The event celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Founders Pat Burke OAM and Gillian Hund OAM and their unwavering belief in the power of collective philanthropy. Gillian will soon be stepping away from her board role and was given a moving tribute by Pat, who also acknowledged the contribution of all members in the Foundation’s success and the support of Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation as a trailblazing Giving Circle.

Attendees heard from Cat Fay (founding member and social investment specialist at Perpetual Limited) who shared remarkable stories of unsung Australian women in philanthropy and from Kate Fazio (member and impact advisor) who helped inspire some of the innovative work of Justice Connect, a past grantee.

The Melbourne Women’s Foundation has touched the lives of Melbourne women in innumerable ways, most recently with grants to The Prison Network and St Kilda Gatehouse who offered members a progress report.

The event was a celebration of people united by purpose to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families. It was also a wonderful opportunity for members to connect. As always, conversation was rich, food delicious and the atmosphere inspiring.

Thank you, Sue Coonan, for this reflection.

Prison Network Recovery Program Impact 

Prison Network received our $80,000 grant in November 2023 for their Recovery Program.  The Program facilitates a fortnightly peer support group for women released from prison, helping them to develop protective factors to help mitigate and reduce the risk of family violence, substance misuse and re-incarceration. In addition, the peer support includes a phone-based chat group enabling regular/daily connection, encouragement, accountability and support among the participants.

Amelia Pickering, CEO of Prison Network, emphasised the crucial role of social connection in recovery. “For many women, the Recovery Program is the first time they have felt a sense of belonging and connection, often leading to a desire to give back and help others.’ The group recently participated in a charity event to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation.

The Program is supporting the women to build their self-confidence, strengthen social and relational abilities and is reducing recidivism.

“I was released on the Tuesday and attended my first recovery support meeting on the following Monday. My goodness, what an amazing support. Not only to me, but to all the women in this group. Each fortnight, we have discussions that each of the women take turns to run. This is so valuable as it gives each of us some responsibility. We need to plan, we need to make sure it is suitable and each week we never fail to learn. The support to one another is phenomenal.”

“Every month we have a get-together. This means so much, a lot of the girls don’t have a social life, don’t have family, don’t have friends and the excitement about when and where the next outing gives me such a big smile on my face.

This group also helps us all not to reoffend as we are all accountable to one another. With their help and guidance, we all accept where we have been and where we are going.”
Recovery Program participant.

On Thursday, 25 October 2024 the Melbourne Women’s Foundation membership collectively awarded an unprecedented $165,000 to six nonprofits that are making a significant difference for local women and families. The evening was filled with energy, driven by a shared commitment to collective giving.

WomenCAN received the $85,000 Capacity Building Grant for its innovative Driving to Employment Program, aimed at helping 20 women secure driving licenses for truck and bus driving positions. Beyond training, WomenCAN provides participants with opportunities to find employment with vetted transport providers.

In a delightful surprise during the evening, Di Williams, Founder and Managing Director of Fernwood Fitness and Melbourne Women’s Foundation Life Member, presented WomenCAN with an additional $10,000 donation for their program.

PartnerSPEAK was granted $45,000 through the Enabling Grant for their peer support and advocacy work with non-offending partners and family members affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

Wellsprings for Women, United Housing Cooperative, Meals with Impact, and Women’s Circus each received a Spotlight Award of $10,000 in recognition of their efforts to support and
empower women and families in Melbourne.

The new expo-style format was a success, creating a relaxed, engaging, and rewarding atmosphere for attendees and nonprofits to connect.

“Introducing Digital Inclusion” on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, shed light on the barriers, issues, and opportunities to bridge the digital divide. The panel discussion and Q&A focused on the impact on women and families in our community and explored opportunities for action and collaboration in a world increasingly driven by technology,

Kate Fazio, a Social Impact and Legal Consultant, highlighted the dual aspects of digital inclusion. “On one hand, there’s the disadvantage of people not being able to access information and services online, while on the other hand, there are safety risks related to the misuse of personal details and tech-based harassment or threats.”

To address these challenges, Nicky Dulfer, Senior Lecturer at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, emphasised the need for government and organisations to understand the end user of technology when creating information online for our diverse community.

In addition, Iffrin Fittock, CEO of Sisterworks, encouraged the audience to help bridge the gap in the digital knowledge divide and volunteer within our neighbourhoods to teach women computer, internet, or other technology skills. Furthermore, Ifrin suggested donating ‘old’ (3-5 years) computers to organisations that can repurpose and pass them on to people who otherwise would not be able to buy them.

Panellist Uzma Rubab, Director Celebrating and Conserving Cultures encouraged attendees to “Look around, extend a hand and see where you can help. What we want is a connected, accepting, and respectful society.”

It was a fantastic evening that created valuable connections and actionable learning.

Our learning events are an example of a community coming together with a common purpose of investing in the wellbeing of Melbourne women and families in need. Thank you to our distinguished panellists:

• Uzma Rubab Director, Celebrating and Conserving Cultures
• Ifrin Fittock CEO, Sisterworks
• Kate Fazio Social Impact and Legal Consultant, formerly Justice Connect
• Nicky Dulfer Senior Lecturer, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne and co-author of Understanding Digital Inequality: an analysis of unequal connectivity in Carlton Housing Estate, Melbourne 2022

Thanks also to our generous host, Canva for welcoming us in their vibrant and inviting office in Collingwood.

Thank you to the delicious food provided and served by Free to Feed and photography provided by Fotografa AU.

LINKS

• Research paper: Understanding Digital Inequality: an analysis of unequal connectivity in Carlton Housing Estate, Melbourne 2022 https://socialequity.unimelb.e…
• Celebrating and Conserving Cultures https://3ccc.org.au/
• SisterWorks https://sisterworks.org.au/
• Free to Feed https://www.freetofeed.org.au/
• Find a Neighbourhood House in your local area https://www.nhvic.org.au/find-a-neighbourhood-house

Computer donations

• www.computerbank.org.au/ or www.infoxchange.org/au

Contact the ESafety Commissioner if you need help with distressing online content

• https://www.esafety.gov.au/

On October 31st, at the Auburn Hotel, 22 members and friends of the Melbourne Women’s Foundation convened for the Boroondara group’s quarterly dinner catch-up. There was no agenda; this relaxed dinner was a welcome opportunity for members and friends to get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company. 

Initiated by Christine Darcas during the COVID lockdowns, this group owes its ongoing success to the exceptional leadership of longtime member, Dr Linette Etheredge. Linette is a consummate people connector who joined the Melbourne Women’s Foundation in 2018 with the thought, “I can grow old with these women”.  

Linette firmly believes that “People are dying to be invited.” Now that the COVID emergency phase is well and truly over, we’re breaking free from geographical constraints. Drawing inspiration from the incredible success of the Boroondara quarterly dinners, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of informal dinners spanning various locales across Melbourne.  

Our giving circle is a community in which we share a common purpose and vision. We hope you take this opportunity to connect, engage, and get to know the wonderful women within the Melbourne Women’s Foundation. Together, we’re shaping the future of the Melbourne Women’s Foundation. 

 Members and friends of Melbourne Women’s Foundation are warmly invited.  

Mark your calendar!  

Boroondara local catch-up: 

• Tuesday 27th February 
• Tuesday 18th June 
• Tuesday 10th September 
• Tuesday 10th December  

City of Merri-bek local catch-up: 

• Wednesday 20th March  
• Wednesday 17th July 
• Wednesday 16th October 
• Wednesday 4th December 

City of Yarra local catch-up:  

• Thursday 18 April  
• Thursday 15 August
• Thursday 21 November  

Member and events Chairperson, Pandora has shown her incredible dedication to the cause by contributing a generous donation of $10,000 to MWF. This season of giving is all about making a difference, and we’re so grateful for her support.

Pandora said, “I’m really excited about the promising future for Melbourne Women’s Foundation Giving Circle in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary celebrations in 2025.  What a privilege to support MWF.”

Melbourne Women’s Foundation, CEO, Liza Nadolski thanked Pandora, “Your contribution will enable us to launch strategic initiatives aimed at expanding our reach and impact. This is a thrilling time for us at the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, and your support is instrumental in realising our full potential.”

Become a MWF Supporter

Melbourne Women’s Foundation pools member donations into effective grant making. 

We have many opportunities available to business, donors and organisations that wish to support our mission’s delivery in a collaborative and cost-effective manner.

Become a supporter, a member, or make a donation to pursue our mission of creating a Melbourne in which everyone can thrive.

Prison Network are the proud recipients of the $80,000 Signature Grant for their transformative program that supports women released from prison to build protective factors to support their safety, recovery and well-being as survivors of family violence.

St Kilda Gatehouse received the $45,000 Nurturing Grant for their Step Up program providing practical assistance, material aid and support for marginalised women. The runner-up finalists St Kilda Mums, Women’s Property Initiatives, Beautiful Bunch, and For Change Co, were each honoured with $8,750 in untied funding.

“The potential of these grants to make a significant impact in the coming year is truly exciting.” shared Lisa Nadolski, Melbourne Women’s Foundation CEO

On receiving the award Amelia Pickering, CEO of Prison Network said, “These funds are a gamechanger for women leaving prison. It will allow us to scale up and support more women. Being part of MWF’s grants process has been amazing, and I want to congratulate all the finalists.”

S. Dianne Azor Hughes, Chairperson of St Kilda Gatehouse commented, “Every women at risk is worthy of our support and we are so very grateful for your partnership. A huge thank you to MWF for the Nurturing Grant Award in support of Step Up.”

The annual live Grant Awards Celebration was held at RACV City Club on Thursday, 16 November.

“The event has been a resounding success with over 100 attendees. It was heartwarming to see our community come together to engage with the finalists and learn about their vital work,” said Pandora Kay, Melbourne Women’s Foundation Events Chair

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our members for their generous donations and tireless volunteer efforts, and a special thank you to our sponsors and non-member donors for their substantial support.”

“Our collective effort enabled us to award $160,000 to six outstanding non-profits, all dedicated to creating a future where women and families in Melbourne thrive,” shared Liza Nadolski, Melbourne Women’s Foundation CEO.

Evans and Partners presented a donation of $16,650 in honour of Jo Crawshaw’s steadfast commitment to the Melbourne Women’s Foundation. This memorial donation was made possible by the kind-hearted efforts of Evans and Partners staff, and the dedicated leadership of Katrina Tull and Monique Gourlay. Presented on the night by Amy Spofforth and Hibah Jamal, this gift stands as a testament to Jo’s enduring influence.

“Jo was incredibly passionate about the work here at MWF and was a huge advocate always encouraging new members to join. It was her promotion of MWF at our office that encouraged so many Evans and Partners employees to join, myself included,” shared Amy Spofforth of Evans and Partners.

Gold Sponsors, Bendigo Community Bank Elwood, were recognised for their unwavering and continuous support of Melbourne Women’s Foundation activities.

The powerful nature of collective giving on the night was alive and well as representatives from several private funds at the event pledged an additional $30,000 to the finalists.

“Our Awards event beautifully highlighted the remarkable generosity and unity within our Melbourne Women’s Foundation community. As we celebrate the success of this gathering, we are keenly attuned to the needs of women and families in Melbourne. We are resolutely dedicated to our mission,” said Christine Darcas, Melbourne Women’s Foundation Chair.