For over 140 years, YWCA Australia has been working to improve the lives of young women and women. Our work has been supported by the volunteer efforts of people who are passionate about their communities and young women’s leadership. Louise Quinn is one such woman who was recognised on the 2022 Australia Day Honours List for her service to the community through a range of roles, including with YWCA.
Louise first become involved with YWCA Queensland in the 1970s. She describes her time with the Y as “busy”, a comment supported by her significant contributions. Louise is known for her practical and strategic advice, belief in the importance of young women’s leadership and determination to ensure that regional and isolated areas were included in all national planning and strategic development.
Louise’s contributions included:
- President of YWCA Brisbane (1990-1996; 2001-2003)
- President of the Queensland State Council, the state gathering of YWCA’s in Queensland
- Volunteer with the YWCA Encore program (1995-2009)
- Member of the YWCA National Executive Committee, the former peak body of YWCA’s in Australia (1993-2001)
- Coordinating, developing and organising the 2003 YWCA World Council, the quadrennial gathering of international YWCA’s
- Awarded a Life Membership for YWCA Brisbane, YWCA Queensland and YWCA Australia.
Louise continues to be a proud Life Member of YWCA Australia.
When asked how she felt about this honour Louise shared, “I’m just one of the many outstanding women who have been part of YWCA’s history – they all deserve recognition.”
YWCA sends our congratulations to Louise Quinn for her contribution to the YWCA movement and her dedication to the wider community.
YWCA Australia recognises that 26 January is a day of mourning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This land was never ceded, and the land on which we all live is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.
