80 years of service to women and girls

The National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV) Geelong Regional Branch will celebrate 80 years of serving women and girls.

NCWV Geelong will hold an 80th Anniversary Luncheon at St Mary’s Sporting Club Pavilion in Kardinia Park at noon on June 17.

The event will feature keynote speaker Kane International’s chief executive, Professor June Kane AM, an expert in human rights.

A spokesperson said NCWV Geelong focused on issues that affected women and girls within the community and advocated for women to state and federal government entities.

It also works with other community groups to represent women in policy responses like gender-specific medical research, education, homelessness and domestic and family violence.

The Geelong branch was started in 1944 by former Greater Geelong mayor Bessie Wallace after opening her home to homeless refugees following WWII amid the housing shortage.

A raffle will also be held during the luncheon, with all proceeds to be donated to MELI’s 12-week ROAR Program for women survivors of domestic and family violence.

The program was co-designed and reviewed by survivors and facilitated by specialist family violence staff at MELI.

Tickets are required for the 80th Anniversary Luncheon at $70 per person, and people are urged to RSVP by June 10 by calling Helen Rodd at 0400 983 037 or Anne Parton at 5241 9344.

Domestic and family violence help is available through 24/7 service 1800Respect on 1800 737 732.