News

At the heart of our healthcare system lies a persistent, hidden issue: gender bias. Women’s Health Victoria (WHV) is driving systemic change to ensure women, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty, cultural background and rural status, receive equitable healthcare. At MWF's June 5th event, WHV CEO Sally Hasler highlighted the challenges, opportunities and ways in which we may all contribute to change. Sally’s eye-opening presentation was almost eclipsed by the opening remarks of Emma Woolley, Partner at event host, Hall and Wilcox. How did she make the subject of Estate Planning intriguing, compelling and funny all at once...?

We are seeking highly capable and motivated individuals to join the Melbourne Women's Foundation (MWF) Board on a voluntary basis. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s governance and assist with delivering our strategy.  

Applications closed on Friday 13 June 2025.

In early March, Next Gen members Meggan Boag, Linh Do and MWF NextGen Chair Hannah Doherty-McMillan had the pleasure of attending an engaging roundtable dinner co-hosted by the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, Philanthropy Australia, and She Gives (Noble Ambition). The event, which immediately followed the 2025 Nexus Australia Summit, was part of the Growing Women’s Giving initiative, a collaboration designed to explore what motivates women to give, and how we can build and sustain a stronger culture of generosity among women in Australia, especially as the Next Generation takes on more philanthropic involvement.

On Thursday 27 February, expert panellists Hana Assafiri, Adele Murdolo, Julie Kun and Sue-Ann Hunter joined moderator Tania Farha to discuss Gender-Based Violence and Community Action.

In 2024, Melbourne Women’s Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary of bringing together individuals united by purpose to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Melbourne women and families in need.  

Prison Network and St Kilda Gatehouse gave a deeply moving insight into their work and the women they support at the 2023 Melbourne Women’s Foundation Grantee Impact Update held on 29th of August 2024 hosted by Evans & Partners at their office.

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.

NextGen Member Hannah shares her journey from member to NextGen Chairperson. "I joined MWF a few years ago as I wanted to give back and start getting involved in philanthropy. However, I was overwhelmed with the number of charities and ways of giving."

'Introducing Digital Inclusion' held 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.

Melbourne Women’s Foundation convened 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.

Our Next Gen membership has grown significantly over the past year. Mary is one of the amazing women who has joined our collective giving community, working with likeminded women to make a difference.

Dedicated member and Events Chairperson Pandora makes incredible donation of $10,000 to Melbourne Women's Foundation this giving season.

Our giving circle is the proud recipient of the 2023 Philanos Spotlight Award! This award is a tribute to our partnership and impactful grant to Women and Mentoring.

We are thrilled to announce that we have officially launched Melbourne Women's Foundation, formerly known as Melbourne Women's Fund!