President’s Update – March

President's Update - March

Survey Results
The recent NCWQ survey attracted 37 responses with pleasing interest in all of the proposed Advocacy Hubs. Those who took advantage of the opportunity would have received a follow up email requesting more information –  unless they did not include their email contact. If you wish to be involved and did not receive a follow up email please contact Dana at info@ncwq.org.au

A number of additional topics of interest were flagged through the survey feedback. These included homelessness, older women, women in trades and non traditional vocations, women and child wellbeing, and enhancing computer skills.

We also had offers to assist with NCWQ events, media, mentoring and membership. Thank you everyone for your interest and offers to help. I have forwarded the  information to the Committee Chairs who will follow up directly with those who volunteered. Four Affiliate Organisations expressed interest in the idea of a Women’s Centre. They expressed interest in using it mostly to hold meetings with facilities needed to enable easy access, parking and self catering. Times the venue would be needed varied. I will adjust the Brisbane City Council request  for a venue to reflect this. As the survey went out to our E-Bulletin subscriber list we received input from members and non-members. A number of women who were not members expressed interest in joining. Applications for membership can be made online via our website.

IWD Luncheon
I am pleased to confirm NCWQ is partnering with the United Service Club on 7 March to hold an International Women’s Day Luncheon. Chiou See Anderson, Immediate Past President, will be one of the speakers. Cheryl Gray, who manages our media, will chair the panel. Please support this event. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards the NCWQ Bursary Program. Special thanks to the United Service Club and City Cave for donating the raffle prizes. Tickets are available via this link, until midnight Sunday 3 March, or unless sold out.

Advocacy Hubs Update
Chiou See Anderson, Immediate Past President, has now taken up the role of NCWQ State Coordinator, along with her National and International roles. She will drive the State Advocacy Hubs which she envisages will be rolled out gradually. An virtual meeting was held on 24 Feb to discuss ideas of the National rollout and what the Advocacy Hubs might look like, with Ronniet from Victoria chairing the meeting. Presidents from the States, along with the National Advisors, have each had the opportunity to view the information provided by NCWNZ. It was proposed that State and National Advisors might work together on some issues, that Experts from outside the organisation could be consulted when putting submissions together. A Zoom meeting will be held on March 14th from 6 p.m. to discuss the NCWQ Advocacy Hubs. All members, particularly those who expressed interest in the survey and our State Advisors are encouraged to register for the meeting by contacting Dana.

Action Needed
In order to present an accurate picture when submitting a submission, Chiou See has requested I reach out to find out how many women our organisation represents. I request that all our Affiliate Organisations contact us to let us know how many are in your organisations. You can do this by contacting Chiou See at State_coordinator@ncwq.org.au

Special guest speaker
All members are invited to a virtual (Zoom) meeting from 6:45pm, Thursday 11 April. Empowering women is an NCWQ priority. The major focus in April is the prevention of Domestic Violence and keeping women and their children safe. At the next NCWQ meeting our Special Guest is Samson Selladurai who developed the ‘I’m Safe’ App. Samson will share his vision and provides the app free of charge. Register your interest with Dana at info@ncwq.org.au and a virtual link will  be provided prior to the meeting.

Communication
Members of the Management Committee have each nominated to liaise with at least three Affiliate Organisations. Affiliate Organisations should have received an email – or soon will – introducing the new committee and themselves as your Committee Representative. The aim being to improve communication and make the Committee more accessible. Delegates of the Affiliate Organisations are invited to communicate with their Committee Representative. You might like to invite them to your meetings and events. Associate members are invited to contact the Committee via the Secretary Dana via info@ncwq.org.au

Wishing you all best wishes as we approach International Women’s Day.

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