Event Archives - melbournewomensfoundation.org — melbournewomensfoundation.org

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.

“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.

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