly those in small communities, She says this is shaped by her earlier do something with their lives. “I was only 13 and decided then I needed for education, youth and arts, and for experiences as an Italian immigrant and to be more serious. My mindset changed “I think you have to grasp life. You need some unpopular things like reconciliation,” sole parent. and I wanted a gold medal in world record to be out there doing things,” Anne said. Josie said. time. I had a new attitude and a new maturity “I have witnessed what does and doesn’t Anne’s determination and drive came from towards my swimming.” happen to people without the English language With her hallmarks of energy and the challenges early in her life. persistence, Josie regularly initiates or adequate education who fi nd it diffi cult to Anne’s achievements include four pursue and get their entitlements, or are afraid She was a Ward of the State until she was world records, a silver medal at the and supports programs and four years old and is a double above-knee of appearing discontented with their situation,” 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games and projects that benefi t her community Josie said. leg amputee – beneath the jeans are two and promote social justice. artifi cial legs. three gold and one bronze medal Establishing the Great South Coast Community at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic In addition to her professional working life as Always adapting to the situation at hand Foundation, her work in adult education and Games, where she was honoured as an educator, her infl uence has extended from community centres, and raising three sons no matter how diffi cult, Anne devoted her community development initiatives, tourism, who have become wonderful parents, are the energies and reached the pinnacle of the Australian female team captain. health services, arts and culture projects achievements Josie cites as her most signifi cant. success in the swimming pool. She was awarded an Order of Australia to rural counselling services and as a In recognition of her community work, Josie A defi ning moment came when Anne Medal and supported the Australian representative on many community forums Paralympics team as an athlete liaison and committees. was named Corangamite Shire Citizen of the was the youngest competitor at the 1984 Year in 1998 and received a Centenary Medal International Disabled Games in New York, offi cer in Sydney 2000. in 2003. She was also awarded the Order and won a bronze medal. Anne retired from her swimming career on a of Australia Medal in 2000 for services to high note although her involvement continues education, particularly as Chairperson of the as a volunteer and as Vice President of the Corangamite District Adult Education Group Amputees Association. and to the community. When Anne set out she did not realise the As a qualifi ed teacher, Josie says that she has opportunities her success would present, or been “mainly providing opportunities for people the role model she would become for others. to shape their own lives through education”. “It gives people a chance to be able to participate better in their communities,” Josie said. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 6 7 Ola (Carola) Cohn MBE Lynda Gibson 1892 – 1964 1956 – 2004 A lasting impression on Victoria’s art world A leading light in comedy

Talented artist and professional Ola inspired female artists and infl uenced Lynda Jane Wiseman Gibson – but almost Lynda, It’s Not Nasty, her one-woman show sculptor Ola Cohn left a remarkable the subject matter of other sculptors away universally known as Gibbo – was a comedy star. about cancer, chemotherapy and wigs, was from works of triumphant men with war- a hit at the 2001 Fringe Festival. gift to Victoria in Melbourne’s Her CV starts at Sydney’s famous Nimrod like stances to more general topics of wide Theatre in the 1970s. It moves to the Murray Two years later, her performance in Comedy Fitzroy Gardens. “The Fairies’ Tree” appeal. Her East Melbourne property was River Performing Group in the 80s and then Is Still Not Pretty, wearing nude suits with continues to enchant generations a meeting place for women artists and blossoms into a huge diversity of theatre, and , won The of children who visit the gardens. Melbourne’s cultural hub for almost 30 years. stand up, television and fi lm. Age Critics’ Award at the 2003 Melbourne Ola’s other works in bronze, wood, terracotta Ola established the Sculptors Society International Comedy Festival. From Let The Blood Run Free to The Natural and freestone are found in many state and of Melbourne and was President of the Normans, from The Big Gig to Frontline and Her extraordinary accomplishments were provincial galleries throughout Australia. Large Melbourne Society of Women Painters and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, recognised through the creation of the freestone works include Adelaide’s Pioneer Sculptors from 1948 to 1964. She arranged Lynda Gibson’s career charts the emergence annual Golden Gibbo Award, now presented Woman and Hobart Hospital’s Science and competitions for public memorials and statues, of Melbourne as Australia’s comedy capital. each year at the Melbourne International Humanity and her bronze, Head of a Virgin is and hosted charity events and exhibitions at Comedy Festival. displayed in the National Gallery of Victoria. her property. But her contribution was far greater than the sum of her performances on stage and screen. The criteria for that award – Australasian, self Despite being drawn to works of religion During her lifetime she was a stalwart for produced, work which is original, adventurous and mysticism, success came with her many charities including the Red Cross, Also known as ‘The Benefi t Queen’, and has a strong social political content avant-garde Modernism style which was wartime charities and animal charities, as well Lynda had a passionate belief in – embodies much of what Lynda contributed ridiculed by the media. She was the fi rst as giving wide support to other committees. supporting people and communities to comedy and to our community. of the ‘Moderns’ in Australia. Ola bequeathed her East Melbourne property in need. Born in Bendigo, Ola developed her interest and a collection of her works and other in art at an early age and went on to graduate artefacts to the Centre for Adult Education From Yooralla and the Victorian Women’s Trust as an Associate of the Royal College of Art in (CAE) for the advancement of female artists to East Timor and striking waterside workers, London, exhibiting in London and Paris. Upon and sculptors. Today her home is known there were few community causes that she returning to Melbourne, Ola used her prestige as the “Ola Cohn Centre for the Arts”. would not donate her time and talents towards. to tirelessly support and promote art and Ola was posthumously appointed a Member Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000, she artists, particularly the women artists of early of the Order of the British Empire in 1965, threw her energy into founding and supporting twentieth century Victoria. for services to art and sculpture. OvCa – the National Ovarian Cancer Network. Despite her illness, she worked tirelessly to help raise funds for patient services, medical education and community awareness of a disease that claims more than one woman every 10 hours. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 8 9 Barbara Jennings Licia Kokocinski Building a women’s coalition Advocating for those without a voice

Barbara Jennings is a tenacious, creative Barbara became the spokesperson and “My driving force has always been a burning Barriers have always been present for Licia, and tireless worker on behalf of women, coordinator for the Eyes on the Women’s passion for social justice,” Licia Kokocinski although they never held her back for long. addressing the social, political and economic campaign to raise community awareness said of her work over many years in fi elds “I was acutely aware that women from challenges they face. of the importance of a specialist hospital as varied as politics, womens, seniors and backgrounds like mine faced two ‘glass for women’s health. multicultural affairs. ceilings’,” she said. Willing to take on any role, Barbara is an inspirational leader “Coalitions with broad agreement on common “It’s the fi re in my belly and I don’t think that “We face one that every woman faces in who has ignited and unifi ed broad goals are one of the most effective ways will ever fade.” the workplace, based on gender, but there to effect social change,” Barbara said. is also another when you are from a different In 1988, as Member for Melbourne West, coalitions on behalf of major background and are judged according to The success of the Eyes on the Women’s Licia became the fi rst woman of a non- infrastructure projects involving stereotypes,” she said. the Royal Women’s Hospital and campaign meant that the Royal Women’s English speaking background elected to Hospital was saved to celebrate its 150th the Victorian Parliament. Licia said she now takes mentoring other the Queen Victoria Hospital. anniversary in September 2006 and is now women very seriously. “If I haven’t inculcated Currently the Executive Director of Action looking forward to the completion of its new a sense of the need to fi ght for what’s right, She was also in the forefront of campaigns on Disabilities within Ethnic Communities, hospital building in mid-2008, next to the to fi x what needs to be fi xed and to inspire through the 1980s to tackle discrimination in Licia has also played roles as varied as Royal Melbourne Hospital in Parkville. others to do more than I have done, then education, workforce participation and equal coordinating the campaign to establish the I’ve failed,” she said. pay for equal work. Barbara was also instrumental in the West Sunshine Multicultural Senior Citizens Barbara has been recognised for showing campaign to preserve a core part of the facility, to serving as President of a community “Leadership is about taking risks; amazing resourcefulness, leadership and Queen Victoria Hospital in Lonsdale Street radio station in Melbourne’s west. it’s about sticking your neck out, after plans were announced to demolish the ingenuity spearheading the three-year Among her many other campaigns and inspiring others and leading from buildings and relocate its health services to campaign to save the Royal Women’s Hospital activities, she also founded the Western the Monash Medical Centre. the front.” from demolition and downgrading in 1993. Region Ethnic Communities Council and “I was only one of many women fi ghting served on the Advisory Board for Victoria “I hope to have conveyed that you can’t like mad to stop it being demolished. We University of Technology. just sit there saying ‘someone should do had a long campaign including a huge public something’ – you’ve just got to get out there meeting of around 2000 women.” and do it yourself.” “It was clear that women wanted the building to be a women’s centre, which could house organisations and be a credible, effective advocate for women’s issues,” she said. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 10 11 Cuc Lam Professor Pranee Liamputtong A sense of belonging The birth of a cause

Cuc Lam is proud to be an Australian. “I enjoyed being a councillor where I could Almost 20 years ago Pranee Liamputtong Pranee started volunteering to present at represent residents regardless of where they was eagerly anticipating the birth of her fi rst seminars, and after the publication of her Arriving as a refugee from Vietnam come from and give them a voice. I am very child. Yet what should have been one of the resource book My Forty Days, she was in 1978, Cuc embraced life in her satisfi ed with what I did,” she said. happiest times of her life was confusing sought out for advice. new country and has since worked and disappointing because of her experience In 2002, Cuc was awarded a Commonwealth “I think people started to open their eyes,” in hospital. tirelessly to help other migrants, Public Service Medal. she said. and particularly women, adapt to “I was doing my PhD at Monash yet people Her advice to other migrants is to work hard Today, almost 20 years later, Pranee can life in a new land. were treating me badly because they and stay motivated and focused on their goals. see her persistence – and her hard work – assumed that I did not know any English,” “From my own experience I found that women is paying off. “Never give up. For whatever you want to do she said. from different cultures were disadvantaged have a strong motivation and commitment,” “I can see changes happening in hospitals,” – and even more so if they could not speak “They would walk past me without saying she said. she said. the language – and I wanted to help them anything and I thought if I was able to overcome their diffi culties and help them feel Today she looks back with confi dence speak English and they treated me like that, Changes such as respecting the cultural confi dent in adapting to a new society and on her selection of Australia over Canada, how did people who could not speak any beliefs of patients and providing culturally contributing to Australian society,” she said. America and France as her new home. English cope?” relevant food and ensuring interpreters are available. Cuc said one of the greatest challenges “I look back and I know I made the right A migrant from Thailand, Pranee she faced was overcoming culture shock. decision,” she said. became determined to ensure Pranee has a long list of achievements, among them her continual work as a leader Cuc said even though she spoke English “I love living in Australia. I love Melbourne. that women from cultural and in qualitative research methodology in health she found the application of the language, And every time I hear the national anthem linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia, and she has been teaching and and therefore fi nding employment and I feel a real belonging. I am very proud received appropriate care and so training generations of health care providers education, a real challenge. But overcoming to be an Australian.” began her quest to educate health through her position at La Trobe University. those challenges she has built a rewarding and community-orientated life for her care professionals about their needs. Her future focus includes research into the family and herself. sexual health of culturally and linguistically diverse women. In 1997, Cuc turned her attention to local government and spent one term as councillor She said her most important message is for the City of Maribyrnong. encouraging others to understand the social and cultural backgrounds of women. “And that can be simply to ask the women! You do not need to go and read 10 books, just ask!” Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 12 13 Voula Messimeri-Kianidis Maggie Millar A resounding voice for cultural diversity Acting on many levels

Voula Messimeri-Kianidis is adding her Voula said women needed to be encouraged It wasn’t type casting but it was true to Maggie also devoted a number of years voice to the development of a strong, to step up to leadership positions and not character for actor Maggie Millar to play the to helping women experiencing diffi culties cohesive and culturally diverse Australia. just work quietly from the sidelines. role of a crusading country doctor in the with body image, questioning the negative ABC’s evergreen TV series, Bellbird. messages about body size and ageing in the “I hope it helps to pave the way for women “ I am working for an Australia media, and serving on advisory committees to assume that they have a right to put While pursuing a distinguished acting career that is proud of its diversity and a in NSW and Victoria. country that embraces people from themselves up as leaders,” she said. in theatre and television with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Prisoner, The Sullivans and A year before being cast as the Reverend Voula’s motivation to help migrant women other parts of the world,” she said. Neighbours, Maggie has always been ready Rosie Hoyland in Neighbours, Maggie was stems from her own background and she to contribute her energy and talent for the diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. “Fundamentally creating a society that is said she felt a responsibility to give back benefi t of the wider community. open and embracing of cultural diversity for the to the community. Maggie approached writer and actor Alan social and economic good of all Australians.” She was a volunteer at the Buoyancy Hopgood, her on-screen husband in Bellbird, Among her future focus is promoting the Foundation, the support system set up for and together they developed a storyline on Voula has been involved in the community health of migrant women. services fi eld for more than 20 years. young drug addicts by Father Jim Armstrong. diabetes which Alan made into a play. She said these women worked hard to Among her many positions – many of them As both an adopted child and a relinquishing “Called A Pill, A Pump and A Needle, provide for their families – often to the honourary – is her role as the Chairperson mother, Maggie played a leading role in it is entertaining, educational and amusing,” detriment of their own psychological of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Jigsaw Victoria, which waged a 10-year she said. and physical health. Councils of Australia (FECCA) – the nation’s campaign to change the law to give “I feel very strongly that people who are peak body promoting multiculturalism, “The need for them to cater economically adoptees access to their birth records. at risk of diabetes need to know about it community harmony and social justice. and socially for their families often means they “Whether you realise it or not, on some level, and to understand that they can manage relegate their health to the background. I want As Chairperson she is blazing a trail for an adopted person feels a profound sense it and get on with their lives. to encourage them to put their own health women – becoming the fi rst female in the of abandonment. And, as a relinquishing higher in their priorities and government role in the organisation’s 25-year history. mother, you fear that you’ve damaged your “I believe you can learn from instrumentalities to allocate appropriate child,” Maggie said. whatever life deals you. Rather than resources to meet their needs,” she said. cave in, it’s better to understand Voula will also continue to work for the what we need to learn, and to share acceptance and support of those making the insights we gain,” Maggie said. Australia their home. “Migrants and refugees need to feel that they are welcome, there are adequate settlement resources for them and recognition that they add value to the Australian society.” Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 14 15 Bruna Pasqua Maureen Postma Making people an important part of their community The faith to make a difference

“My parents set an example that you “I’m interested in everybody getting a fair go, Unity, support and cooperation are the words Maureen promotes a variety should help anybody you can.” irrespective of who they are or where they by which Maureen Postma lives and works. of activities and committees to come from, or what ideology they follow,” And with her parents as her inspiration, As general secretary of the Victorian Council enable churches to work together Bruna said. Bruna Pasqua has contributed much to of Churches since March 2001, her daily and reaches out to women of all helping others and creating a community Bruna has been secretary of the Ethnic working life is dedicated to bringing people faiths to establish frameworks, that cares for all members of society. Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) for together for the betterment of the community. build understanding and promote more than 12 years and was the woman deputy As an Italian migrant, she has naturally been But it is her personal commitment to these chair of the national body, the Federation of community harmony and respect drawn to helping the Italian community and aims that makes her work exceptional. Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia for all women. was a foundation member of the Association (FECCA). She also is currently involved with A committed Christian, Maureen says of Italian-Australian Women. She said the biggest challenge the council, the Victorian School of Languages, where her strength comes from her faith, and and indeed the community, would face in Bruna has been vice president of CO.AS.IT she was president for 13 years. her inspiration from the people, often those the future was overcoming divisions in the – an Italian assistance agency – for more suffering hardship, whom she meets in Bruna is a federal public servant and has community and dealing with the continuing than a decade and involved for several years her role. trained as a social worker and teacher. impact of drought and bushfi res. with the Assisi Italian Aged Care Centre. She says she’s committed to developing Maureen is a strong advocate for church “They are adding another layer of complexity But for more than 20 years her volunteer relationships between ethnic communities and agency cooperation. to the issues people are already facing,” community work has extended to other throughout Victoria, as well as linking in She is also a member of the Premier’s Maureen said. non-English speaking community groups with the broader Victorian and Australian Multifaith Leaders’ Forum, which provides particularly advocating for those who are communities. “But I would hope that we, as people of faith, strategic advice to the Premier on multifaith disadvantaged – women, migrant and can do whatever we can to help people and community harmony issues. refugee children and senior citizens. “I’m interested in connecting with face these issues.” people and making them feel like The Victorian Council of Churches they belong and are an important membership includes representatives from part of the community in which the Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Uniting they live,” Bruna said. and Orthodox faiths from across Victoria and Tasmania. “It has been my experience that individuals working together can make good things “We are continually working on ways of happen for their community.” bringing people of faith together,” she said. Bruna is particularly proud of her past “There has been a strong commitment by involvement on the Ministerial Advisory the churches to work together in the past and Council for Languages other than English, really I am continually strengthening the good Kara House Migrant Women’s Refuge and work that has been done in the past 50 to FKA Children’s Services Incorporated. 100 years.” Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 16 17 Dr Belle (Isabel) Reid Professor Doreen Rosenthal AO 1883 – 1945 Advancing our understanding of sexuality Pioneer veterinary surgeon

When Belle Reid was growing up in Melbourne, Signifi cantly, one of the next two female For more than 30 years, Professor In a distinguished academic career, her Balwyn home was surrounded by market veterinarians registered in Victoria became Doreen Rosenthal’s research has Doreen is currently Director and Professor gardens and dairy herds. the fi rst paid veterinary practitioner to work helped to advance our understanding of Women’s Health at Melbourne University’s at an animal welfare clinic – working at both Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society. She had a particular passion for horses and, the Lort Smith Animal Hospital and the Lost of human sexuality, and sexual and perhaps, because of that interest she became Her views have been sought after by Dogs’ Home. reproductive health. a student at the Melbourne Veterinary College governments and academic institutions, when she was 19 years old. After 18 years of practice Belle retired to Sexuality and reproductive health are areas of both in Australia and internationally, and a farm in Bundoora where she showed a scientifi c research where social and biological she has produced a series of widely When she graduated with honours similar dedication by establishing a number distinctions often overlap or are complex. respected publications. in 1906, she created history by of award winning stud lines. “But it’s really important to be able to translate being the fi rst woman in Australia Doreen is on the editorial board, or is The male dominated professional environment research fi ndings into policy that can make a associate editor, of seven international to be registered as a veterinary in which Belle worked at the beginning of the real difference to people’s lives,” Doreen said. journals and has held positions as a Visiting surgeon and one of the fi rst in the 20th century was in many ways typical of The relative success of Australia’s attempts Scholar at Stanford University, University of English speaking world. other professional workplaces at the time. to limit the spread of HIV AIDS has been California (Los Angeles) and at universities in Italy, Greece and the United Kingdom. She built up a successful practice in Balwyn, Through her entry into Melbourne Veterinary achieved, in part, through the linking of work by one that is still operating today, and became College and her graduation with honours, researchers including Doreen with community In 2003, Doreen was made an Offi cer in a familiar sight visiting patients on her pony her subsequent successful career as a leaders, educators and government. the Order of Australia in recognition of her and trap. veterinarian and as a farmer, and in her long More recently, her work has explored contribution to adolescent health, particularly association with animal welfare organisations, in the fi elds of sexual health and HIV/AIDS. In addition to her private practice, Belle was homelessness and the critical roles played by Belle helped blaze a trail that many other deeply involved in animal welfare. parents, peers, the media, social institutions and From the role of the Internet in adolescent women have followed. youth culture in adolescent sexual adjustment. romance to the pros and cons of abstinence She worked as voluntary veterinarian for education versus harm minimisation, Doreen’s a number of animal welfare organisations work covers areas of high community interest. including the RSPCA, the Lost Dogs’ Home and the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. Through her personal career as a leading Australian academic, and through her Support for these organisations not only internationally recognised capacity to produce improved the lives of countless animals, infl uential and insightful research, she has also it also helped extend the benefi ts of pet helped to develop a new wave of researchers ownership to low income families. in these important areas of study. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 18 19 Kay Vrieze Kaele Way Creating second chances Encouraging representation at a local level

The desire to help people improve their lives Her work with Narre Neighbours began in “Never forget that you are an advocate “And women bring a great deal of skill and has always been the driver for community 1981 as a part-time co-ordinator of what for the community.” experience with them.” leader Kay Vrieze. was initially a small, self-help organisation, That is the advice Kaele Way gives to those Under her leadership, the Association assisting women to enrich their lives in a new, “My inspiration is that feeling of giving considering standing for local government. has established a mentor network to outlying suburb of Melbourne. someone a second chance,” Kay said of her support and encourage women standing Kaele is passionate about local government. work with her community in Narre Warren, “In those days Narre Warren had limited for local government, as councillors and A councillor for two terms, from 1997 to in outer south-eastern Melbourne. social and emotional support services outside council offi cers. 2003, and the National President of the womens’ own homes,” Kay said. Kay has managed the largest neighbourhood Australian Local Government Women’s “We are making sure they have the knowledge house in Australia for the past 25 years and Narre Neighbours has now grown from 200 Association since 2004, Kaele says it is of what local government is about,” she said. was a counsellor for Nursing Mothers Australia to 2000 participants and Kay said that even possible to make a real difference as a local “They need to know of the commitment – (now Australian Breastfeeding Association) though it has expanded, the organisation is government representative. it’s a lot of time. You need to read minutes for 15 years, supporting new mothers in still “open, welcoming, fun-loving and very “It is something that is closest to the people and documents to be informed, attend breastfeeding their babies. genuine in its approach to people”. and is something that is truly local,” she said. meetings and you need to really like people. “It’s a wonderful thing to be there for a Kay has been a leading infl uence in adult “You have a very strong involvement with “And you should remember that you are signifi cant moments in someone’s life – education in Victoria over the past decade. the community, see the difference you can there to represent the people and it is an like helping a new mother breastfeed or Her leadership style and management make and really feel that you are contributing honour to do so. You are not there because seeing a father who has never been able techniques which focus on empowering to the wellbeing of others.” the community thinks you know it all. to read who is reading a book to his child individuals to develop and bring their ideas You are an advocate for the community for the fi rst time,” Kay said. to fruition, have been studied by academics. Kaele stood for election after deciding she and you should never forget that.” could be a conduit between the community As Community Development Manager “What I like to think I’ve achieved and the council on a range of issues. at the Narre Community Learning Centre, is offering second chances for Kay provides training in areas of policy and people, whether that’s new skills After her six years as a City of procedures, planning, communications for young people or helping older Whitehorse Councillor she was able and development of community-based to see the fruits of her labour and management committees. people getting back into meaningful participation in their communities on leaving offi ce turned her attention – it’s all about reconnecting people.” to encouraging others, particularly women and young women, to stand for offi ce. A balance of all people in our community in representation is vitally important,” she said. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 20 21 Queen Victoria Hospital Founders Setting the course of history

Dr Emily Mary Page Stone It is diffi cult to imagine the challenges faced They supported her resolution to establish “The story of the Queen Victoria Hospital 1865 – 1910 by women in becoming doctors in the 1800s. a hospital and one month later the Victoria began in the way that so many women’s Yet the tenacity of a group of formidable Hospital – named after the state – opened campaigns begin – a group of visionary Dr Bertha Main (Lady Leitch) ladies who had a great vision was to change three mornings a week in St David’s Hall in women met in someone’s home to plan a 1873 – 1957 the course of history and set a benchmark La Trobe Street, in the very heart of Melbourne. way to improve life for women less fortunate,” for women’s health in Victoria and indeed said Barbara Jennings, member of the When created it was the fi rst in Australia Dr Elfreda Hilda Gamble the world. Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust. 1871 – 1947 and one of only three hospitals in the world These 10 remarkable and visionary women to have been founded, managed and staffed In 1979 the Queen Victoria became the fi rst Dr Marie Elizabeth Amy Castilla join fellow Queen Victoria Hospital founders by women. hospital in the state to introduce a birth centre Dr Constance Stone (2001 inductee) and in 1986 as part of moves to decentralise 1868 – 1899 Their idea was revolutionary and they treated and social worker Annette Bear-Crawford hospital and other government services, it the poorest of women, gave out medicine Dr Hannah Mary Helen Sexton (2007 inductee) on the Victorian Honour became part of the Monash Medical Centre. free and were not paid for their services. Roll of Women. 1863 – 1950 Reminiscent of these pioneering women Recognising a need to expand, the who established the hospital, a new Dr Gertrude Halley As pioneers in their fi eld, these women then supported an idea to ask generation of tenacious women stepped in 1867 – 1939 women challenged conventions, every Victorian woman to donate a shilling to save the tower building of the hospital empowered themselves and set to fund a new hospital. Dr Janet Lindsay Greig from redevelopment works. about providing an entirely new way Marking the 60th anniversary of Queen 1874 – 1950 Today, the spirit which bore the Queen of offering better health services Victoria’s reign, the Queen’s Shilling Fund, Victoria Hospital lives on in the home of the Dr Jane Stocks Greig for women. as it was called, raised enough money for Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, a physical 1872 – 1939 the renamed Queen Victoria Hospital to They realised there was an urgent need for and virtual home of information and services move to Mint Place in 1899. Dr Lilian Helen Alexander medical assistance specifi cally for women specifi cally for women across Victoria. and set about establishing a medical service Further successful Shilling Appeals were 1862 – 1934 “These amazing women made a very for women run by women. made over the following decades to acquire signifi cant contribution to women’s health Dr Grace Clara Stone land and buildings for the hospital, and in Historical documents show that in care in the state and leave an inspiring legacy 1951 the Queen Victoria Hospital was the 1860 – 1957 September 1896, Dr Constance Stone took for all Victorian women,” Barbara said. biggest in the British Commonwealth. Founders pictured at top right, from left to right. the fi rst tentative steps by inviting these women to meet in her home. Victorian Honour Roll of Women Victorian of Women Honour Roll 22 23 Messages

Published by the Offi ce of Women’s Policy, Department for Victorian Communities 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Telephone (03) 9208 3333 March 2007 Also published on www.women.vic.gov.au © Copyright State of Victoria 2007 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by Jacinta Allan, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne 3002. Designed by The White Studio. Printed by Blue Star Print – Australia.