The NSW Women’s Advisory Council has had its first meeting today, after Minister for Women Jodie Harrison has finalised and appointed the 12 members that will sit on the Council.
The Advisory Council replaces the Women’s Economic Opportunity Council, which was established in 2012, to address wider issues and challenges faced by women and girls in the state.
Speaking with Women’s Agenda, Minister Jodie Harrison said the 12 members will provide “expert advice” to the government, through her, in order to advance gender equality in NSW (scroll down to see the full list of members on the Council).
“When I became Minister, I really wanted to expand the remit of the Women’s Economic Opportunity Council,” she said, “and that particular council was only focused on the financial aspects of women’s lives.”
Now, the NSW Women’s Advisory Council will address the three pillars outlined in the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026 – economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment.
Earlier this year, Women NSW put a call-out for expressions of interest and applications to become a member of the NSW Women’s Advisory Council. The agency received 406 applications.
“I was very pleased with that interest,” Minister Harrison said.
Women NSW then shortlisted applicants, before Minister Harrison finalised the 12 members on the Women’s Advisory Council.
“It was important members of the Women’s Advisory Council reflected the diversity of women throughout NSW,” Minister Harrison said.
“Applicants were asked about the experience they had working with particular focus communities, and many of the applicants also had lived experiences they were also able to draw on.”
The members
The 12 members of the NSW Women’s Advisory Council bring with them a wide range of professional and personal experiences.
Belinda Cashman, the director of Aboriginal Health Strategy in the Western Sydney Local Health District, has always held women’s issues close to her heart, which is why she sits on the Advisory Council. Her expertise in Indigenous health, as well as her personal experience, will help her represent a largely underrepresented group in the NSW community.
“I was raised by a single mother who had many struggles in life and her voice was not often heard,” Cashman said.
“I want to represent change for women across diverse communities with a particular focus on young Aboriginal women.
“I hope that together, collectively, we represent women of all ages, race and communities to act as advocates and a platform to address inequalities.”
Janine Farah is the NSW and ACT regional manager at Young Change Agents. Her goal in her time on the Advisory Council is to champion the diverse voices of women in NSW.
“I am genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in influencing policies that address the needs of women in NSW,” Farah said.
“My goal is to collaborate with other members to ensure that the diverse voices and priorities of women in NSW are effectively represented.
“Together, I hope we can contribute to shaping and influencing strategies that lead to tangible advancements and result in positive impacts.”
The deputy CEO of ACON Karen Price will be a valued voice for women, non-binary people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I’m looking forward to a passionate, engaged and skilled group of people coming together on this Council to provide advice, guidance and support to the critically important issues the Strategy aims to progress,” Price said.
“The issues highlighted in the Strategy are causal and consequential: they contribute to inequality and gender-based disadvantage.
“That’s why I’m excited to play my role to improve the lives of women in NSW – these issues really matter.”
How will it work?
Minister Harrison explained that the Council will have up to four meetings annually, as well as out-of-session meetings on a needs basis. Members will be appointed for one year, with a possible extension to a maximum of three years.
“The Council will provide advice to the government through me in advancing gender equality. It certainly will have the Women’s Strategy in their mind,” Minister Harrison said.
“They’ll really be advising us on issues affecting women and girls across the state.”
While the issues that the Council address will be guided by the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026, members of the public are encouraged to speak with members of the Council, so their issues can be heard.
“I was keen to see members of the Advisory Council being well-linked in the community,” Minister Harrison said.
“The general public will be able to speak to members of the advisory council through their own networks, because many of them do already interact with members of the public.
“I’m certainly always available to talk to the wider community.”
Here is the full list of members on the NSW Women’s Advisory Council.
- Lisa Annese – CEO, Diversity Council of Australia
- Belinda Cashman – Director, Aboriginal Health Strategy, Western Sydney Local Health District
- Elise Coppins – Clinical Nurse Consultant, Southern NSW Local Health District
- Associate Professor Jill Duncan – Lead (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), University of Newcastle
- Janine Farah – NSW and ACT Regional Manager, Young Change Agents
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Hill – Deputy Director, Gender Equality in Working Life Research Initiative, University of Sydney
- Tara Hunter – Director of Client and Clinical Services at Full Stop Australia
- Marlene Krasovitsky – Consultant on the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism, World Health Organisation
- Marian Mourad – CEO, Bankstown Women’s Health Centre, and Fairfield Women’s Health Centre
- Julie Perkins – CEO, Gurehlgam
- Karen Price – Deputy CEO, ACON
- Violet Roumeliotis AM – CEO, Settlement Services International
MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: Supplied
NOTE: Violet Roumeliotis and Marlene Krasovitzky are not in the group photo as they were unable to join in person.