NCWA is a national non-government umbrella organisation with broadly humanitarian and educational objectives, which seeks to raise the awareness of women and girls to their rights and responsibilities as citizens and to encourage the participation of women in all aspects of community life.
NCWA works with, and across all sectors, to identify and bring about change to ensure that there is equity and security for all in Australia.
For over 125 years National Council members have been making a difference in Australia. NCW New South Wales was started in 1896. With our roots in the anti-slavery movement, it wasn’t just about ‘getting the vote’ for women, it is about achieving equity and security across all endeavours that encompass life in Australia.
Alice Frances Mabel (May) Moss was the first elected President of the National Council of Women of Australia from 1931–36.
Source: Stirrers with Style
NCWA PRESIDENTS
May Moss 1931 – 1936
Adelaide Miethke 1936 – 1942
Ruby Board 1942 -1944
Elsie Blyth 1945 – 1948
Ivy Brookes 1948 – 1952
Ruth Gibson 1953 – 1956
Thelma Metcalfe 1957 – 1960
Dorothy Edwards 1960 – 1964
Anne Hamilton 1964 – 1967
Ada Norris 1967 – 1970
Jessie Scotford 1970 -1973
Joyce McConnell 1973 – 1976
Margaret Davey 1976 – 1979
Laurel Mcintosh 1979 – 1982
Diane Alley 1982 – 1985
Necia Mocatta 1985 – 1988
Maureen Giddings 1988 -1991
Yvonne Bain 1991 – 1994
Gwen Roderick 1994 – 1997
Gracia Baylor 1997 – 2000
Judith Parker 2000 -2003
Leonie Christopherson 2003-2006
Hean Bee Wee 2006 – 2009
Margaret Findlater-Smith 2009 – 2012
Julie Morris 2012 – 2015
Barbara Baikie 2015 – 2018
Robyn Nolan 2018 –
Our history & purpose
Australia was one of the earliest countries to join the International Council of Women (ICW-CIF), the world’s oldest international women’s organisation. NCWA is a member of the Asia Pacific Regional Council of ICW-CIF.
NCWA links National Council of Women groups across Australia, each with diverse affiliates, in a federal structure and provides a forum for considered debate on policy matters brought forward by the constituent Councils. NCWA also accept National Affiliates – subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Singly, and in alliances, NCWA works for improved conditions for women and their families, especially the most vulnerable.
In the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, members maintain an active program of seminars, conferences, consultations, submissions, publications, advocacy and activism.
NCWA tried to identify the structural impediments to equity and security and then work to address those issues.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead
What’s different about NCWA?
National Council of Women of Australia does not fund raise but it does advocate for policy changes to improve the lives of women at all levels – local, state, national and international.
NCWA writes submissions to government on issues affecting women, meets with Members of Parliament and participates in government working groups. At the international level it advocates through the International Council of women.
NCWA has appeared at the UN for the Convention of discrimination against all women (CEDAW) review and at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
NCWA Delegates at conference.
Photo credit: Barbie Robinson, Writing with Light.
National office
For information about National activities or for general information about the National Council of Women you are welcome to contact the National office
info@ncwa.org.au
Or write to us at:
NCWA Secretariat
PO Box 389
HALL ACT 2618
Visit our office
(by appointment only)
NCWA
Victoria Street
HALL ACT 2618
No woman or girl, nor indeed any human being, is a ‘good’ or chattel of another human being and should never be denied their basic and fundamental human rights.