Dear Reader Well, such a cold winter seems to have passed us by in a flash because we have been so busy with the many events at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. A highlight for the month was the Green is the New Black series of events. Close to 200 women visited the Centre to develop their ‘eco-literacy’ and enjoy the cocktail party and fashion parade, the lunchtime forums and the exhibition of eco-friendly designs from our leading fashion colleges. A visit from the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, was a delightful conclusion to a week of special events. Her Excellency showed an impressive knowledge of and interest in the many issues women face. Our Financial Literacy seminars and workshops – delivered in partnership with the Office of Women’s Policy and WIRE – are giving hundreds of women ideas and techniques to achieve greater financial independence. It has been exciting to welcome two new women’s organisations to our community at the QV Women’s Centre. Positive Women Victoria and Ovarian Cancer Australia both provide support and advocacy services that complement other activities in the Centre. In July, Laurie Bebbington resigned from the Trust after 3 years of service. She plans to travel, write and pursue other interests. Laurie chaired our Programs Committee for 3 years and her experience in government, the community sector and the women’s movement was invaluable in helping us develop our Women’s Capacity Building Programs. We also say a sad farewell to Stephanie Newton who has ably looked after our venues and reception. We wish her well in an exciting new role at Cricket Victoria. I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and everything spring has to offer in Victoria.
Genevieve Webb Chief Executive Officer Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Green is the new Black As September saw the coming of spring, Melbourne's Spring Fashion Week kicked off with events around the CBD. The QV Women’s Centre was proud to take part in this city-wide event for the first time, with a series of sustainable fashion events. Events including a two week student exhibition, two lunchtime forums and an evening cocktail party and fashion parade proved to be a hit with Melbourne women looking to learn about becoming a green fashion consumer. The week featured special guests such Angela Pippos, eco-fashion expert Irene Goonan, Sue