Vale Leoni Durrant

Vale Leoni Durrant

YWCA Victoria and YWCA Australia extend their sympathy to the family of Leoni Durrant, former Executive Director of the YWCA of Melbourne and Member of the YWCA Australia Board, who has passed away. We celebrate Leoni's magnificent contribution to the YWCA movement. Leoni's two decades of service as the Executive Director of the YWCA of Melbourne (now YWCA Victoria) included the development of the Elizabeth Street Hotel, a lasting legacy for the association.

Leoni became Executive Director following the well loved, and most capable, Joyce Truelove. She brought with her a range of skills that enabled the YWCA of Melbourne to move ahead.

Leoni came in when the decision was made to move from the out-dated building in Collins Street to the site of the present Jasper Hotel in Elizabeth Street (which is still owned and managed by YWCA Victoria). With unfailing energy, Leoni oversaw the upheaval necessary to relocate and re-energise the association. The current work in upgrading Richmond House as part of YWCA Victoria’s social housing program would be most appreciated by Leoni.

In Leoni’s era, the YWCA of Melbourne oversaw strong YWCA clubs, worked with newly arrived migrants to support them, maintained housewives’ groups, and assisted the rehabilitation of recently-released prisoners as well as managing buildings.

Leoni also gave service to the national movement in so many ways. She served on the Victorian State Committee, the National Executive, attended World Councils, took part in the World International Training Institutes, and was ever-ready to help out other local associations when they were in need. Many women around Australia felt they could call on Leoni for advice. Leoni also forged bonds with other organisations and was an able advocate for women’s causes.

Leoni was yet another woman whose contribution to our Association is impossible to quantify. We farewell a good friend and honour her memory.