Celebrating 80 years of local women’s leadership 1929-2009
2009 marked the celebration of the YWCA of Canberra’s 80th Anniversary. Over these 80 years the YWCA of Canberra has been an organisation that has grown and responded to the needs of women, girls and the broader community. The celebration of the 80th Anniversary provided the opportunity to reflect on where the Organisation has been, as well as where it is heading.
80th Anniversary Address
Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, with YWCA of Canberra President Natasha Murphy and Executive Director Rebecca Vassarotti
We were delighted to welcome Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia to deliver the YWCA of Canberra 80th Anniversary Address at Old Parliament House on Monday 12 October 2009.
Ms Bryce has a long history of contributing to and supporting the women’s movement and it was an honour to have the first woman Governor-General with us to celebrate this milestone.
Ms Bryce spoke affectionately of the YWCA of Canberra, and acknowledged and congratulated the Organisation for its work to support women and girls and their families over the past 80 years.
Ms Bryce also reflected on her own involvement with the YWCA movement including being a board member of the YWCA in Sydney, her involvement at a national level during the 70s and 80s, and more recently with the Toowoomba Branch in Queensland. Ms Bryce shared with members and friends the deep impact that the YWCA movement has had on her journey, resulting in ‘enriching, important and influential’ friendships.
“I am deeply conscious of how much this organisation has contributed to our society... You have been staunch advocates and defenders of the finest values: inclusivity, diversity, equality, empowerment, leadership, underpinned by a robust tradition and a proud and fascinating history” Ms Bryce said.
“Your 80th birthday is a jubilant celebration of all that you stand for and share. It offers a moment to reflect on your passage, on the place where you have arrived, and where you might go next.”
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On behalf of the Board of the YWCA of Canberra, Executive Director Rebecca Vassarotti announced that the YWCA of Canberra will be offering a small grants program for young women members. “This exciting program will support young women to pursue dreams and is a great way for the Y of Canberra to invest in young women in the local community. We look forward to seeing this program commence in 2010” Rebecca said.
Read more about Great Ydeas
A Work in Progress, A History of the YWCA of Canberra 1929-2009
A Work in Progress looks back at eight decades of service, advocacy and community-building.
The book, by Mary Hutchison and Merrindahl Andrew, documents the personalities and the ideals that brought the YWCA to Canberra, and then kept it growing and changing through the Depression, the Second World War, and the upheavals of second wave feminism. It includes anecdotes, memories and images from previous and current service users, members, Board and staff.
Buy your copy online now or contact the YWCA of Canberra on 02 6175 9900.
World General Secretary ‘delivers’ history
World YWCA General Secretary, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, launching A Work in Progress
General Secretary of the World YWCA Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda said she felt like a midwife at the birth of the YWCA of Canberra’s new history book.
Launching the book on 28 November 2009 as part of the YWCA Australia Convention, Nyaradzai praised the YWCA of Canberra for creating this record of the many inspiring women (and some men) who have fostered and shaped the Organisation, and through it the Canberra community.
80th Anniversary Merchandise
The YWCA of Canberra celebrates 80 years of local women’s leadership with our limited edition 80th Anniversary Merchandise, including the 80th Anniversary Apron, 80th Anniversary Bag and the 80th Anniversary Tea Towel.
Limited stock still available!
Buy your 80th Anniversary Merchandise online or contact the YWCA of Canberra on 02 6175 9900.
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