NCWQ celebrates 120 years of advocacy

Honour Parade set the tone

Led by National Council of Women of Australia President, Fiona Dorman, the Honour Parade opened proceedings with a powerful visual tribute to the women and organisations who have shaped our state. Noela O’Donnell AM placed the NCWQ logo on an umbrella symbolising the Council’s overarching support; past NCWQ President Margaret Vallance (Quota Club of Brisbane) and representatives of 15 affiliated organisations — including Forum Communicators, Women’s Network Australia, RRR Women and SIMNI — added their emblems beneath. The soundtrack: Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” followed by Delta Goodrem’s “Together We Are One”.

Conference highlights

Members collaborated to pack and prepare conference goodie bags, with Quota Brisbane welcoming delegates.

Workshops delivered by SIMNI, RRR Women, Women Lawyers, NCWQ, QCWA and Forum Communicators focused on practical skill-building and connection.

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. Fiona Simpson MP officially opened the conference.

A keynote from a Griffith University lecturer, Dr Robyn Blewer, explored how Council advocacy by women changed lives — including tangible influence on juvenile justice law.

NCWQ sponsored three Griffith law students and five QUT engineering students to attend.

Panel discussions covered technology, diversity and women’s safety — with an energising message: we achieve more when we act together.

Celebration Dinner moments

Marjorie Voss (Anglican Mothers’ Union) charmed the room in period dress, and former Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson AO shared warm, funny reflections on leadership. Guests supported the Maybanke Women’s Crisis Centre with toiletries and $1,000 raised on the night — thank you to Emma Clarke (RRR Women) for the main raffle prize. Soprano Rebecca Cassidy’s performance was a show-stopping highlight, followed by cupcakes to mark 120 years.

Day two — next-level conversations

Kate Crowley-Smith shared her journey and the groundbreaking, after-crisis support offered by Broken to Brilliant. A panel featuring Dr Brian Sullivan, Anne Baker and Janine Rees examined local and international approaches to reducing violence, noting promising results where programmes are given time to change culture.

Below is a selection of images from the event. Thanks to all who assisted, sponsored and attended!