Acknowledgement of Country
At Women’s Circus we are privileged to meet, train and create on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, communities and culture. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
Marginalised Gender Statement
Women’s Circus welcomes anyone to our organisation who belongs to a marginalised gender.
This means we welcome members and staff to our organisation who are:
• cisgender or transgender women,
• transgender men,
• non-binary people,
• gender diverse people,
• intersex people,
• and anyone who is questioning their gender.
Women’s Circus understands there is no such thing as ‘proof’ of gender.
We will not tolerate questioning of someone else’s gender.
Women’s Circus values each member’s development, both creatively and personally, and recognises that selfidentity may change over time.
As such, once members have taken out membership, they will continue to be able to access the services and support of Women’s Circus, irrespective of their gender.
Who We Are
Women’s Circus is unique. We are a not-for-profit intersectional feminist arts organisation based in the Drill Hall in Footscray, offering a yearround program of social circus, creative projects and thought-provoking performances. We create impact that is memorable and enduring, whether from a momentary encounter as an audience member or a lifetime of commitment through membership.
Purpose
Women’s Circus works to empower people of marginalised genders to shape community and culture through circus.
Values
We CARE for community and for ourselves.
We take PRIDE in who we are, the work we do and the impact we have.
We actively pursue JUSTICE & EQUITY, and this is embedded in everything we do.
Our organisation is underpinned by intersectional feminist principles including personal agency, active listening, and compassion.
2023 –2026
Strategic Goals
Empower Marginalised Communities
Champion genuine and meaningful engagement, participation and representation of marginalised individuals and communities in circus.
Healthy Organisation & People
Participate in the creation of a robust, sustainable and healthy organisation and working culture.
Lasting Impact
Create programs and partnerships that create positive, lasting and reverberating impact for individuals, communities and the organisation.
Impact
increase in workshop and term program participants from 2022 to 2024
223%
increase in collaborations with artists and creatives from 2022 to 2024
Our Members
115%
increase in program subsidy provided by Women’s Circus from 2022 to 2024
In 2024 we conducted our annual Members Survey, a practice we have been doing since 2017 with questions centring on demographics, membership engagement, programming and impact. This year the survey was sent to 197 members and we had 48 responses.
54% identify as LGBTQIA+
identify as neurodiverse 43%
52% reside in the western suburbs
27%
When asked the question what do you value most about Women’s Circus, the standout and reoccurring themes were inclusivity, community, playfulness and support.
“I have
not experienced any other space as welcoming and embracing of a full range of peoples’ experiences and identities. The Women’s Circus has offered me a creative outlet that has expanded my connection with myself and others.”
– Lynne Regan, Training Member
CEO & Chair Welcome
We are excited to share the incredible journey of Women’s Circus over the past year—a year marked by creativity, connection, and community impact.
Our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan continues to guide our work as we champion the voices and stories of marginalised genders, fostering a community where circus becomes a powerful tool for cultural change. This year, we have made significant progress in realising our strategic goals, creating programs and partnerships that spark conversations, celebrate diverse identities, and leave lasting, meaningful impacts.
This year had so many highlights, and we found the size of our Annual Report growing! We enjoyed more creative and performance opportunities than ever, with our Teen Performance Program, Annual Member Cabaret, two creative developments and our very first relaxed and community focused Scratch Night!
We were thrilled to deepen existing partnerships and forge new ones, including our involvement in the Midsumma Presents program for the 2025 Festival and our partnership with Gasworks Arts Park. These collaborations will bring our work to new audiences and provide opportunities for our members to thrive.
We also continued our Space Connect program, empowering circus and physical theatre artists with free access to rehearsal spaces and fostering collaboration across the arts community. This initiative reflects our commitment to leading the way in shaping the future of the Victorian circus sector and positively impacting circus artists.
We have continued to create a more robust and financially secure future for the circus, growing our philanthropic partnerships and earned income, and securing 2-year organisational funding from Creative Australia. Alongside generous contributions from our donors, this has allowed us to keep our programs financially accessible whilst ensuring they are supported by adequate staffing and resources.
As we reflect on the year, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our team, supporters, and community. From workshops and performances to key industry engagements, 2024 has been a year of growth, impact, and inspiration.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Board Chair Kristen Bell, who stepped down in our May AGM after 7 years of insight, support and stewardship. We are so thankful to Kristen for her work on the board, and happy that she continues to engage with the circus as a training member.
We invite you to dive into this report and share in the joy, community, and creativity that define Women’s Circus.
Thank you for your continued support in making our mission possible.
El Boydell
El Boydell Acting Board Chair Steph Cox
Steph Cox Executive Director (2022 - 2025)
OLDEST PARTICIPANT
77 yrs young
WORKSHOP AND TERM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
1,047 YOUNGEST PARTICIPANT 2 yrs old
ARTISTS AND CREATIVE COLLABORATORS
155+
PAID CHILDCARE HOURS 65 AUDIENCE MEMBERS 700
4,745 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
WEBSITE USER SESSIONS
20,501 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
3,407 EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
2,976
SOCIAL CIRCUS PROGRAM SUBSIDY COVERED BY WOMEN'S CIRCUS
$33,407
Members Performance Projects
MEMBERS CABARET ‘Braver than a Bear’
Supported by the Bendigo Community Bank Seddon.
The success of our 2024 Members Cabaret, ‘Braver than a Bear’, demonstrated progress toward our strategic objective of creating programs and partnerships that generate lasting, positive impacts for individuals, communities, and the organisation.
This flagship program brought together 18 members, aged 17 to 70, to develop solo and group acts under the guidance of powerhouse circus director Malia Walsh. A new performance intensive launched the creative process, fostering connection and sparking inspiration within the cast.
On stage, ‘Braver than a Bear’ was a vibrant celebration of queerness, joy, and clowning. Behind the scenes, it fostered friendship, mutual support, and a tight-knit, cross-generational bond. The program highlighted our ability to create a safe, inclusive space that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding.
The transformed Drill Hall welcomed members of our wider Women’s Circus community as enthusiastic audience members. Importantly, our efforts to connect with the d/Deaf community resulted in an increased presence of Deaf audience members this year—a trend we aim to continue.
The cabaret exceeded expectations, leaving performers with lasting memories and underscoring the power of the arts to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Performed 5-8 December Women’s Circus Drill Hall, Footscray
Audiences Access Services Provided: Auslan Interpretation by Auslan Stage Left
Director: Malia Walsh
Assistant Director: Katy Burrows
Rigger: Franca Stadler
Production Manager & Bar Manager: Steph Cox
Stage Manager: Kara Floyd
Lighting Design & Technical Management: Kyra Ryan
Lighting Operator: Saskia Peachy
Sound Operator: Chase MacIntosh
FoH Manager: Tanija Parker
Volunteers: Belinda Blackburn, El Boydell, Swann Biguet, Vivienne Halat, Harry Eastwood, Di Cunningham, Pippin Remi, Peta Granger, Julia Cull, Naima Fine, Mishkah Rali, Kaz Redmond, Riana Popczyk
Videography: Alex Walton – Moving Stories
Photography: Danielle Basser
Cast: Bailey Burkhardt, Charlie Flook, Isabella Pace, Ish Ryden, Jack Nicholls, Kailin Liu, Kelsea Blackburn, Kristen Bell, Lauren Bartlett, Liam Berg, Louisa Dretzke, Lucy Seale, Lynne Regan, Nassy Kova, Niamh Dann-South, Nic Herd, Nikii McCoppin and Xan Jempson
Guest performers: Katy Burrows, Tarn Scully, Zoe Smyth, Emily Ross, and Simone Sheridan
60% of performers hadn’t performed in our cabaret before
1/3 of performers were new members to Women’s Circus in 2024 Community Members Involved
“The inter-generational aspect is a highlight for me. It is energising working with participants of all ages who bring new ideas and ways of moving.”
– Lynne Regan, Performer
“The show was wonderful. So creative, so funny, so moving. What those people achieve in their classes, and the dedication of your team to make it happen FOR the people is outstanding.”
– Sally Sharman, Women’s Circus Donor
“I am in awe of what you do at the Women's Circus, often taking the more challenging path to ensure others get to learn, upskill and grow. This is entirely what I'm about and it was so energising to see you all do it on such a big scale. Thank you for everything, I feel a new joy for our sector as a result of working for you. It's been so very empowering for me.”
– Malia Walsh, Director
“I absolutely loved this show- beautiful work everyone. Funny, heartfelt, poignant, individual acts that come from deep places and a band of crazy clowns binding it altogether. You'll go away tapping your feet and maybe a spring in your step.”
– Audience Member
Liz Murray
I’ve felt embraced by the group, not knowing a lot of the people beforehand.
Small Acts of Resistance somewhat bookends my theatrical experience. The last time I was in a creative development was when I was 18/19 and I did a show at St Martin's Youth Theatre. I continued with theatre classes and circus classes. I never reached great heights with the circus classes but I love them.
In terms of how this has affected me, it's immense. It's getting me back on the stage after about 30 years - it truly is a gift from above for me.
I was run over by a truck in Brooklyn, NY. I had pelvic and facial fractures and I lost my right eye. Before the accident I'd been taking weekly classes with LAVA Brooklyn and we all did handstands and then trapeze. After the accident I took some classes at Women's Circus. The people teaching the classes were able to
adapt the work to my limitations and I felt embraced. Then I was in the US for seven years for study and came back at the start of the pandemic. Taking the online Women’s Circus classes was a fantastic way for me to feel connected, and I took in-person classes as soon as we were back.
Doing the over-50s show has helped me thrive in my body. I feel prepared for the rest of my life. 50 feels like a hill to get over but I'm not feeling that with this show.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
‘Small Acts Of Resistance’
Supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. Co-Produced by Gasworks Arts Park and Midsumma Presents.
In alignment with our strategic objective to facilitate and design programs that spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and centre on the stories and identities of participants, the creation of ‘Small Acts of Resistance’ has been a cornerstone of our 2024 achievements.
This project brought together 14 Women’s Circus members, aged 50 to 74, to create ‘Small Acts of Resistance’, a new work to be presented at Gasworks Arts Park as part of the Midsumma Festival 2025.
The creative development process, held from July to September 2024, embodied our commitment to co-design by ensuring participants’ voices shaped the project at every stage, including the selection of the director, Kate Fryer, and the presentation venue. This approach provided a platform for participants to draw from their life experiences and embed their identities into the creative work.
Beyond skill-building and creative exploration, the project served as a testament to the power of seeing many women and gender diverse people on stage — a recurring strength of Women’s Circus performances. As we aim to spark conversations and challenge perceptions, this project is already leaving its mark. The work-in-progress showing for donors, board members, and project partners
showcased the transformative potential of centring lived experience in artistic creation.
Renewing partnerships with Midsumma and forging new ones with Gasworks Arts Park were key strategic goals, and we’re thrilled to see these partnerships flourish. These collaborations will help us reach new audiences and amplify the impact of our work, ensuring that stories of resilience and identity resonate far beyond the stage.
This project is dedicated to long-time member Annie Fayzdaughter, who sadly passed away in July. Annie, an inaugural member of Women’s Circus and passionate performer, was held close to our hearts throughout this process. Her legacy is a reminder of the enduring community Women’s Circus fosters.
Director: Kate Fryer
Rigging: Franca Stadler
Production Management: Steph Cox
Cast: Sheryl Bryce, Rebecca Bosner, Kate Cooke, Madeline Ford, Vig Geddes, Harry Grrl, Vivienne Halat, Nic Herd, Jen Hunt, Larissa MacFarlane, Catherine McMutrie, Liz Murray, Jenny Pitts, Annie Fayzdaughter and Bridget Roberts.
“The project is a wonderful opportunity to tell our personal and collective stories, developed over decades of experience. Reflections on cultural change in our community can provide inspiration and lessons for young and old audiences!”
– Vivienne Halat
YOUTH PERFORMANCE PROJECT BOSS SQUAD Project
Supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
After piloting a small holiday performance program for teens in 2023, we kicked off 2024 with a bigger and more ambitious creative program for our under 18’s. BOSS SQUAD Project, facilitated by Wildhouse Circus, empowered 11 teens of marginalised genders through a dynamic two-week program held during the 2024 Term One School Holidays.
Participants from Women’s Circus, NICA, and Ruccis came together to build circus skills, explore themes of trust and consent, and create an original performance showcased at two sold-out shows at the Meat Market, North Melbourne.
Led by professional circus artists from Wildhouse Circus and Women’s Circus trainers, the program introduced participants to exciting new apparatuses like the German Wheel and Teeterboard, fostering creativity and teamwork. Teens contributed their own narratives to the performance, making the show a powerful and personal artistic expression.
The program strengthened connections within Australia’s youth circus community, with participants forming lasting friendships and trainers collaborating across organisations.
BOSS SQUAD Project exemplified the transformative power of circus to inspire confidence, foster community, and develop new skills, leaving participants, trainers, and audiences alike with a profound sense of pride and achievement.
Performed 13 April Meat Market, North Melbourne
Audience Access Services Provided: Auslan Interpretation by Auslan Stage Left
Cast:
Teen Performers: Niamh Dann-South, Saskia MacDonald, Amali McCoppin, Angelica Schroeders, Brynn Hartigan, Alice Foss, Deva Brabon, Abigail Stirling, and Alexei Schumacher
Professional circus performers of Wildhouse Circus: Felicia Lannan, Alex Charman, Emily Loe and Abbie Madden.
Project Facilitators:
Lead Facilitator: Felicia Lannan
From Wildhouse Circus: Alex Charman, Emily Loe, Abbie Madden, Marcela Scheuner-Grant
From Women‘s Circus: Kelsea Blackburn, Sal Francis, Isabelle Champagne-Chittick
Volunteers: Emily Ross and Simone Sheridan
Photography: Tiffany Garvie
“The BOSS SQUAD Project was an incredible project to be a part of. It showcased the diversity of circus disciplines while celebrating the diversity of the people who create, train and perform. The opportunity to have such a strong team of people supporting the participants and each other was priceless.”
– Women’s Circus Trainer
“Some of the things we learned were very new and things I had never done before, and I was quite new to circus, but everything was adapted and trying was encouraged.”
– Project Participant
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT Inclusive Ensemble
Supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Aligned with our strategic objective to champion genuine engagement, participation, and representation of marginalised communities in circus, the Inclusive Ensemble undertook a two-phase creative development in 2024 for a new circus performance with the aim to create a flexible and tourable work.
During the August development phase, workshops in Improvised Movement, Body Weather, Clowning, Butoh, and haptic vest exploration helped refine the creative direction. In November, a one-week intensive centred on the thematic concept of “Mountain,” resulting in the creation of solo, duo, and group scenes.
Accessibility remained central to our approach. We budgeted for support workers and childcare, while ensuring audience accessibility informed every stage of development.
This development solidified a strong vision for the work, laying the foundation for future commissioning partners while providing creative employment for ensemble members. Further development is planned for 2025, ensuring ongoing engagement and impact in alignment with Women’s Circus’ strategic goals.
A key focus this year was securing performance and employment opportunities for the Inclusive Ensemble, including further presentations of their inaugural work, Momentum. We pitched Momentum at APAM: Leaps and Bounds Festival in Adelaide and attended APAX
(Australian Performing Arts Market) in Melbourne. These opportunities not only showcased our creative work but strengthened sector relationships, enhanced our reputation as leaders in equity and inclusion, and allowed us to share our practices to inspire a more inclusive industry.
Director: Jo Dunbar
Creative Producer: Ebony Rattle
Rigging & Apparatus Design: Franca Stadler
Stage Manager: Isabelle Champagne-Chittick
Creative Development Cast: Emma J Hawkins, Dr Melinda Smith OAM, Swann Biguet, Vivienne Halat, Tarn Scully
Workshop Facilitators:
Improvised Movement with Lily Fish
Body Weather with Gretel Taylor Clowning with Katy Burrows Butoh with Yumi Umiumare
Wearable vibro-tactile haptic suits exploration with the Newmarket Collective
Social Circus Program
Supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Maribyrnong City Council and the Wood Foundation.
With additional support from our 2024 donors – without whose support we could not provide concessions and subsided places into our classes. SO, THANK YOU.
In 2024 we continued to run a range of weekly circus programs to create transformational change within individuals as we have done since 1991.
This year we continued to connect with toddlers right through to our elders... and provide financial support to those who face multiple and compounding barriers.
Our highlights of this year’s program were:
• Our weekly free Circus Fit class connected members from all different classes in a fun and exciting new way.
• The expansion of our term and workshop offerings to include Chinese Pole, more Tiny Tots classes, Acro Jam and Juggle Clubs, Clowning and Physical Comedy and German Wheel.
• We saw so many circus parents join us in the adult program after seeing their kids thriving in the youth classes.
219
Members
776
Total Number of Classes
989
Total Number of Participants
6
First Nations Participants
In 2024, the number of enrolments assisted through subsidy is as follows: Standard Classes – Adult Concessions: 122 enrolments Standard Classes – Youth Concessions: 141 enrolments
Performing Older Women (40+): 37 enrolments Mixtape (Trans and Gender Diverse Class): 31 enrolments First Nations: 24 enrolments Total SUBSIDY: $33,081.50
“Not
only do I feel it is a safe space in terms of circus practice, I feel bodily autonomy and consent are emphasised throughout classes”
– Carla Inguanez, Training Member
“I feel free to explore new parts of myself while I ease my way into the circus world, having wanted to do it for a very long time. I feel excited and comfortable when I am at the Women's Circus.”
– Fabienne Schmid, Training Member
“I feel like there’s space for me to have good and bad days, to have strong and weak days, and to be my full, expansive self at WC!”
– Lindsay Gillard, Training Member
“The environment is set up in a way that we can feel safe to take risks, laugh at/make fun out of our silly moves and feel okay even if things do not go as planned.”
– Kailin Liu, Training Member
Social Circus Program Spotlights
Acro Jam & Juggle Club
New introductions in 2024, Acro Jam and Juggle Club sessions allowed our members to share their skills and train new things in a supported environment with our trainers. These sessions ran for free in 2024, giving our members a chance to get involved without any financial barrier. We heard from our members again and again how much they loved these sessions, and how they had given them a chance to connect with fellow circus members, exchange knowledge, and practice new techniques.
“I really enjoyed the recent acro and juggling jams. They were warm and fun and I met some new lovely people, and others I know already but in a different context, which has helped build and solidify my connections. I also appreciated that they were free as I often can’t afford the holiday short classes as well as term training”
– Larissa, Training Member
Aerial Explorers
In Term 3 we added a brand new aerial class for 11–12 year olds of a marginalised gender to run alongside our Teen Allsorts class. Intended as both a bridge to our teen classes and an opportunity for those who wanted to focus on aerial apparatuses, this new class taught by Women’s Circus trainer and long-term member Nikii McCoppin has been an absolute hit.
“First group my daughter has felt welcomed into since beginning home school”
–
Suzanne, Women’s Circus Parent
Clowning
After hearing from our members they were keen for a clowning class, we squeezed one onto the timetable with thanks to our neighbours Snuff Puppets for lending us their space.
This class had the most magical mix of participants, with many existing members adding or swapping classes to try clowning, as well as new and returning members joining up. This class was full of joy and laughter and was expertly delivered by clown teachers Katy Burrows and Laura Trenerry. The success of this class saw a whole clown troupe perform in the Members Cabaret, to the absolute delight of audiences.
New Merchandise
This year, we launched an exciting new merchandise project featuring custom-designed t-shirts and stickers that celebrate the spirit of Women's Circus. Created by our incredibly talented member, Kailin Liu, these unique designs capture the energy and camaraderie of a Women's Circus class. Kailin’s
artwork beautifully represents our community, showcasing the strength, creativity, and joy that define our training spaces. The merchandise has been met with enthusiasm from members and supporters alike, helping us share our story while supporting our programs.
“More than just many cute images collated together, I want to show that what Women’s Circus brings to us is more than just being ‘faster, higher, stronger’ from a traditional and technical lens of sports/circus. It brings to us the experience of letting go and finding ourselves, building relationships as human beings, facing our fear, trusting ourselves and others and most importantly, having fun!”
– Kailin Liu
CONNECTING WITH THE CIRCUS SECTOR
Sector Engagement, Support & Development
Space Connect (Support & Development)
Supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
The Space Connect program, running July 2023 to Jan 2025 at Women's Circus, has had a transformative impact on Melbourne's circus and performing arts community. By offering free, inclusive, and well-equipped rehearsal and training spaces, the program has enabled artists, independent companies, and emerging producers to develop their work in ways that would otherwise be unattainable due to financial or logistical barriers.
During the program, Women’s Circus hosted 21 independent companies and 5 independent artists, primarily emerging micro-companies, for rehearsal and show development.
Companies/artists supported:
Na Djinang Circus
13 Eggs
Throw Catch Collective Circus Trick Tease
Ariba Creative Programs
Darling and Daring
Ensoul Entertainment
Asking For Trouble
GO/NO GO
Le Freak
Absurd Circus
As well as supporting 62 Women’s Circus members and 71 professional circus artists in accessing open training sessions, with a total of 215 sessions held and 816 total attendances.
Favourite moments for us have included seeing parents supported to have their kids at open training, providing emerging companies with financial support to enhance accessibility, and to have so many inspiring companies and artists join us in the space!
A big thank you to Aleisha Manion for administering the program.
Pop It Productions
Born in a Taxi
YUMMY
Fat Fruit Collective
Split Focus
Fresh Creative Entertainment
YUCK Circus
Highwire Entertainment
Katy Burrows
Bridie Hooper
Hana Flanagan
“Thanks to the team at Women’s Circus for hosting us for a company rehearsal. It’s our first time to their space- not only were the facilities incredible, but so were the team! Great to see an organisation walk the walk when it comes to supporting femmeidentifying artists. Can’t wait to see more great outcomes for their community!”
– Georgia Deguara – YUCK Circus
$59,300
Additional Employment for Women’s Circus Trainers
Scratch Night (Engagement & Development)
The inaugural Women’s Circus Scratch Night was new opportunity for our members and women, transgender and gender diverse people of the Circus and Physical Theatre (CaPT) sector to socialise, develop new creative relationships and share ideas in a relaxed, supportive environment.
A low-fi and low-pressure event, we transformed the Drill Hall into a cabaret lounge and invited performers to present new ideas to a friendly audience for feedback. We had over 30 audience members join us, both members and those from our wider community, and every person agreed it was a magical evening and one they wanted to see
repeated. Our training floor turned stage saw a mix of professional circus artists, Women’s Circus trainers, emerging artists and Women’s Circus members, making the line up an engaging and dynamic showcase of talent, creativity, and diverse performance styles.
Performed Friday 20th September
The Drill Hall
Cast:
Jess Connell, Katy Burrows, Ish RydenHale, Kelsea Blackburn, Lucy Seale, Xan Jempson and the whole Wednesday night Acrobalance class supported by trainers Emily Ross & Simone Sheridan.
National Circus Festival (Engagement)
A highlight of 2024 was our participation in the National Circus Festival, A biannual event in Mullumbimby NSW. Our strategic plan set our objective to attend as part of our goal to be known as a key supporter of circus artists and companies in Victoria and an important part of the Australian community circus sector.
Trainers Katy Burrows, Kelsea Blackburn, Emily Ross, Simone Sheridan alongside our Marketing Manager Hanne Grant and Executive Director Steph Cox attended the festival. This was an opportunity for our trainers to up-skill and for everyone to connect with the circus community from across the country.
Company In Residence: Na Djinang Circus (Support)
This year we continued our relationship with Na Djinang Circus, our company in residence for 2023 - 2024. In addition to providing rehearsal space for their show rehearsals this year we were able to support their artist development program Making Tracks, providing trainers for skill development for First Nations artists over
two weeks. It was wonderful to see the Women’s Circus community support Na Djinang as audience members for the premier of their new work In Place –a show that Women’s Circus supported throughout its two-year development.
Community Engagement
In 2024, we delivered several community workshops to schools, universities, councils, and community groups, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with social circus in an inclusive and supportive environment. These workshops not only introduced participants to the joy of movement, creativity, and physical expression but also fostered confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
By partnering with educational institutions and local organisations, we were able to make circus accessible to diverse communities, including those who may not typically have the opportunity to engage in performing arts. Through these initiatives, we strengthened social connections, encouraged selfexpression, and promoted the mental and physical well-being of participants. Our workshops continue to demonstrate the transformative power of circus as a tool for empowerment, community building, and creative exploration.
In 2024 we worked with:
• Victoria University
• Swinburne Senior Secondary College
• Djerriwarrh Community College
• Creative West Presents
• STEPS
• Australian LGBTIQA+ Multicultural Multifaith Council
• Yarraville Community Centre
“The workshop was simply wonderful. The 2 trainers were so very professional and capable. The students learnt many skills during the session and enjoyed the challenge the circus work presented.”
– Belinda Alexandrovics, Swinburne Senior Secondary College
“We had an amazing time on the excursion, thank you to you and your team! I was able to get involved this time around and absolutely loved it! Our students all had positive comments also.”
– Amy Abdullah, Djerriwarrh Community College
THANK YOU TO OUR
2024 SUPPORTERS
Your generosity has been the driving force behind every moment of impact in 2024. We are deeply grateful to our supporters for helping us reach our goals and fulfil our mission.
Thank you for making our work possible and for contributing to a successful year for Women’s Circus.
LEAD PARTNERS
PHILANTHROPY
DONORS
Airdre Grant
Alison Edwards
Alison Nadebaum
Alyson Macdonald
Amy Lynes
Damaris & John Cox
Dawna Wright
Dilan Gunawardana
Eleanor Boydell
Emma Hesketh
Ena Burstin
Erica Heller-Wagner
Esther Brabon
Felicity Collins
Frances Ford
Geraldine Wood
Hanne Grant
Heather Couper
Helen Nosworthy
Jen & Terry Tekell
Jenny Taranto
Jess McDonald
Jessica Connell
Jodie Granger
Julie Misson
Karen Hofer
Karen Taranto
Kate Olsen
Katie Lee
Katy Burrows
Kristen Bell
Lisa Jumar
Lisa Morrison
Liz Murray
SPONSORSHIP
Lucy Arrowsmith
Maggie Tekell
Margaret Young
Margaret Clark
Maria De la Paz
Matthew Dere
Max & Ellie Gallina
Naomi Stevenson
Noni Sproule
Paula McKaskill
Peta Granger
Pippin Remi
Rachel Morgan
Robyn Peck
Robert Stumberger
Ruth Baird
Sally Sharman
Samanthi Gunawardana
Samuel Boyd
Sandra Murphy
Sarah Thompson
Sharon Brooks
Sharyn Broomhead
Sheryl Bryce
Sinead Corduff
Siobhan Callanan
Steph Cox
Stephanie Watt Stormy
Tim Callanan
Toni Jones
Violet Flame
Our Team
Staff
Steph Cox (She/Her)
Executive Director
Franca Stadler (She/Her)
Resident Trainer and Rigger
Sal Francis (They/Them)
Resident Trainer
Hanne Grant (She/Her)
Marketing and Communications Manager
Siobhan Callanan (She/Her) Operations Manager
Aleisha Manion (She/Her)
Program Coordinator Social Circus and Sector
Ebony Rattle (They/Them)
Creative Producer
Board
Kristen Bell (She/Her) Board Chair until May 2024
El Boydell (She/Her)
Deputy Chair / Acting Chair from May 2024
Peta Granger (She/Her)
Dr Melinda Smith OAM (She/Her)
Maggie Tekell (She/Her) Chair of Fundraising Subcommittee
Lisa Jumar (She/Her)
Amy Lynes (She/Her) Chair of Audit and Risk Subcommittee
Karen Taranto (She/Her)
Pippin Remi (She/Her)
A huge thank you to our board secretaries
Mel Parton and Stephanie Capley
Circus Trainers
Anita Alexander
Anisah Collins
Cassia Jamieson
Clare Bartholomew
Dorota Scally
Emily Loe
Emily Ross
Erin Adams
Franca Stadler
Helene Embling
Isabelle Champagne-Chittick
Jane Schofield
Jessica Connell
Karina Schiller
Katy Burrows
Kelsea Blackburn
Krystal Meakins
Laura Trenerry
Luca Trimboli
Maggie Clare
Maggie Church-Kopp
Maya Green
Meiwah Williams
Merryn Chenoweth
Niamh Dann-South
Nikii McCoppin
Riana Popczyk
Ruby Foster-Swain
Sal Francis
Simone Sheridan
Stella Griffiths
Swann Biguet
A big thank you to all our supporters, artists, communities, staff, board volunteers, and members for their support!
Tarn Scully
Tess Spry
Violetta Van Geyzel
Join our troupe of change-makers
SIGN UP for our e-news to stay up to date with all the latest Women’s Circus News.
BECOME A MEMBER to access member-only circus activities, free and discounted tickets, as well as exclusive member only events, social gatherings and more!
SUPPORT US by donating and you’ll be ensuring everyone has equitable access to our social circus programs to enhance their well-being, foster meaningful connections, and ignite their creativity.
JOIN US for a class and experience the impact of social circus for yourself.
PARTNER WITH US. Join our team of philanthropic and corporate partners to make an impact through sponsoring our annual cabaret or providing expertise to our staff and board.
LIKE US to stay up to date with our latest news, photos and videos.
Photo Credits
Cover Image:
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Page 02
Photographer: Tiffany Garvie Show: BOSS SQUAD Project
Page 05
Photographer: Tiffany Garvie Show: BOSS SQUAD Project
Page 08
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Page 11
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Page 12
Photographer: Alexis D-Lea Show: Small Acts of Resistance
Page 13
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Small Acts of Resistance Work in Progress Showing
Page 15
Photographer: Tiffany Garvie Show: BOSS SQUAD Project
Page 16
Photographer: Ebony Rattle Show: Inclusive Ensemble Creative Development
Page 18
Photographer: Tiffany Garvie Show: BOSS SQUAD Project
Page 21
Photographer: Jessica Connell
Page 22
Photographer: Jessica Connell
Page 23
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Page 25
Photographer: Nassy Kova Show: Scratch Night
Page 26
Photographer: Jacinta Keefe Show: In Place – Na Djinang Circus
Page 31
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Small Acts of Resistance Work in Progress Showing
Page 33
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Page 34
Photographer: Jessica Connell
Page 35
Photographer: Danielle Basser Show: Braver than a Bear
Instagram: @ womenscircus
Facebook: /theWomensCircus
Linked In: Women’s Circus
Youtube: @ womenscircus
395 Barkly St, Footscray 3011 info@womenscircus.org.au (03) 9687 3665