For ten years, YWCA in Toowoomba has proudly run its person-centred Y Ability program, supporting people living with disability with personal supports, community access, and activities.
On December 3, International Day of People with Disability, the Y Ability program held the inaugural Abilities Exhibition in Toowoomba. This exhibition showcased the creative talents of our clients and other people with disability in the greater Toowoomba region – encouraging them to recognise and celebrate their own talents and abilities.
In a world that has often dismissed the talents of people with disability with “No you can’t”, this exhibition was their moment to say “Yes I can”.
We began the evening with a traditional Welcome to Country, spoken by elder Adrian Beattie of the Western Wakka Wakka people. Sharon Foreman, a local psychologist living with a disability, delivered the opening address.
“I’ve struggled with how society sees people with disability, which a lot of people in this room can relate to,” said Ms Foreman. “The fact that society looks at our limitations rather than what we’re capable of. It’s fantastic when organisations like YWCA holds exhibitions like tonight, where we focus on people’s abilities rather than limitations.”
While many clients chose to submit physical artworks, others chose to display their talents in person on the night. One client, Phillip, chose to display his passion for public speaking with a speech he had written himself. Two others teamed up to run a nail decorating table for all the exhibition attendees!
The evening saw over 60 people enjoy watching various performances, including the very first public performance of the Y Ability house band – Loud Play. The band has members on drums, bass guitar, ukuleles and lead singing, all playing together to deliver a great performance! Many hours of rehearsals went into this performance and the pride felt by everybody present was palpable.
A particular highlight was the large canvas artwork created by a group of regular Y Ability clients.
When asked what inspired their artworks, they told us:
This work represents a grazers anguish in drought. Most good rain is followed by a rainbow, and this signifies the end of a rough decade for any farmer in Queensland.
There’s a place in my mind, where I’m in full control. This work represents a place where my imagination is enabled, and I’m in charge of the outcome. There are no barriers in this world.
I’ve always found peace in nature and wildlife. The wolf depicts a creature that is strong and independent but always finds its way back to the pack. There is a melodic characteristic to the wolf’s howl and music is everything to the artist.
This work inspired by the life of Captain Jack Sparrow, a life of adventure travelling the world in search of riches. Friends, family, gaming and music in the treasure chest give me the strength to sail any ocean.
Perhaps the most notable part of the evening was, quite simply, the presence of everybody who came along. Family, friends and loved ones all came to the exhibition to show support. This coming together of community displayed to the clients just how many people do care about them, and were willing to be there for this important day in their lives.
Kylie Elisaia, Regional Manager – Queensland for YWCA Australia, says “We have to thank everyone who attended and made this exhibition such a success. But most of all, we have to thank all those who shared their creative talents with the community as it takes a lot of bravery and vulnerability to share as you have!”
We hope that the Abilities Exhibition will become a regular event in Toowoomba – keep an eye out on International Day of People with Disability in 2020!
Young artist Autumn de Forest once said “My goal as an artist is to create art that makes people look at the world in a different way.”
That is exactly what Jaime, a mentee in our Youth Frontiers program, has done this year with the support of their mentor Lila – helped their local community look at the world in a different way. As an advocate in the LGBTIQ+ community, Jaime wanted to raise awareness, promoting equality and inclusion for the community through public interaction with art.
Jaime says, “The challenge for this project wasn’t having the vision for what I wanted to do, it was making it come alive with planning.”
Jaime was supported in the planning of this project by their mentor Lila who is training to be an art therapist. Lila’s practical skills, passion for art, and commitment to supporting Jaime were critical for making this project a success.
“I recognised a lot of myself in Jaime,” says Lila. “I could empathise with some of the challenges Jaime was going through, and saw that we could explore these together through art.”
Together, they put a giant stretch canvas in the Newcastle City Library, and promoted equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community by having the public help paint the canvas as they walked by.
For Jaime, the highlight was clear – seeing the whole community join in the painting of the mural helped to confirm that the community is more accepting than they thought. “It really helps to send a message to the LGBTIQ+ community that we have a lot of people behind us!” they say.
There were personal benefits to participating in Youth Frontiers for both Jaime and Lila. Jaime has benefited through having an older artistic mentor to draw inspiration from.
“It was amazing to have someone to be myself around. She is just as funny and weird as me,” says Jaime. “Through Lila’s mentoring, I feel like I have connected more with myself and am more in touch with who I am. Lila’s own art inspires me so much – she makes me realise I can be a playful artist for as long as I want.”
And for Lila, mentoring Jaime was a truly life-changing experience. “I’ve been recommending Youth Frontiers to others – it builds connections and teaches us adults the true potential of young people. Having the chance to be a part of an amazing and remarkable young person like Jaime rise to their power…my heart just opens!”
Do you think you could be a Youth Frontiers mentor?
Youth Frontiers is currently recruiting volunteer mentors – you could help young people like Jaime deliver an exciting project like this! All we need from our mentors is time, and a commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
On the 28th of November, YWCA members and supporters came together at the historic Ayers House in Adelaide to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in South Australia.
The night was opened with a powerful poem from Manal Younus, which evoked the long history of women’s strength when facing oppression and our courageous spirit to keep fighting for our rights, whilst loving ourselves along the way.
The event hosted a panel of young women who lead the evening in thought-provoking discussion that reflected on our wins as women, and what work still needs to be done to achieve women’s political and social empowerment.
On the panel for the evening was four powerful and inspiring young women.
The vibrant Sally Scales:
Sally is a Pitjantjatjara women from Pipalyatjara in the far west of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Land. Sally is the youngest person ever elected as a Chairperson of the APY Executive Board and is part of the youth leadership team for the Uluru Statement reform. On top of all of these commitments, Sally is foster mum to four-year-old Walter.
“Women are powerful and we need to own it. The time for male, pale and stale is over.”
The powerful Manal Younus:
Manal is an Australian based freelance storyteller and poet from Eritrea. She believes that language and stories are the very fabric of our existence.
“As a black, Muslim woman, unless we look at the intersectional forms of oppression, we won’t achieve what we need to.”
The insightful Kelly Vincent:
Kelly was a Member of South Australia’s Legislative Council for the Dignity Party and made lasting changes for disadvantaged South Australians.
“It’s so easy to fall into tokenistic representation. I believe that the people who need to lead are the ones who’ve experienced those barriers.”
The inspiring Luci Blackborough:
At 18, Luci was elected to Cambelltown City Council as South Australia’s youngest councillor during the 2018 elections.
“Draw the line, walk away, call it out – you don’t have to tolerate it when other people treat you badly.”
One thing became clear throughout the evening – though our young panellists all have diverse lived experiences, they were all passionate about the power of women and our need as women to own our strengths and believe in our abilities.
Throughout the night, Australian artist Emma Rowland created a live art piece, taking quotes and key events from the panelists discussion. She turned all their powerful quotes into a spectacular piece of art!
Hard Won, But Not Done truly was a celebration of women’s collaboration and an event that created space for the next generation of women’s activism and voices. We are so thankful to have been able to reflect on the women who changed our future and fought for our voting rights.
Here’s to another 125 years of progress on women’s rights!
Want to join us to keep progressing rights for women? Sign up as a member today.
YWCA has always
believed that access to stable and affordable housing is a human right. We are
proud of our long history of providing housing support to members of the
community, and we won’t ever stop advocating for those who experience housing
insecurity.
We’ve been privileged to support people like Matthew* and
Daniella*, who were referred to YWCA’s Housing Support Program in Darwin in 2018.
When Daniella and Matthew first approached YWCA for help, Daniella
was expecting her first child. The
couple, fearful about the transient nature of their housing status, were
concerned for the welfare of their soon-to-be born baby, Daniella’s physical
health and their mental health as a couple.
Since joining YWCA’s Housing Support Program, the couple’s spirits have gone from hopeless to hopeful. Daniella and Matthew have been active participants in the program, attending weekly case management meetings and joining YWCA’s Parenting Support Program.
Matthew has obtained electrician qualifications which have provided him with practical skills and employment opportunities. He has also found a strong community through YWCA’s Strong Young Fathers Program, which has raised his parenting confidence greatly.
Daniella regularly attends YWCA’s Parenting Support Program
playgroup, where she has formed strong relationships with other young mothers
and feels more confident and supported with her health. Daniella hopes to return
to study and pursue hospitality.
Now, one year on from when they first contacted YWCA, both
Matthew and Daniella feel like they have a bright future ahead of them with
more employment opportunities, stable and affordable housing, and a loving home
environment for their child.
During the 2018-19 financial year, YWCA’s Housing Support Program has supported 29 clients, including children. In addition to this, YWCA in Darwin has also provided other activities including sharing information about sustainable living, cooking and household budgeting, as well as case management and information on sustaining tenancy. This ensures clients are fully equipped to handle the broad responsibilities that come with sustaining tenancy and ensure long-term client welfare.
We are so inspired by 16-year-old Brianna, a young woman who participated in our Youth Frontiers mentoring program this year. Right from the start of participating in the program, Brianna knew what she wanted to focus on for her community project – a call to action to support the rights of young women in Australia.
“I am really passionate about female self-love and self-care,” says Brianna. “I wanted to send a strong message about women empowerment and connecting with YWCA Australia was a great way to do so.”
Working with her mentor Madi, Brianna started putting all her ideas together to create a final project. As soon as she decided that she wanted to make an advocacy video, YWCA’s Advocacy team got involved and supported Brianna with her idea.
“I travelled to Sydney and stayed at in a feminist theme room in Song Hotel, which is YWCA Australia’s profit-for-purpose business. Sally Rugg’s LGBTIQA+ pride room was like nothing I had seen before and gave me great inspiration for my video.”
“Over two days Bobbie from the YWCA Advocacy team linked me with YWCA volunteers, all young women themselves, who helped me to explore my values and messaging, form my script, explore creative concepts and bring my ideas to life,” explains Brianna.
“Natalie Judson (graphic designer) channelled my vision by creating animations, Sarah McCarthy (Diversity and Inclusion Expert) helped me visualise my values, Brigitta Brown (voice artist) coached me through how to have impact with my words and Erin Bassett (Communications Specialist) has supported me to get my message to a wider audience. With the help of videographer Eva Davis-Boermans, the video you see today is ready to share!”
Brianna wants everyone who watches this video to do something.
“This video is being released on the last day of 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to spread awareness about violence against women and girls. It is also the International Day of Human Rights. Women’s rights are human rights and my video is a call to action for everyone to act and stand up for young women everywhere.”
Brianna shares three tips in the video – to change the world, we have to change the rules!
You’ve got this! Challenge gender stereotypes every day and avoid generalising statements based on gender. Educate others!
You are enough. Practice self-love and self-care – think, act and feel without judgement.
Reach out, stand out, belong. Imagine how loud our voices can be together – connect with organisations who can help to amplify your voices!
In closing, Brianna tell us, “I got to develop my own confidence, self love and belief in my potential during this project. I want other women and girls to feel empowered and own their true potential too.”
Please share this video with your networks #YoungFemaleFree – and let’s stand up for women’s rights!
Do you think you could be a Youth Frontiers mentor?
Youth Frontiers is currently recruiting volunteer mentors – you could help young people like Brianna deliver an exciting project like this! All we need from our mentors is time, and a commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
Shop your values this festive season and support fellow feminists and women-owned companies! (Psst, scroll down for your chance to win one of three gift hampers worth $100 each!)
Founded by owner Julie, Flora and Fauna sources a huge range of ethical, eco, organic and vegan skincare, makeup, home, fashion, and lifestyle products. No products are tested on animals, so you can be sure your Christmas is kind to animals and the earth!
Oh Deer Sugar ($)
The Non-Edible Bakery that focuses on handcrafting Food For The Skinbath and body products that are all VEGAN. Oh Deer Sugar is handcrafted by two women, Sharni and Nikki.
Founded by Irene Falcone, Nourished Life is your one-stop-shop for ethical and toxin-free beauty products! Check our their Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide, for that last minute gift!
Moist Planties ($$)
Founded by Ashlee, who wanted to use her passion for finding rare, exotic and household favourite plants, whilst connecting with other beautiful plant people. Moist Planties‘ nudey pots are created to encourage us to appreciate the beauty of diverse bodies and to break the stigma and taboo of women’s genitals.
Kristy Dickinson is a proud Wiradjuri Woman and the Designer and Creator of Haus of Dizzy. Haus of Dizzy sells bright, bold statement pieces which Kristy calls her conversation starters. Kristy created an incredible set of ‘The Future Is Intersectional‘ earrings whose profits go to supporting women through YWCA Australia!
Yas Earrings ($$)
YAS Earrings is a small female run business located on Kaurna Land. YAS is run by Nicole, a local artist who finds inspiration in 70s aesthetic and natural earth tones. She designs and assembles these earrings by hand using polymer clay. YAS is inspired by communities that are empowering women, queer and non-gender conforming folk.
Kablooie Store ($$$)
Kablooie was dreamt up by mum of three, Keneena Fanning. Keneena’s bright, bold clothing is size inclusive, ranging from size 4-24 and she also makes clothes for those that are breastfeeding too – perfect for every woman in your life!
Dangerous Females ($$)
Dangerous Females is a collective of women fed up with the incidents of men’s violence against women in Australia. The collective aims to raise awareness, and much needed funding for organisations dedicated to supporting victims of violence or abuse. We love their Merry Feministmas tee!
Body Image Movement ($$)
Founded by Taryn Brumfitt in 2012, the Body Image Movement is on a mission to end the global body-hating epidemic by inspiring people to embrace their bodies through documentaries, books, online programs, speaking and educational resources. The Movement is currently selling Warrior Woman scarves, with proceeds going to a new Body Image documentary!
Give the gift of gender equality, sign your grandmother, mother or even bubs up as a YWCA member!
Moolk ($)
Lauren, the founder of Moolk, creates ‘breast-accessible’ clothing made specifically for breast feeding mamas, who need their clothes to be stylish and accessible!
Go-To Skincare ($$)
Founded by Zoë Foster-Blake, a very fussy ex beauty-editor who is dedicated to natural products that won’t harm your skin. Go-To also has a mens line called Bro-To!
One Chew Three ($)
Run by mum of two, Elisa, One Chew Three makes handmade silicone necklaces and chewable teething accessories with both mum and bub in mind – modern and stylish for mum, functional for bub!
Shout Out To The Girls ($)
Shout-outs to 50 awesome Australian women with easy-to-read biographies of their incredible achievements. Brought to life by colourful illustrations from female artists, Shout Out to the Girls is the ultimate inspirational read for young and old.
Talkin’ up to the White Woman, Indigenous Women and Feminism ($)
Dr Aileen Moreton-Robinson “talks up” in this provocative interrogation of feminism in representation and practice. As a Geonpul woman and an academic, she provides a unique cultural standpoint and a compelling analysis of the whiteness of Australian feminism and its effect on Indigenous women.
Black is the New White ($)
Nakkiah Lui’s smash-hit play, in print for the first time! Winner of the Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting.
“Charlotte Gibson is a lawyer with a brilliant career ahead of her. As her father Ray says, she could be the next female Indigenous Waleed Aly. But she has other ideas. First of all, it’s Christmas. Second of all, she’s in love.”
YWCA’s Profit for Purpose business, Song Hotels has a feminist themed hotel room dedicated to Nakkiah! Next time you’re in Sydney, book to stay in her room.
How Powerful We Are ($)
Sally Rugg takes you behind the scenes of one of Australia’s biggest campaigns to show how we can use our voice to champion what we believe in. Even if you’re not an activist (yet), at a time when the news is written for clicks and elections are fought with three-word slogans, it’s crucial to preserve some record of events that isn’t ‘fake news’ or political spin.
YWCA’s Profit for Purpose business, Song Hotels has a feminist themed hotel room dedicated to Sally! Next time you’re in Sydney, book to stay in her room.
Too Much Lip ($)
This book by Melissa Lucashenko won the 2019 Miles Franklin Award! – Wise-cracking Kerry Salter has spent a lifetime avoiding two things – her hometown and prison. But now her Pop is dying and she’s an inch away from the lockup, so she heads south on a stolen Harley.
The Testaments ($)
In this electrifying sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood answers the question that has tantalised readers for decades: What happened to Offred?
Designer Helen Bayley launched Lovestar in 2013. The brand was born out of her love for flowers, nature, fashion and the arts. With a desire to re-introduce the old fashioned ceramic wall vase to new generations, Helen set about designing beautiful, playful, functional pieces using modern materials.
Little Aggie ($$)
Little Aggie founder Roxanne, turns your precious memories into unique pieces of art, illustrating art pieces from photos. 5% of every illustration Roxanne creates goes to the Love Your Sister Foundation which goes directly into cancer research!
Anna Chandler Design ($$)
Anna Chandler Design is an Australian homewares company which produces colourful ceramics, textiles, handbags and accessories. Anna’s designs are saturated with bright colours and patterns, perfect for the bohemian in your life!
Gabby Love ($$$)
Gabby Love is an artist who unashamedly wants to make her surroundings beautiful, collecting and recreating images inspired by forms in nature and 1980s motifs.
Support those that create your festive spirit (geddit?…spirits!). Gin, vodka and more, make sure you pick a woman distiller to support this festive season!
Kosmea Australia ($$)
Kosmea has a great range of mens skincare products that will keep the man in your life looking fresh for their next feminist rally!
Patagonia ($$$)
It isn’t often you find big corporates who take their social responsibility seriously, but Patagonia provides real support to women in the workplace. With generous leave policies, and an onsite childcare program for workers with children, Patagonia has a 95% retention rate of mothers in its workplaces – that sounds like a company we want to support with our dollar!
Let Her Fly: A Father’s Journey and The Fight For Equality ($)
Let Her Flycovers Ziauddin Yousafzai’s journey from a stammering boy growing up in a tiny village high in the mountains of Pakistan, through to being an activist for equality and the father of the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and now one of the most influential and inspiring young women on the planet – Malala Yousafzai!
The Descent of Man ($)
Tracing the contours of the dominant male role today, its history and its clearly defined rules, The Descent of Manexplores everything from sex, seriousness and intimidation to clothing, childhood and power, suggesting a more modern model of manhood which may reach escape velocity from the gravity of Traditional Man.
Don’t forget the most important gift of all…
You can give the gift of gender equality by donating to YWCA. Our programs, services and advocacy work to keep women in safe housing, support their leadership journey, improve their safety and wellbeing and enhance economic security.
Want to win one of three hampers of feminist goodies ($100 value each) from this list? Just fill in the form below and share your Top Three Tips for a Feminist Festive Season!
Competition closes and winners will be contacted on Monday 16 December 2019.
Terms and Conditions: YWCA Australia Feministmas Hamper Competition
1) The “Feministmas Hamper Competition”, administered by YWCA Australia, is open to anyone who lives in Australia. The Competition is not open to paid employees of YWCA Australia.
2) The Competition is free to enter, and entry into, and participation in, the promotion itself will not incur any costs whatsoever upon any participant at any time.
3) The Competition will run from 8:00 am (AEST) on Friday 6 December 2019 until 12:00pm (AEST) Monday 16 December 2019 (“The Competition Period”). Entries submitted after the competition period will not be valid.
4) Entries must be submitted via the YWCA Australia Feministmas Hamper Entry Form. Entries in any other format will not be valid.
5) Entries must address the question – Share Your Top Three Tips for a Feminist Festive Season.
6) Participants may only submit one entry.
7) Valid entries will be judged by YWCA Australia’s judging panel comprising of three YWCA Australia staff members, on Monday 16 December 2019.
8) The winning entries will be announced on Monday 16 December 2019. The winner will be personally notified via an email.
9) YWCA Australia will liaise with the winner to coordinate delivery of the prize via mail.
10) The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternatives will be offered.
11) The approximate value of each prize is $100 (one hundred) AUD.
12) The Competition, and any contest or promotion featured on this page, in its entirety, is a product of YWCA Australia
13) By entering and participating, the entrant agrees to hold harmless, defend and indemnify YWCA Australia from and against any and all claims, demands, liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), losses, costs or expenses, with respect to or arising out of or related to (i) the entrant’s participation in the Competition, or (ii) the entrant’s participation in any Prize related activities, acceptance of a Prize and/or use or misuse of a Prize (including, without limitation, any property loss, damage, personal injury or death caused to any person(s).
14) This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Survey Gizmo.
15) By entering yourself into any contest or promotion on this page you undertake to abide by the terms and conditions.
16) By entering into the Competition, you acknowledge that any information submitted on the competition question is collected and stored by YWCA Australia and may be used in future for marketing or advertising purposes.
Applications are now open for members of YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra and YWCA Hunter Region to join the delegation to 2020’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64) at the United Nations in New York.
Our delegation will bring together United Nations first timers and old hands with a huge range of experiences and skills. Every application is encouraged!
What is CSW?
The United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a global body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Representatives of UN member governments meet in New York each March to discuss ways to raise the status of women, watched on by UN agencies and NGO activists (including YWCA Australia and other YWCA’s from across the world).
The CSW has supported the development of key gender equality documents including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its Optional Protocol, and the development of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.
In March 2020 the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64) will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from Monday 09 March to Friday 20 March. In 2020 the global community will mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and a five-year milestone towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme of CSW64 will be a review and appraisal of the implementation of the Platform for Action and the current challenges to achieving the full empowerment of women and girls and the realisation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Current and active member of YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra or YWCA Hunter Region
Able to fully commit to pre-CSW64 planning meetings and teleconferences with YWCA Australia and the delegation;
Willing to fully participate in all CSW64 activities;
Able to meet the financial requirements for the cost of attending CSW64 (see details below);
Ability to report back to YWCA including the Board, Staff and Membership upon returning from CSW64.
In selecting the YWCA Australia delegation to CSW64 2020, consideration will be given to the overall composition of the delegation, with an effort to ensure diversity of age, experience, knowledge, culture and to enable women from urban and rural, regional and remote locations to have access to the opportunity.
Costs and dates
Members of the YWCA Australia CSW64 delegation must be available to participate in all briefing activities prior to departing for CSW64. This may include a one-day briefing session hosted by the Equality Rights Alliance held in an Australian capital city, as well as various delegation teleconferences.
Delegates must also be able to participate in all CSW64 activities in New York from 9 March to 20 March 2020.
To ensure the best possible experience, delegates must stay at the designated accommodation with the full delegation and details will be advised shortly.
Delegates must be able to cover the costs associated with travel, accommodation and daily expenses. We estimate a budget of approximately $10,000AUD is required for each individual attending CSW64. This includes accommodation, daily expenses (between $30-80USD) and airfares ($1,500-2,500AUD). Delegates may choose to spend more or less depending on their individual circumstances.
YWCA Australia will meet travel insurance costs for the delegation.
CSW64 Bursary Support
YWCA Australia recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played an important role in advocating for equality on the national and international stage. We are seeking to ensure that our delegation has a strong voice representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
We are aiming to support a young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman to attend CSW64. This will include a fundraising campaign with donations matched by YWCA Australia up to a total of $5,000.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander member aged 30 or under, please include this information in your application.
Deadlines
Monday 2 December 2019: Applications open
Monday 16 December 2019: Applications close
Week of Monday 13 January 2020: Applicants will be notified of the outcome
Week of Monday 20 January 2020: The full delegation will be announced on the YWCA Australia website
More information
If you would like to know more about the CSW64 experience, please reach out to Bobbie Trower, Senior Manager – Advocacy, on [email protected].
Following the YWCA Australia Annual General Meeting last night in Adelaide, we are proud to announce the new members of our 2020 Young Women’s Council (YWC)!
After more than 100 young women put in their applications to join the Council, eight have been directly elected by YWCA membership to represent young women across Australia.
Find out more about them below, in their own words, straight from their applications!
Emalia Al-Gadrie
Sharifah Emalia Al-Gadrie
Hobart
I work for as a project officer for a social justice hub. I also volunteer with a local human rights advocacy group and am a practising artist centring my work around identity, feminism and heritage. My longest running personal project is a craftivist zine called mak(h)er mag in which I profile womxn creatives to raise funds for charitable organisations such as the International Women’s Development Agency.
I am an intersectional feminist so I am passionate about all issues facing young women and girls! It’s hard to choose just a few but if I had to choose, I’d say that I am particularly passionate about defending the rights and increasing the representation of women of colour. I am passionate about young women’s access to education and opportunity. I am very passionate about addressing domestic violence and the systemic misogyny that lets it flourish. I am passionate about trans women being supported. I am passionate about women living with a disability being treated with equity.
Zahra Al Hilaly
Zahra Al Hilaly
Perth
As a first generation Australian to migrant and refugee parents from Palestine and Iraq, the value of education has always been heavily instilled upon me. I am currently studying a double degree in Law and Journalism, with the aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyers, focussing in the field of refugee rights.
Growing up watching my parents struggle in Australia, it has been a long-time goal of mine to help immigrants and refugees in Australia. As such, I have worked on numerous projects which have allowed me to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Molly Baxter
Molly Baxter
Darwin
With a background in journalism and communications, I have lived all over Australia before falling in love with and settling in Australia’s northern capital. My passion lies in growing women in sport and politics. I am a good leader and communicator, and an excellent sport – I believe in fairness and integrity on and off the field towards all.
I have captained Tasmania’s women’s rugby union team, and represented a number of states in sports from hockey and athletics to rugby union. I want to see women’s sport thrive in Australia and give women opportunities to play whatever they want.
Victoria Ekwughe
Victoria Ekwughe
Sydney
I am a PhD student at the university of technology Sydney. My research is on the use of digital technology for women empowerment. I am passionate about empowering women in rural and remote communities to improve their standard of living.
I have witnessed the effect ignorance and lack of education have on women. I want to be a part of an organisation that helps women improve their standard of living and encourage women to stand and speak up for themselves.
Maninder Kaur
Maninder Kaur
Cairns
I am a 17 year old Sikh Australian living in regional north Queensland. I am heavily involved in my school and local community and sit on or lead a wide range of committees.
For far too long women have not had the same opportunities as their male counterparts in a multitude of fields. As a girl who intends to pursue a career in STEM, fields where women are the current minority. As a young female, being a voice and an inspiration for the thousands of diverse women of this nation is an honour I wish to pursue.
Shaylee Leach
Shaylee Leach
Kaurna Land (Adelaide)
I’m a feminist, creative type from regional SA, now based in Port Adelaide. I’m a student at the University of Adelaide, studying a Bachelor of Media & Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Gender Studies. I’m currently interning at the Working Women’s Centre. I’m a community radio broadcaster at Radio Adelaide, co-producing/hosting a queer program ‘Pride & Prejudice’ for the 7 years. I’m currently working on two podcast projects ‘Too Little, Too Much’- exploring issues surrounding poverty & self-determination. Also ‘Queers with Careers’ chats with LGBTIQA movers & shakers, & questioning notions of ‘success’.
I’m interested in contributing to an organization that can make a difference to gender-based issues. I connect with the values of the YWCA, their work as a service provider & as advocates for women’s voices. I’m a big fan of the Intersectional Feminist approach, as it recognizes women’s different experience’s can be more complex, based on compounding factors.
Aurora Matchett
Aurora Matchett (Re-elected)
Sydney
I live with disability, and I bring to the Council, my lived experience, passion and a firm understanding of how it impacts young women, in terms of social isolation, communication, cultural identity and inclusion, and I am committed to lending my voice to support others like me.
My recent opportunity to engage in public debate around social justice issues on ABC’s Q and A High School Panel, spurred on my desire to maintain and increase how I challenge oppressive positions against women.
In my role as a current member of the YWCA’s Young Women’s Council, I have shown I am passionate about giving women and girls a platform to be heard, in order to address the impacts of gender bias, misogyny and the patriarchal constraints placed on women both in today’s climate and throughout history.
Moana Prescott
Moana Prescott
Canberra
I am a proud Ngiyampaa woman from Broken Hill, NSW and am currently working as a graduate in the Federal Government. I am passionate about empowering women and girls, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, to self-determine. Women and girls should be able to make informed decisions about their finances, education opportunities and relationships.
Intersectionality in feminism, in my work and my studies is a key driver of mine. As an Aboriginal woman and first generation Australian I strive for the self-determination and gender equality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and immigrant women.
Our new members join existing YWC members Alexandra Hatzivalsamis, Laura Burfitt, Hanh Lam, Dara Campbell, Hannah McGrath, Taylor Perrin, Yusra Hasan and Hawi Anderson in 2020, working together to speak up on behalf of all young women in Australia.
A big thank you to our outgoing members who have made such a difference during their term on the YWC: Harpreet Dhillon, Georgie Morphett, Freya Mulvey, Tanmaya Vivekanand, Ashlee Coleman, Lizzy Rickaby and Emiko Mori-Wiffen.
Over 50 women and young women gathered at historic Ayers
House in Adelaide last night to celebrate YWCA Australia’s Annual General
Meeting (AGM). Joined by over 30 attendees at satellite AGMs in Sydney,
Melbourne, Canberra and Broken Hill, this was a real demonstration of YWCA’s
achievements as a truly national women’s organisation.
Ayers House, set up for the AGM
YWCA CEO Michelle Phillips
YWC members Hannah and Hawi
Celebration sashes
Hosted by journalist Jennie Lenman, the AGM celebrated YWCA’s significant achievements of the past 12 months and recognised how far the organisation has come since the 2018 merger.
Visual Recap
Thank you to our live artist Emma Rowland for her amazing work in graphic recording our AGM proceedings!
Reflection and Announcements
President Julie Boyd reflected on progress made on the
merger promises, including the opportunity to unite our resources and our
expertise and to align our programs and services to our purpose and goals.
Reflecting on this, YWCA also announced two initiatives which are designed to
support YWCA’s key strategic priorities of Safety and Leadership.
The first, a two-year pilot of a new Young Women’s
Accommodation project to be based in Campbelltown in New South Wales. This
initiative will provide support services and housing for young women aged 18-26
recovering from the trauma of family violence enabling them to start the
journey to live independent, healthy lives.
The second, a board traineeship program to be launched in
March 2020 to provide hands-on governance training and leadership opportunities
to young women members. The traineeships will be made available to two young
women members aged between 18 and 30 years.
Life Membership
Ilena Young
Ilena Young, former YWCA Australia Board Director and a key driving figure behind the 2018 merger, was awarded Life Membership during the AGM. The Life Membership Award acknowledges and recognises a member’s outstanding and distinctive contribution to our work in advancing gender equality, and who has had significant impact on the organisation and the community.
As stated by Deputy President Isabelle Chassain, “Ilena can be credited with navigating the National Merger Project on its often tumultuous and difficult path – it could not have happened without her.”
Congratulations Ilena!
Programs and Services Update
CEO Michelle Phillips delivered an update on key programs
and services achievements in the past twelve months – affording our members
many opportunities to applaud and acknowledge the efforts of all our program
managers!
For instance, did you know that since the June 2018 merger, we have secured over $25m in grant funding to continue the great work of the previous member associations? This helps us to deliver almost 60 programs and services in metropolitan and regional locations across the country.
We have grown our members significantly, and now have over
2,000 members across Australia, with 30% of our members being young women under
the age of 30. At the same time, we have refreshed our model for Feminist Local
Action Groups and Friendship Groups, and significantly increased our social
media audience to over 24,000 followers.
We recognise some of the concerns raised by members during
the AGM in improving our engagement with members, particularly in local and
regional areas, and we are committed to ensuring that members continue to be
the driving force behind YWCA activities.
Formal AGM Business
As part of formal AGM business, YWCA members were asked to
vote electronically prior to AGM on eight special resolutions. The results of
this voting is as follows:
Special Resolution
Election Result, % Yes
Removal of the prohibition on directors receiving remuneration
No, 73.7%
Age limit of members be lowered from 16 to 12 years
Yes, 87.60%
Quorum to be reduced from 50 to 30 members
Yes. 84.80%
Change to the appointment process of directors
Yes, 81.00%
Simplification of provisions around Young Women’s Council
Yes, 94.20%
Simplification of provisions around Nominations Committee
Yes, 90.80%
Miscellaneous changes to the constitution
Yes, 96.40%
Appointment of Auditor.
Yes, 98.70%
Approved changes will be taken into the Constitution and are
effective immediately.
Election of Board Members
Three new board members were elected by member vote – Freya Mulvey, Lina Tchung and Molly George.
Freya Mulvey
Freya Mulvey
Nightcliff, NT
I am a commercial lawyer from Darwin in the Northern
Territory. In my spare time, I am involved in a range of extra-curricular
activities shaped around justice and advocacy. In 2019 I had the privilege of
being on the YWCA’s Young Women’s Council. I am passionate about gender
equality and am invested in contributing to the YWCA’s movement and vision of a
better future for Australian women, young women and girls.
I would love the opportunity to continue to work closely
with the YWCA as an Australian Director. I perceive a directorship with the
YWCA as an excellent way to use my industry expertise and experience to
continue to contribute and collaborate for the ongoing growth and success of
our organisation. I believe through the collective agency of our member base we
will continue to accelerate the advancement of gender equality and empowerment
of women.
Lina Tchung
Lina Tchung
Waverton, NSW
A dedicated and experienced leader with a broad background
in finance, audit, risk and governance. Lina is also a wife and mother of two
children, who balances life as a full time working mother and considers it
important to contribute back to the community.
Lina recently joined Macquarie Group as the Head of Internal
Audit leading the Banking, Investment Management and Leasing audit portfolios
globally. She previously worked as a Director at EY in the financial services
assurance practice. Having spent 17 years at EY, Lina specialised in wealth and
asset management and worked in both Sydney and San Francisco. Lina was
appointed as an U30 Director of YWCA NSW in 2009 and continued to serve on the
Board, Finance, Risk and Compliance Committee and later as a strong advocate on
the NSW Merger Committee until the organisations integrated on 1 June 2018.
A capable and confident leader who is a fast learner,
adaptable and able to respond positively to challenges, Lina is excited about
joining the Board and contributing her skills and experiences.
Molly George
Molly George
Kensington, VIC
Molly is creative, curious and motivated. With a background
in fine arts, she loves arts and culture, learning about food, and is
constantly inspired by creativity within the Australian feminist sphere. She
works as the Media Learning Manager of SYN Media, overseeing the social
enterprise ‘SYN Media Learning’. Previously as Pathways Manager, she supported
and engaged over 500 young members. She also co-founded Melbourne Artists for
Asylum Seekers (MAFA) in 2013, an art collective connecting artists with newly
arrived asylum seekers. Her experience has had her developed strong
relationships across the arts, youth and community sectors, and delivered high
level youth leadership and mentoring programs.
She’s the current Youth Representative on the Community
Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) board, and in 2019 will
participate in the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) ‘Young Social
Pioneers’ program for her proposal to improve governance diversity and
inclusion policies and practices.
We thank our outgoing board members Isabelle Chassain,
Danielle Wruck and Taliska Arentsen for their commitment to the YWCA movement
and contributions to our fight for gender equality.
New members of the 2020 Young Women’s Council (YWC) were also announced during AGM, following a presentation from Hannah McGrath and Hawi Anderson, current YWC members. More to come soon!
All in all, the 2019 YWCA AGM was a wonderful opportunity to
celebrate the achievements of the past twelve months! Our thanks to everyone who
contributes to YWCA – to our members and supporters, staff team, board members,
volunteers, and most importantly, to our clients and tenants who we have the
privilege of supporting on their life’s journey.
A Melbourne student-led program for women who have experienced homelessness won a national award at a ceremony held in Canberra last night.
YWCA’s Jan Berriman and Louise Daniel accepting the award
PowerHousing Australia, a national organisation that provides 100,000 people with affordable housing, presented YWCA National Housing with its Award for Excellence in Tenant Engagement and Social Inclusion for its Women’s Housing Inclusion Program (Y-WHIP).
Y-WHIP, is a Melbourne-based program run by university social work students to build a sense of safety and community and to provide emotional support and integrated services for tenants of YWCA rooming houses.
YWCA’s Director of National Housing and Property Development Jan Berriman said factors such as poverty, financial inequality and other structural barriers placed women at significant risk of housing stress and homelessness.
“Almost 70% of the women housed by YWCA have experienced family violence and many of them lack access to appropriate trauma counselling, employment, training or financial assistance, making it difficult for them to sustain a rental tenancy agreement or gain suitable employment,” she said.
“To address these issues, we have partnered with Monash University Masters of Social Work students to create Y-WHIP, a social inclusion and support program that helps women living in our rooming houses across Melbourne to access the support and services they need to build their futures, sustain a tenancy long term, and perhaps seek employment or education.”
Ms Berriman said feedback from tenants about the program had been overwhelmingly positive.
“A recent survey showed that more than 85% of residents felt more socially connected and emotionally supported after the program and more than 65% also felt more encouraged in resolving different problems in life and felt more confident to handle conflicts with other residents,” Ms Berriman said.
“It shows that with the access to the right support and services, we can help women to build and maintain community and social connections, and to feel equipped in handling life’s challenges.”
