National Council of Women of Australia

07/11/2026

We are once again pleased to have arranged for several Adelaide landmarks to be lit in orange to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Join us on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 7:45pm at Parliament House as we see the lights and remember those impacted by gender-based violence.

02/11/2026

National Council of Women of Australia is thrilled to be present at this important meeting, hosted by our esteemed sisters of the National Council of Women Great Britain.

We are thrilled that the meeting is underway and look forward to contributing to the shared advocacy of NCsW from across world.

🌍 NOT JUST CONVERSATIONS. COMMITMENTS TO CHANGE.

One of the most important elements of the International Council of Women's conference on 2 November will be its interactive workshops.

Under the heading "From Shared Experience to Collective Action", delegates will work together on two major challenges:

🌱 Climate change and its impact on women and girls.

📱 Digital safety and protecting women and children online.

The workshops have been designed to go beyond identifying problems.

Participants will examine the most pressing challenges in their countries, share examples of successful initiatives and develop practical ideas for collective action.

The afternoon will conclude with agreement on key priorities and commitments to take forward nationally and internationally.

This reflects something we believe strongly at NCWGB: international collaboration is most valuable when it leads to tangible improvements.

The goal is not simply to discuss change. It is to help make it happen.

19/10/2026

The National Council of Women of Australia expresses its deep sadness following the serious injury of Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines.
We extend our thoughts to Ms Haines, her family, staff and the Indi community, and hope for her recovery. We also acknowledge the emergency services and medical professionals responding to this distressing incident.

07/10/2026

CONTENT WARNING

NCWA condemns any trivialising of violence against women:

The National Council of Women of Australia strongly condemns any discussion that makes light of the violent murder of a woman.

NCWA echoes the concerns of women's rights and anti-violence campaigner Sherele Moody, who drew attention to a podcast in which a group of male comedians made light of the murder of Gabby Petito by her partner.

Ms Moody wrote that the men "decided to demean her" and claimed her murder was justified, amongst other derogatory descriptions.

A woman's career, appearance or life choices never justify her being violently killed.

This is no laughing matter. There is no context in which comedy, or any discussion other than condemnation of these acts, is acceptable.

We acknowledge those who have called this out, and we remain committed to advocating for a society in which women are safe, respected and valued.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Read more: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/justified-comedian-sacked-after-group-of-men-joke-about-gabby-petito-murder-on-podcast/news-story/e660b4b7ef4d44ff65f3eda7be929b72

A group of Melbourne comedians have come under fire for joking that the murder of US woman Gabby Petito was “justified” and that they would “give her one in an emergency”.

06/10/2026

National Council of Women Australia (NCWA) was proud to partner with Women Leaders Institute again this year as Advocacy Partner for the Women in Leadership Summit series - walking with leaders and raising their voices in the rooms where decisions are made.

The Summit "MOMENTUM: LEADING FORWARD" was held simultaneously across 4 cities from 1-3 September 2026.

NCWA was represented across the series. Our President, Fiona Dorman , co-MC'd Day Two in Melbourne with the incredible Jenny Pawlowski of UN Women Australia's Melbourne Chapter, while National Board members Laura Hicks (National Secretary) and Sandy Smith (President, NCW Queensland) attended in Perth and Brisbane respectively.

Across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, the Summits brought together emerging and established leaders to connect and build skills.

Women Leaders Institute creates "a practical, supportive space where emerging and established leaders can connect and learn from one another. Each Summit focuses on tangible strategies, honest conversations and practical tools that support career progression and inclusive leadership." It is a community of more than 12,500 leaders across 30+ industries, built over 14 years of advancing gender equity.

The Summit's partnership with UN Women Australia is a testament to the important humanitarian work of the organisation, both in Australia and globally, and it was wonderful to see that work highlighted to such a broad community of women leaders.

NCWA is committed to women's leadership, and to visible, tangible avenues for women to participate in leadership. That is why we are proud to partner with leading organisations like Women Leaders Institute and UN Women Australia, and why we hope to contribute again in the years to come, adding our advocacy to women's leadership.

Well done to Ella Michel, Queenie and the whole team for centring leadership and for bringing together expert speakers who offered specific and practical insights for leaders at all stages of their careers.

Congratulations on the success of the summits around the country.

Outstanding speakers took the stage across all four cities, from leaders in business, government, community and advocacy. Different cities and different stages, each speaking to one theme: Momentum, Leading Forward.

To see the full list of incredible speakers: https://lnkd.in/gVvjtibQ

If you would like to walk alongside us on your leadership journey, join your State Council of the National Council of Women: www.ncwa.org.au



National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) National Council of Women of NSW Inc. National Council of Women South Australia - NCWSA Council Women Victoria Council of Women Tasmania Inc

25/09/2026

Join the conversation at the Zahra Foundation Australia Changemaker Event this October.

Changemaker will bring together perspectives from government, business, sport and community to explore where progress is being made, where change is still needed and how each of us can use our influence to make a difference.

NCWA's President Fiona Dorman will be joining the panel to explore how we can use our influence to create safer, stronger and more economically secure futures for women.

Wednesday 21 October | 6pm–9pm | Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo

Creating safer and more economically secure futures for women requires continued conversation, advocacy and action across every part of our community.

Attending Changemaker directly supports Zahra Foundation’s work with women impacted by domestic and family violence.

Meet the panel for Changemaker!

Thanks to Port Adelaide Football Club we are
bringing together leaders from government, sport and community our panel speakers will explore using influence to create meaningful change for women.

Jake Battifuoco - General Manager, Power Community Limited
Fiona Dorman - Chair, Premier’s Council for Women SA and National President, National Council of Women Australia
Tania Potts - CEO, Zahra Foundation Australia
Graeme Jackson - Executive Director, People and Corporate Services, Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Get your tickets today: bit.ly/zahrafoundation2026changemaker

09/09/2026

Make a difference in women’s health by joining the Australian Women's Health Alliance Board

The Australian Women's Health Alliance is seeking nominations from its Tasmanian members to join its Board and help shape the future of women's health advocacy across Australia.

Applications close 27 September.

Download an Expression of Interest using the links below 👇🏽

🚨 Board nominations are open!

The Australian Women’s Health Alliance invites passionate, visionary members to nominate for our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of women’s health advocacy across Australia.

We are particularly targeting members living in the underrepresented jurisdictions of Western Australia and Northern Territory. We also have underrepresentation in Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.

Expressions of interest close 27 September 2026.

Let your leadership make a difference. If you have any questions about the process, we’re here to help.

Download the Expression of Interest form 👉 https://us.list-manage.com/MUst8RVpne_?e=8b93469d11&c2id=1a57d454c9fdc9bf9b4c0623c086cfa5

21/08/2026

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and su***de.

In Australia's first censuses, the ratio of convict men to convict women in some parts of the country was 28 to 1.

Now, economists examining those locations today find greater rates of assault, greater rates of male su***de and even greater rates of male cancer.

Guests:
Pauline Grosjean - Professor of Economics, UNSW
Victoria Baranov - Associate Professor in Economics, The University of Melbourne

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-economy-stupid/what-can-convict-australia-tell-us-about-the-manosphere/106904398




If you or anyone you know needs help:
1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Su***de Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890

Australia's early settlements were radical experiments in almost exclusively male societies. Their impact is still felt today.

21/08/2026

The Australian Women's Health Alliance has developed a suite of online learning modules that supports learners to understand and apply a gender-responsive approach to health and prevention.

The Introduction to Gender-Responsive Health e-learning course contains:

2 foundational modules about gender and health equity (1 and 2)
3 bonus modules (3, 4 and 5) for a deeper dive into frameworks, policies and actions to help drive change
additional resources to return to in future for continuous professional development or activities with colleagues and workplaces.

Sign up to this 5 part series here:
https://australianwomenshealth.org/resource/e-learning-course-introduction-to-gender-responsive-health/

About the course
Women and gender diverse people experience health, illness and health care differently to men. This course aims to increase understanding about these differences and how gender-responsive approaches can improve health equity.

This course is for workplaces and individuals wanting to learn more about gender-responsive health, including health professionals, researchers, policy makers and students, as well as those who aspire to enter the health sector.

It is suitable to complete in your own time or rolled out in workplaces for teams to complete together.

Australian Women's Health Alliance is developing a suite of online learning modules that supports learners to understand and apply a gender-responsive approach to health and prevention.

28/07/2026

NCWA's President and Chair, Premier's Council for Women SA, Fiona Dorman will be MCing this important "Climate, Care and Gender" online meeting on Wednesday 29th July (4pm Central/4.30pm Eastern)

"Gender, Care & Climate" - An Adelaide Climate Action Week event!
Adelaide Climate Action Week: Jul 27 – Aug 2, 2026
https://acaw.org.au/

Climate change and disasters place unfair pressures on women, who often carry increased caring responsibilities while playing leading roles in community recovery and resilience.

Despite this, women remain underrepresented in climate, disaster and energy transition decision-making. The Premier's Climate Change Council and the Premier's Council for Women are coming together to explore how gender, care responsibilities, climate and the energy transition intersect.

We're fortunate to have two excellent speakers offering their perspectives.

Ana Moreno joins us internationally as Technical Secretary of the Global Alliance for Care / Alianza Global por los Cuidados a renowned expert in this space with over 30 years' experience in public policy and sustainable development.

Kate Graham, CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, brings deep on-the-ground leadership experience, including guiding her organisation through catastrophic bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers include:
🔹 The Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Women
🔹 Ana Moreno, Technical Secretary, Global Alliance for Care
🔹 Kate Graham, CEO, Gippsland Women's Health
🔹 Tiahni Adamson, 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year and PCCC member

📅 FREE Online event: Wed 29 July, 4–5.30pm (Central)
Join the conversation. Share this opportunity.
Register via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/gender-care-and-climate

National Council of Women WA National Council of Women South Australia - NCWSA National Council of Women of Canada National Council of Women Great Britain National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) National Council of Women of NSW Inc. Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand

A joint online event hosted by the Premier's Council for Women and the Premier's Climate Change Council, exploring the critical intersection of climate change,