Recent events : 

2018

June 5

Journeying the Antarctic: A night with Rashmi Venkatraman

Rashmi Venkatraman recently returned from an expedition with over 75 other women of STEMM, from all over the world,  to Antarctica. This was the culmination of  a year-long leadership study program. In June, Rashmi came to tell us of her experiences during this 'Homeward Bound' program, and to explain how the expedition had had an impact on her and her colleagues, two of whom came to support her on the night !

Some comments from the attendees:

"My 'take home" was how important it is to keep being environmentally conscious -  even if it sometimes feels like your efforts are insignificant, we have to realise that every little bit counts."

 "I was impressed by Rashmi's views on the need to surround oneself with "Critical Friends" and to have constructive conversations, so we can develop personally and professionally. This seems vitally important in the social media age, where we converse in echo chambers and where abuse, rather than respectful debate, is rife." (Caroline)

"Rashmi has such a unique story of learning and success, achieved both independently and with the power of other like-minded women. It was an inspiring night hearing a story I wouldn't have otherwise heard without this opportunity from BPW Melbourne." (Emma)

 "My take out was: The power and opportunity to change the world, when a small group of dedicated women get together." (Karen)

 "The message that shot straight through to my heart was ‘Mother Nature needs her daughters’. Such a cry for help. "(Denise)

You can learn more about the projects, past and future, here: https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/

 

May 1 

We hosted an evening with Personal Development Coach, Leadership Coach and Mentor, Helen Sloan.  Helen discussed better ways to understand your colleagues and better communicate in the workplace. This was followed by dinner and networking with a fascinating group of women !

 

 February 6 

Gender Equality for Women in the Arts Industry.

In February, we were joined for dinner with inspirational speaker, artist and entrepreneur, Jenny Port, director of the Duldig Studio in Malvern, and owner of the Jenny Port Gallery in Collingwood . This was a continuation of our popular series, where we have discussed 'Women in Law', Women in Science', and 'Women in Politics.'

BPW Melbourne policy focus is the theme of "women in the pipeline." We think there is important work to be done in empowering and developing women professionals at the early to mid-stages of their careers. 

2017 

November

BPW Melbourne recognised the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVW) with a dinner and special guest speaker Elizabeth Trewhella, National Operations Manager for Fitted for Work. Fitted for Work helps women experiencing adversity break through barriers to get and keep work (https://fittedforwork.org/).   

June

Women in Politics: Why does it matter ?

 

BPW Melbourne presented a special panel discussion on the importance of greater representation of women in politics, and how to address the challenges in achieving this.

Our speakers were (L-R) Federal Labor Member for Hotham, Clare O'Neil MP; Mayor, City of Monash, Rebecca Paterson; Deputy Leader of the Victorian Nationals, Steph Ryan MP; Academic Director, University of Melbourne Pathway to politics Program for Women, Dr Andrea Carson.

2016

Making the Invisible Visible: Recognising the impact and effects of non-physical violence on women's work choices.

To commemorate White Ribbon Day, we hosted an informative panel discussion with guest speakers:

• Koraly Dimitriades - author, poet and opinion writer
• Gaynor Witt - Associate Director of Organisational Development at Swinburne University, and
• Jacqueline Graham who was recently appointed Director of Marketing and Vice President of BPW Australia

• 

   

(L-R) MC and Club Secretary Michelle Wareham, Jaqueline Graham, Gaynor Witt, President Caroline Bayliss, and Koraly Dimitriadis.

October

Great news  from the BPWA National Conference that was held mid-October in Geelong, which was hosted by our friends and colleagues at BPW Geelong and BPW South-West Victoria !

Our Club President, Caroline Bayliss, was awarded the National Pat Harrison Award for Outstanding Leadership of a Club President .

BPW Melbourne's Jacqueline Graham was elected as Director of Marketing of BPW Australia, as well as Vice President of BPW Australia, which means that she will assume Presidential responsibilities in the event that the President vacates her office for any reason . 

Our Club's Freda Miriklis was awarded a Life Membership of BPW Australia, a fitting recognition of Freda's many years of service to the organisation at local, national and international level, not least as Immediate Past BPW International President.

Judith van Unen acquitted herself admirably as the Chief Parliamentarian for the Conference Proceedings, that is, managing the complexities of voting at Conference.

All Victorian clubs unanimously nominated an eminent Victorian colleague, Anne Daniel (immediate past President of BPW Swan Hill) as the Victorian State Representative

 Congratulations from us all, Caroline, to you and to all these inspiring women !

August 31

We held a stimulating event, 'Women in Science', to mark Equal Pay Day. Last year, we focussed on pay disparity in the legal profession, and this year we concentrated on inequality in STEM.

Here are some comments from those who attended:

"It was confronting to hear of the impact that 'taking a break' can have on careers in science.

It was inspiring to hear of the role that career teachers and mentors can have in challenging and expanding the career dreams of young women". (Michelle)

L-R Assoc. Prof. Bill Petreski, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea, Karen Delvin (BPW), Dr Jesse E Olsen, Dr Leonie Walsh.

"Bill's comments about disruption being a driver for equality was extremely thought provoking.… I was shocked to learn that the pay gap starts from graduation…. The venue and food was terrific, loved the terrace". (Karen) 

 

'The speaker that impressed me the most was Maggie, she has such a heavy load and exhibits infectious energy and passion with her large task – I hope that many women in science get behind what she does, and that funding really is linked to diversity. Eventually future generations will benefit at whatever range of work they wish to contribute. Perhaps even Maggie's daughter.  Jesse's salad bowl analogy was 'delicious', and referred to several times afterwards - I believe the panel will take that away.' (Victoria)

 Two Special Guests

At our meeting, forum and dinner on June 7, we were delighted to be joined by two special gu

ests: Janis Shaw, President BPWA, and Patricia Francis, Secretariat Representative of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment. Both had come to Melbourne to attend the UN Women’s Economic Empowerment consultation, hosted by Tennis Australia. Despite their heavy schedule, they had been inveigled by Melbourne member Freda Miriklis into joining us, and giving their valuable insights into that important meeting.

 

 

 

 

Email: melbourne@bpw.com.au
Phone:0408 142 050 Caroline Bayliss, Club President

Members Only