a year in review 2016-2017 women leading through philanthropy CONTENTS it’s what’s on the inside that counts a year in review 2016-2017

Thank you from Society of Women Leaders CONTENTS Interim Co-Chairs Anita Pahor and Susan Wynne 4 it’s what’s on the A message of support from Australian Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer 6 inside that counts Our vision 7 Transforming lives: the impact of our philanthropy 8 Young Parents Program 9 International Aid Workers 11 Migration Support Programs 14 Empowering communities in Indonesia 16 A daily phone call for people living alone 18 A year of action: philanthropy, education and friendship 20 Our members, very special gentlemen and supporters 23 Strategy, planning and leadership 24 About Red Cross 26

Inside cover image: Australian Red Cross deployed Aid Worker Jess Lees as part of a Field Assessment and Coordination Team to Somaliland. 3 Anita Pahor & Susan Wynne Co-Chairs Society of Women Leaders

thank It has been our privilege to lead this remarkable circle of giving during the YOU past few months, together with Interim Partnership Advisers Rowena McGilvray and Kate O’Callaghan.

One of the privileges and responsibilities of being a member of this circle of giving is becoming more educated about humanitarian issues that face our communities. We gain access to the world’s best minds and most active agents of humanitarian diplomacy. Australian Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer and her senior staff personally share their vision for the organisation with us and discuss their plans to mobilise even more people in the Australian community to commit to humanitarian values. Ours is a genuine partnership with common goals. In a time of so much global volatility and vulnerability, it’s refreshing to be part of a movement marked by compassion, humanity, kindness, collegiality as well as efficiency and clarity of purpose.

We are inspired by the focus and commitment of Red Cross workers who dedicate their lives to assisting people in need, and who meet with us and speak at our unique events so that we can be better informed about the evolving landscape of humanitarian issues. From the aid workers who say goodbye to the comfort of their homes and the people they love to serve in conflict zones, desiring only to bring relief from suffering; to the case workers who patiently work alongside young women who are determined to put their lives on track; the volunteers who check on the wellbeing of elderly people every day and provide 4 a year in review 2016-2017

a friendly ear; to the sanitation worker in East Indonesia who spends time with children teaching them simple hygiene practices that can save their lives. Their efforts build a more just, compassionate and healthy world. We are proud to back these humanitarians with our funding.

Our circle of giving has had another active year of raising funds, advocating for humanitarian issues and holding events to spread the word. It’s exciting to be stewards of something that’s bigger than ourselves and that will outlive all of us. We are, each and every one of us in this circle, entrusted with something important that we will hand to the next generation of female philanthropists.

Thank you for your contribution as a member in our unique circle of giving this year. Many of you have given much valued time and advice to the Society of Women Leaders and to Red Cross this year in addition to your financial investment. We are so thankful that the circle’s philosophy allows us to supplement our financial contribution with input from our specific areas of expertise so that we can give as little or as much as our schedule allows from year to year. We hope that you have been inspired along the way. We know that you have a choice when it comes to your giving and philanthropy and our hope is that you will choose to continue to support the work of Australian Red Cross through this circle.

We know that you will enjoy reading updates about the impact of your contribution in this Year in Review. You are part of a community of impressive, caring and dynamic women who have collectively achieved much during the first few years and we have ambitions to do much more. We want to be the best, most innovative and well-run circle of giving in the world.

On behalf of our fellow Women Leaders and our sponsors, we acknowledge and congratulate Judy Slatyer, the Australian Red Cross Board, volunteers and staff for their significant contributions. The world is a better place because of you - may you never tire of doing good for others.

Thank you for your leadership in philanthropy and for your support of our stewardship as leaders of this unique tribe.

Yours,

Anita Pahor Susan Wynne Interim Co-Chair and Founding Patron Interim Co-Chair and Member 5 Judy Slatyer CEO Australian Red Cross

message from Recently I came across a leadership philosophy called Warriors of the Human Spirit. Members of this tribe are leaders who put service over self. They display unshakeable faith that people can be generous, creative and kind. When asked how they do it, they will tell AUSTRALIAN you about “discipline, dedication and the necessity of community”. These three attributes so aptly describe the model of philanthropy that our Society of Women Leaders brings to RED CROSS life - valuing focus and clarity, collaboration and community.

I’m grateful to be surrounded by Warriors of the Human Spirit every day and I know that this essence is what powers the Society of Women Leaders.

I want to thank each of you as Members of the Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders for continuing to make it possible for Red Cross to empower and support vulnerable people around Australia and overseas. Women, children and families facing adversity now have better access to health and community services, companionship and care, because of your passion for change.

I look forward to working with you next year as we consolidate and grow the impact of this unique circle of giving.

Thank you again,

Judy Slatyer Red Cross CEO 6 a year in review 2016-2017

A world where vulnerable women and children feel safe, supported and our VISION empowered to succeed.

The Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders is part of a growing global movement of female philanthropists. It is based on a model of philanthropy that originated in the United States called the Tiffany Circle and now has more than 970 members in the US, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands and soon Switzerland. Importantly, our ethos is about creating a legacy for our children and our children’s children.

Together, we are committed to advancing the humanitarian mission of Australian Red Cross. Our pooled funds, networking and volunteering efforts help to save and improve the lives of vulnerable women, children and families around Australia and overseas.

Our circle of giving: • Makes a measurable impact on important issues facing our communities, both locally and further afield • Improves the lives of vulnerable women, children, families and communities • Builds strategic alliances for change • Lends our voices to the issues we believe in most • Leads and facilitates change through philanthropy. 7 transforming lives: The Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders is a volunteer collective of women who give time and funds to the causes we believe in most. We pledge to pay an annual THE IMPACT membership fee of $10,000 and we all vote on where our pooled funds will be placed. Our Society of Women Leaders not only wants to see change taking place, we want to be a OF OUR catalyst for change. By pooling our funds, our impact is tangible. We see results and know that our contributions have directly made a difference. We are giving vulnerable women, PHILANTHROPY children and families the support and resources they need to thrive.

This year, the Society of Women Leaders funded the following Red Cross programs:

TOTAL RAISED IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2016-2017: $414,000

• $73,300 to support asylum seekers facing to help them stay living at home, safely destitution, many of whom are women and independently. and families. • $150,000 to the Young Parents Program, • $42,000 to aid workers, specifically supporting teenage mums to develop supporting two female aid workers who parenting and life skills. International Aid Worker Emma were deployed to the East Africa crisis. • $112,328 to our Indonesia health project, Brathwaite speaking at a Society of • $36,372 to Telecross which provides a helping mothers and children in remote Women Leaders event on the issue of violence against health workers. wellness call each day to elderly people communities in East Indonesia.

8 a year in review 2016-2017

program update: Australian Red Cross Young Parents Program (YPP) is about improving the capacity of young parents with complex needs aged 13 to 25 to live and parent YOUNG PARENTS independently.

PROGRAM YPP takes a strengths-based early intervention approach, building the capacity of vulnerable young parents to live independently in appropriate housing, develop parenting skills, and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, abuse and neglect.

It was the first Red Cross program to be selected by the Society of Women Leaders for priority funding when the circle of giving was initially formed.

This financial year, we provided $150,000 of our pooled funds to the direct delivery of the Family Education and Community component of YPP, helping children reach developmental milestones and supporting parents to access vocational and educational opportunities.

• More than 70 babies and children were screened for developmental progress or delays, allowing YPP staff to integrate targeted activities into playgroup and child-minding sessions to nurture any at-risk areas of development.

Supporting very young parents, aged 13 to • All 63 children attending YPP child-minding sessions had a portfolio that captured each 25, and their children to live and parent independently and respond to the needs child’s learning and development during their time at YPP, celebrating their learning, of their children. growth, achievements, abilities, interests and relationships. 9 • 79 playgroups were delivered by YPP, attended by 44 children and 48 parents – each session aimed to increase parents’ understanding of child development, strengthen their bond with their child, encourage socialisation with other families and support school readiness.

• 45 young parents were supported to attend personal development sessions, including basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills, studying for a learner driver’s licence, filling out housing applications and resume/job skills development.

• 21 young parents were enrolled in formal courses, including the Higher School Certificate, Human Resources Management, Youth Work, Aged Care, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Business.

• 152 Parent Education sessions were run on topics ranging from cooking and nutrition to first aid, drug and alcohol information, income and expense management and healthy relationships. They were attended by 69 individual young parents.

Funding provided in 2016-2017: $150,000 Total funding for the Young Parents Program to date (Year 3/3): $462,000

April and Lucy’s Story

At just 17 years old, April came to the Young Parents Program having escaped a violent relationship and finding herself homeless.

Despite these challenges, April was still breastfeeding her little girl, Lucy (13 months). She showed strong attachment and protective behaviours and Lucy was unable to be separated from her mum for more than a few minutes without becoming highly distressed. After a number of consultations, the team at YPP developed an intensive and supportive plan to help Lucy feel safe while April explored a healthier level of independence.

April was coached in separation techniques and was soon able to push through difficult goodbyes. A YPP child-minding volunteer took on extra shifts to support April and Lucy for 10 hours a week. She became a familiar face to Lucy and helped April to implement agreed strategies.

The goal of the Young Parents Program is for Through this incredible support, April is now able to attend education sessions for two hours at young parents and children to reach their full a time. She is also able to comfortably take a shower, enjoy respite and attend counselling and potential within safe, strong, resilient families. medical appointments knowing Lucy is confident and happy spending time with other people.

10 a year in review 2016-2017

program update: Australian Red Cross aid workers contribute their technical expertise to humanitarian operations across the globe: from supporting the unfolding refugee WOMEN IN crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh to alleviating the food crisis in East Africa. INTERNATIONAL Australian Red Cross maintains a register of specialists in fields such as shelter, health, water and sanitation, program management, logistics, communications and disaster law. They can AID be deployed quickly in response to requests from any part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Our Society of Women Leaders continues to support this important work with funding for a female aid worker to be deployed for 12 months during times of great need.

This year, Australian Red Cross deployed 38 aid workers via the International Committee of the Red Cross Red Crescent to operations in Myanmar (6 people), Bangladesh (3), Somalia (3), South Sudan (3), Afghanistan (1), Gaza (2), Lebanon (2), Nigeria (2), North Korea (2), Russia (2), Effective community education is one Switzerland (2), Burundi (1), Columbia (1), Egypt (1), Israel (1), Jordan (1), Pakistan (1), of the most important ways to stop a Papua New Guinea (1), Tanzania (1), Ukraine (1) and Yemen (1). disease outbreak in its early stages. Aid worker Libby Bowell is helping people in Liberia understand how the Ebola virus is transmitted and what to do if a member of their family gets the virus. © Victor Lacken/IFRC 11 Mother Kawsar Muhumed with her children A further 21 aid workers deployed to support the following IFRC and National Society-led outside her house in Wacays Dhukur village, disaster and crisis response operations: Somaliland where famine was occuring. Red Cross sent aid workers who provided • A dengue outbreak and Tropical Cyclone Donna in Vanuatu essential humanitarian support, such as food • New Zealand earthquake and nutrition assistance. • Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji © Peter Caton/Australian Red Cross • Syria refugee crisis • Iraq population movement • East Africa food crisis • European migration crisis • Ecuador earthquake • Hurricane Matthew in Haiti

Funding provided in 2016-2017: $42,000 Total funding for women in International Aid: $122,000 12 a year in review 2016-2017

East Africa Food Crisis

Described as the worst humanitarian crisis since 1945, the food crisis in East Africa is the result of catastrophic drought, economic insecurity, crop failures, livestock deaths and ongoing conflict. Twenty million people in Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya are facing severe food shortages, a lack of water, disease, malnutrition and starvation.

On 28 February 2017, Australian Red Cross launched the East Africa Food Crisis Appeal and funds raised have enabled Movement partners to provide essential humanitarian support, such as food and nutrition assistance. Australian Red Cross has also supported the operation through the deployment of specialist aid workers, including Libby Bowell and Kristy Manners.

Libby Bowell, Field Assessment and Coordination Team (Health)

Libby was deployed as part of a Field Assessment and Coordination Team. She supported the Somali Red Crescent and IFRC Operations Management team to conduct assessments of an acute diarrhoea outbreak in Somalia and implement the Cholera Emergency Plan of Action and other response interventions.

Kristy Manners, Health and Nutrition Support Delegate

Under the supervision of the IFRC Head of Operations, Kristy worked with the National Societies’ counterparts from Ethiopia Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross, Nigeria Red Cross, Somalia Red Crescent and South Sudan Red Cross. She provided support to design, implement and monitor health and nutrition interventions (including food distributions and infant and young child feeding) in addition to coordinating with emergency health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) colleagues to manage other health sequela such as outbreaks, maternal care and access issues. 13 Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants are a diverse and extremely vulnerable program update: group of people. Many have experienced trauma, face language barriers and may MIGRATION not have the support of family or community in Australia. SUPPORT To mitigate the risk of these individuals experiencing poverty and social isolation, Red Cross provides one-off financial or material assistance to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants PROGRAMS who are not eligible for other support. This financial year, Red Cross assisted 848 women and girls: single women and those with children; women and girls facing homelessness; and families who were otherwise ineligible for government or mainstream support. More than half of them reside in New South Wales or Victoria, and some are under the age of 12.

The contribution of $70,000 by the Society of Women Leaders meant that 197 vulnerable women and 223 children received the following support: • $25,846 in food and material assistance Red Cross seeks to assist migrants, irrespective of their legal status, whose • 81 families could maintain their tenancies where other assistance was not available survival, dignity, physical or mental • 60 people could access essential medications health is under threat. • $4,605 for clothing and household essentials © Stephen Ryan / IFRC • 7 families received school uniforms, stationary and books for their children’s education 14 a year in review 2016-2017

• $3,684 supported families to assist 14 infants or toddlers • $4,600 helped clients access public transport • $7,368 assisted 26 women (including individuals and those with children) to access crisis accommodation for an average of four nights each, while more permanent accommodation arrangements were explored.

In addition, the Members of the Society of Women Leaders once again provided $3,300 for the end-of-year celebration for Migration Support clients. Some Members and Youth Members volunteered at the December 2016 event, which featured activities, food and entertainment. The event helped to put a smile on the faces of young children and clients who have faced frightening ordeals on their journeys to find safety in Australia.

Funding provided in 2016-2017: $73,300 Total funding for Migration Support Programs: $196,300

Red Cross provides support to refugees, asylum seekers, immigration detainees and other people who are vulnerable as a result of migration. © Daniel Carter / Australian Red Cross 15 program update: Australian Red Cross and Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia – PMI) are working together to support nine vulnerable communities in Nusa Tenggara EMPOWERING Timur (NTT) province.

COMMUNITIES Over three years, we aim to help these communities better manage natural disasters and endemic health problems. The project operates in four districts: Belu, Alor, Manggarai and IN INDONESIA Kota Kupang.

The province Nusa Tengarra Timur (NTT) in Eastern Indonesia is a collection of 1,192 islands, only 43 of which are inhabited. It is ranked the second lowest out of 33 provinces on the Human Development Index and 23% of the population (4.6 million people) is considered poor.

Together with Indonesian Red Cross Society, Australian Red Cross is working to support nine vulnerable communities in NTT. Our Society of Women Leaders provided seed funding to get this project off the ground and, at the end of its first year, the project has shifted from the preparation phase to implementation: • Community meetings were held in each target village to inform community members about the project (eg. project purpose, objectives, approach and plan). PMI volunteers Red Cross works to improve the lives of conducted the meetings, which were attended by sub-district and village authorities, women and children in NTT, allowing them to live healthier and safer lives. community leaders, school principals, youth leaders, religious leaders and other community members. 16 a year in review 2016-2017

• The newly developed Health and Disaster Management community facilitation training module has been rolled out among village volunteers. • In eight target villages, 166 village volunteers (67 of whom are female) have been trained in the module. • An experienced and qualified Health Coordinator has been recruited for Belu District. The new coordinator has experience as a PMI volunteer and had already been involved with the project and its associated training. • PMI has continued to build relationships with stakeholders at the national, provincial and district levels to ensure coordination and collaboration among relevant government and non-government agencies on project-related activities and priorities.

Funding provided in 2016-2017: $112,328 Total funding to empower communities in Indonesia: $392,328 Total pledge to this program: $480,000 by June 2018

17 program update: Every day of the year, even at Christmas, trained Red Cross volunteers make phone calls to some of our most vulnerable Australians to check in and say ‘hello’. A DAILY PHONE Giving peace of mind to people who are elderly and isolated by checking on their wellbeing CALL FOR and helping them to stay independent at home and connected with their community is another way our Society of Women Leaders is making a difference. Importantly, if a phone PEOPLE LIVING call goes unanswered, help is sent straight away in case of injury or emergency. Last financial year, Red Cross made 780,500 phone calls to check on people who are lonely, ALONE isolated or at-risk through its Telecross service. Red Cross will continue to make these life-changing phone calls with the generous support of our Society of Women Leaders.

Funding provided in 2016-2017: $36,372 Total funding to Red Cross’ Telecross program: $49,572

Jacki Fowler is almost totally blind. She says she can live the independent lifestyle she chooses, in her own home, thanks to daily phone calls from Red Cross. 18 a year in review 2016-2017

Noreen and Michelle’s Story

Since 1983, Noreen and Michelle have been a friendly Red Cross voice at the end of the phone for thousands of elderly and isolated Australians.

Noreen told us a story of one client who was unable to lift herself out of the bathtub one night. She was able to remain calm, knowing she would soon be receiving a call from Red Cross and, when she didn’t answer, help would be on its way.

“If she wasn’t with Red Cross, she would have panicked and tried to get out of the bath, with the risk of injuring herself,” Noreen said.

For both Telecross volunteers, the value of the service is not only about giving elderly Australians companionship but also safety and independence in their own homes. That’s what keeps them picking up the phone. As Michelle says: “It’s a lifesaver.”

Frances (pictured with staff member Alice Crowley) felt she was about to slip into a diabetic coma when a call from Red Cross raised the alarm and organised help for her. 19 events Throughout the year, members and sponsors hosted unique Society of Women Leaders philanthropy events to help our members foster strong connections with A YEAR OF the programs they generously support.

ACTION Members are encouraged to get involved as much as their schedules allow, with a range of social, business and volunteering events on offer. Through these events members introduce our circle to their friends and colleagues who may also be on a philanthropy journey and our circle grows in strength as a result.

Members are invited to exclusive and bespoke philanthropy events which they organise and host. This year we ran many events across Sydney and Melbourne which included Boardroom Series Luncheons, Cocktail evenings, Fireside Chats, Volunteering Days and fundraising events. All events attracted capacity attendance.

Details of all events were published on the Red Cross website and on the SWL app. We provide a summary of some of them here.

Members only thank you dinner sponsored by Monica Brown and Heston Blumenthal at Dinner by Heston, Melbourne 20 a year in review 2016-2017

Boardroom Series Luncheons At NAB Private on George Street, Sydney, we heard from Peter Walton, the Director of International Programs for Australian Red Cross. He updated us on our most recent philanthropic project which aims to increase health outcomes for women and children in Eastern Indonesia. At a Melbourne Luncheon hosted by Society of Women Leaders member Kate O’Callaghan at the offices of JBWere, Victorian Red Cross Director Penny Harrison spoke to us about the intergenerational impact of poverty. She challenged our thinking with the shocking statistic that the number of children in ‘out of home’ care in Victoria is larger now than during the days of the stolen generation. Our Boardroom Series Luncheons are always impressive and thought-provoking. They are a wonderful way for our Members to reconnect with our strategy and purpose, Top: NAB Private’s Boardroom Series and understand the impact we can and do have around Australia and overseas. Luncheon which discussed the Indonesia health project funded by SWL pooled funds.

Bottom: SWL Members gathered at the private residence of Founding Patron Maryjane Respite Days at the Young Parents Program Crabtree in Abbotsford, Melbourne to mark International Women’s Day. L-R: Penny Del Members of our Society of Women Leaders volunteer at the Young Parents Program at Castillo, Member Nicolette Van Wijngaarden, Randwick in Sydney, looking after babies and toddlers while their mothers take some time Founding Patron Maryjane Crabtree, Founding out for themselves. Patron Amanda Coombs. 21 Thanks to the leadership of Founding Patron, Caroline Furlong, women gathered for the Young Parents Program Recognition Ceremony Inaugural Women in Red Golf Day raising vital funds for Australian Red Cross Society of In December, a number of our Members attended the annual Young Parents Program Women Leaders humanitarian programs. Recognition Ceremony. The staff and volunteers from the residence warmly welcomed us to the event and gave us a privileged insight into some of the challenges the young women, fathers and babies have overcome. We heard from a number of the residential and outreach participants who shared their greatest achievements for the year.

Migrant Support Programs Christmas Party

Every year, the team at Red Cross’ Migrant Support Programs hosts a Christmas party for the families they support. This year, the event was held at Burwood, NSW and, despite heavy rain, many clients arrived with their children to enjoy activities and entertainment. In the past few years, our Society of Women Leaders has supported the end-of-year celebrations by providing lunch for the clients. This year some of our Members brought along their children who helped serve the food alongside their mothers - a great way to learn what Australian Red Cross does and how the Members of our Society of Women Leaders roll up their sleeves in support. 22 a year in review 2016-2017

Event sponsors

No membership funds are used to pay for Society of Women Leaders events, which are fully sponsored by generous supporters, inspired by our philanthropic leadership and the work of Red Cross.

We thank the following generous individuals and organisations who hosted and sponsored Society of Women Leaders events this year: • Young Parents Program, Australian Red Cross • Anne Pike • Herbert Smith Freehills • Sydney Dance Company and Susan Wynne • NAB Private • Holland America and Alison McEvoy • Larry Kestelman and Anita Pahor • Dickson’s Mill and Rowena McGilvray • Baillie Lodges and Hayley Baillie • Maryjane Crabtree • JBWere and Kate O’Callaghan • Commonwealth Private and Amanda Coombs • Kerry-Anne Johnston and Jaycar Electronics • Caroline Furlong • Dinner By Heston and Monica Brown

Thank you to some very Special Gentlemen Top: Members and staff gathered at the YPP Recognition Ceremony to support A number of exceptional men were inspired by our vision and passion. They have program participants graduating from various been pivotal in helping us to refine our strategy, deliver our unique experiences while stages of their courses. contributing donations and in-kind support. Our Society of Women Leaders would like to Bottom: Members-only end-of-year thank the following gentlemen: celebration on super yacht Vegas where • Dave Fenlon we thanked all members and sponsors for their philanthropic achievements. • Larry Kestelman L-R: Paula Cronin, Lisa Ranson, Alison McEvoy • Jason Murray and Founding Patron Hayley Baillie. 23 We have continued to attract exceptional leaders this year and the impact of our work STRATEGY, would not be as significant without the contribution of every one of our members, PLANNING & volunteers and supporters. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us LEADERSHIP this year and we look forward to continuing this philanthropic journey with you.

Founding Chair January 2014 - June 2017 Kimberly Gire

For more than 16 years, Kimberly Gire has been a philanthropist and not-for-profit Board Trustee. A career banker, Kimberly worked extensively in the international capital markets, as Head of Group Securitisation for Westpac and as a member of the Westpac Finance Top Team before acting as the Chief Financial Officer for the retail, business and private banking divisions of Westpac Banking Corporation. In partnership with Miranda Jackson and the Founding Steering Committee, she championed the development of the Society of Women Leaders in Australia - she was one its very first Members, and for more than three years, she headed up our circle of giving as Chair, inspiring many of our current members to join her SWL members and their guests gathered at in giving their philanthropy a voice. Kimberly remains committed to the work of the Red the private residence of Founding Patron Kerry-Anne Johnston in Hunters Hill, Sydney Cross and Red Crescent Movement through her pro bono work supporting the International marking International Women’s Day. Committee of the Red Cross, including donating her skills and time to the ICRC to develop 24 a year in review 2016-2017

new tools for innovative finance at scale, including the world-first Humanitarian Impact Bond. We thank her for her significant contribution to our philanthropy and engagement and her continued support for Red Cross globally.

Interim Co-Chair and Founding Patron, August 2017 – current Anita Pahor

Anita was elected to the position of Interim Co-Chair in August 2017, having worked with former Chair and Founding Patron Kimberly Gire and the members of the Society of Women Leaders as Senior National Philanthropy Executive at Red Cross. Prior to this, Anita had six years of service to Red Cross in a number of roles, including senior communications and media positions, a secondment as Head of Strategic Operations and numerous deployments to support disasters across Australia. She represented Australian Red Cross at the IFRC Global Emergency Activation conference in Geneva where she co-designed an innovative crisis communication activation model. Prior to joining Red Cross, Anita held a number of executive roles across the renewable energy and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, the UK and USA. She has a Bachelor of Economics.

Interim Co-Chair and Member, August 2017 – current Susan Wynne

Susan jointly leads our circle of giving with Anita. With more than 25 years’ experience as a businesswoman, marketer and business strategist, Susan currently divides her time between working in the arts in a development role for Sydney Dance Company and working at Woollahra Council as Deputy Mayor and Vaucluse Ward Councillor.

As a single mother of two teenage girls, I am a big believer in showing my girls how important it is to give back. The Australian Red Cross Society of Women Leaders is a wonderful way to live this belief and it is an honour and a privilege to be part of this special group of amazing women. - Susan Wynne SWL members meet at JBWere in Melbourne to discuss program expansion in Victoria. 25 For more than 100 years, Australian Red Cross has supported people around Australia ABOUT and overseas in times of crisis, poverty and isolation. RED CROSS Australian Red Cross is part of a unique International Movement, with millions of members and volunteers operating more than 190 countries.

Here in Australia, Red Cross provides relief in times of crisis, whether it’s a natural disaster or a personal emergency. Red Cross is there for children who go to school hungry, elderly Australians who live at home alone and lonely, teenagers sleeping on the streets and families who have fallen on tough times. It works together with communities, both in Australia and overseas, to ensure they are productive, safe and resilient.

The Society of Women Leaders is proud to stand alongside Australian Red Cross, transforming the lives of vulnerable people. We look forward to building on Red Cross’ 100-year legacy towards a future where vulnerable women and children feel safe, supported and empowered to succeed.

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St Andrews House, Level 4, 464 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 T. 0421 625 443 E. [email protected] W. redcross.org.au/swl

Printing of this Year in Review generously donated by Unique Estates Australia.