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ARMIDALE 
Armidale Branch ended 2005/6 with 19 members and one associate member. We held six formal meetings
during the year, with dinner, business meeting, and after-dinner speaker. Attendance varied between
10 and 14 members, average 11. On two occasions we invited partners and other guests, boosting numbers
by 4 and 7. Speakers and topics were:
July 2005: Our Vice-President Dr (now Associate Professor) Ann Ghandar fascinated us all with her
talk on Writing Music – a presentation which demonstrated why her teaching of composition is
renowned at University of New England.
September: Bruce Ryan from the Department of Fair Trading gave us an amusing and informative insight
into the operation of the Department.
November: Dr Joan Relke’s excellent talk on The Archetypal Female in Mythology and Religion
introduced us to Jungian psychology and its influence on her work, illustrating her points with slides
of some of her lovely sculptures.
February 2006: Daisy Williams spoke about the challenges of her new job as Director of Armidale’s
Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, and her plans for reorganisation and staff training.
March: Our member, Dr Susan Davies, spoke on Academic Brinkmanship Canberra 1959, an account
of political and academic differences of opinion over the roles of the Australian National University
and the Canberra University College.
May: Professor Sajeev from the University of New England spoke on Information Technology – a Peep
into the Future. His presentation was truly excellent – state of the art in both content and electronic
wizardry and also amusing and entertaining. Some members were taken with the idea of a microchip implant
in their brains to increase/improve memory!
We held six informal meetings, consisting of dinner at different venues, an excellent way of keeping
up-to-date with Armidale’s many pubs and restaurants. This year almost all meetings were at recently-refurbished
venues.
In December a group of members and partners attended a dinner performance of Cabaret at the Armidale
Showground, memorable not only for the musical but also for the sudden storm which noisily tore a sheet
of corrugated iron off the roof (not leaving open sky over the audience or stage, fortunately). December
also saw our Christmas Party, a most enjoyable occasion at Lois and Peter Beaton’s spacious home.
The book group, with nine members, met once a month; this year’s reading reflected the group’s extremely
catholic tastes! Books included two historical novels: The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
(the making of a medieval tapestry) and Mary Renault’s Fire from Heaven (the youth of Alexander
the Great) and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fantasy novel, The Colour of Magic.
Over the Christmas period they read Laura Penny’s book Your call is important to us: the truth
about bullshit (a lively account of the ways in which “they” try to pull wool over our eyes, and
often succeed), following this with a detective story - P D James’ The Lighthouse in March. The later
part of the year was devoted to 1421: the year China discovered the world, by Gavin Menzies,
which stimulated much discussion.
Present and former Branch members continued to provide a team to deliver Meals on Wheels once a month.
The branch’s Prize Fund at the University of New England provides $125 each to the best female students
in first-year English and first-year Biological Sciences. Winners this year were Jenna Cullen of Dubbo
NSW (English) and Monique Elliott of Bonville NSW (Biological Sciences).
Kate Mortensen President
Marian Stone Secretary
BLUE MOUNTAINS
 The past year has gone quickly for our small band of members.
The highlight again has been the interviewing of four Year 11 students at Katoomba High School. They
were very capable, delightful girls and a credit to their school. The winner of our Gladys Weiler award
of $250.00 was Ashleigh Ang (pictured). The presentation was made in the Library of the school at a
morning tea kindly given by the Principal, Mr Foy. It was good to see several other staff and parents
present. The two Vice-Captains chaired the proceedings and we were entertained by some musical items.
Each of the girls was given a Certificate and they were wished well in their future studies.
The September meeting was lively with discussion about the book we had been reading, "The Great Fire"
by Shirley Hazzard.
Our Christmas Luncheon was a most enjoyable, relaxed occasion at the Katoomba Golf Club overlooking
the fairways.
One meeting was solely given to a very spirited discussion on the revision of the Constitution.
We were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Shirley Manion Vice-President NSW and long time SAAP
Convenor. She visited our Branch several times and she will be missed. Three members attended her funeral.
Other activities have kept us busy this year. Three members attended the NSW AGM at Newcastle, the
North Shore Branch's Christmas Party as well as the NSW's Christmas Luncheon and also the Sophia Holland
Lecture. Four members attended the 34th Triennium AFUW Conference in Canberra. Merle Thompson stepped
in at short notice as Minutes Secretary.
Pamela, as Acting National Convenor for Peace, accompanied Rosemary Everett, AFUW President, to the
University Women of Asia's 7th Triennial Conference "Women as Agents of Change in International Peace
Efforts". The Blue Mountains Gazette had an article headed "Women leading the way in World Peace" and
this was followed up with an interview on local radio 2 Blu Katoomba. Good publicity for AFUW and Women.
The President thanked those members who had graciously allowed the branch to hold meetings in their
homes and provided afternoon tea or lunch and those who assisted with transport whenever called upon.
Pamela Lemoine President
Merle Thompson Secretary
CENTRAL COAST
There are 16 financial members who meet monthly from February till October at Central Coast Leagues
Club. December and June are generally social gatherings. We have had mixed success with publicity in
the local press but continue to live in hope that more of our meetings will obtain publicity.
Speakers at our meetings have been both local and from further afield.
A former member, Margaret Blundel, has been researching local history for her MA at Central Coast
Campus of Newcastle and with additional information from two of our members who have always lived on
the Central Coast, we learned of the different housing types on the Coast formerly.
Dr Tony Adams gave a comprehensive report of the work of World Heath Oranisation in the eradication
of polio, the biggest project in medical history and funded largely by Rotary International. Tony is
also active with many of our members in advocating a Performance Centre for the Central Coast.
As a lead in to International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Janet Peters gave a most interesting
talk on the life of Dame Mary Gilmore who had been a close friend and teaching colleague of Janet’s
grandmother and a mentor of Janet herself.
Rhonda McCormack has lived in three locations in India where her engineer husband worked on projects
funded by the World Bank. The regions have differed culturally, in food, language, religion and climate.
Her talk generated a lot of questions especially regarding the old customs and practices of rural India.
Chris Bearman, the Artistic Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium, gave a history of the Conservatorium
which does a lot of work in early childhood involvement through the primary schools and offers Scholarships
to promising students to continue their music education at the Conservatorium. Chris also spoke of his
vision for the Central Coast’s Performing Arts Centre.
Mary Sexton has been recognised for her work in many women’s organisations and we heard of her passion
to have ordinary Australian women’s stories recorded.
Our fund raising for this year has been directed at SAAP and the NCW Australia Day Award.
Joan Smith President
Pamela Guest Secretary
CENTRAL WEST
During the year 2005-2006 the Central West Branch has enjoyed the support of its loyal members and
their many guests. The fellowship afforded our group has again allowed us to convene four successful
dinner meetings where attendance has ranged from 50 to 95 members and interested guests.
| Our program for 2005-2006 included: |
August 2005
The Quarry Restaurant
Mrs Jacqui Schultz
The Archibald Prize |
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November 2005
The Mill
Mr James Ritchie
Lessons in a Lifetime in Intelligence |
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March 2006
The Japanese Gardens
Ms Hannah Semmler
Arts Out West |
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May 2006
The Old Vic
Mrs Mim Loomes
Canowindra Grossi |
At a State level there have been discussions about the future structure of our association. This
has precipitated enlightening discussions at our committee meetings about the history and politics of
AFUW. At the National level Barbara Wright and Anne Holloway attended the Triennial Conference AFUW
in Canberra during April. At the International level we continue to support, mostly in spirit, but also
through our membership subscription to IFUW, the many women throughout the world who struggle to gain
higher education.
 President, Christine Garner, took up a new position in Dubbo and regretfully resigned her Presidency.
Barbara Wright and Jean Mary Fagan became Acting Presidents and Jean Mary, a branch member since its
inception in 1965, paid tribute to Christine’s work, saying how much members enjoyed and appreciated
having her as President and commenting that Christine and Secretary, Jenny White, (pictured here with
Isabel Maher) “have updated us into the 21st century”.
The branch scholarship for the 2005 HSC student with the highest UAI, enrolled in tertiary studies
for the first time in 2006, was awarded to Isobel Maher of Orange from The Kinross School in Orange.
She is studying for her Bachelor of Philosophy at the Australian National University in Canberra. Her
UAI was 98.5. The value of this scholarship stands at $l,000.
 In thanking the Committee, Jean Mary gave special thanks to the panel for Post Graduate Scholarship
applications and selection. Dr Lois Foster (Chair), Christine Garner, Barbara Wright and Sue Brown.
The Scholarship for 2005 was contested by nine very worthy nominees. Alicia Dawson (shown with Lois
Foster) from Bathurst was selected and presented with the first instalment at the March meeting. She
will use the $4000 scholarship to assist her in completing post graduate studies in Psychology. The
branch looks forward to following Alicia’s career and hope that she will return and share her experiences
further down the track.
Barbara Wright, Jean Mary Fagan Acting Presidents
Jenny White Secretary
CITY
The inaugural meeting was held on 18th August 2005. Those present comprised members from various
parts of Sydney including those of former Northern Beaches and Southern Suburbs Branches.
During the last 12 months the membership has increased slowly. Current membership is eleven. Regular
lunch meetings, where members have enjoyed excellent lunches and social interaction, were held each
month at different locations in the city. To cater for members working during the day, some meetings
were held over early evening cocktails and appetizers.
Guest speakers at the meetings addressed a range of diverse topics which were of interest to members.
These included Charles Dicken’s Bleak House, Norfolk Island Convicts, Aboriginal Art and a private
viewing of Sayonara Changi which told the story of one person’s life and experience in the prisoner-of-war
camp, Changi
In addition, City Branch welcomed overseas visitors, Jeanne-Louise Bieler from L’Association suisse
des femmes diplômées des universities, Geneva, and Hilary Roche member of the Irish Federation of University
Women (IrFUW) Dublin, both of whom contributed to discussion and provided insight as to how their particular
IFUW affiliates are organised and operate. Also welcomed was Fan Jing from China, currently in Australia
as a research fellow with the George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney who outlined
aspects of her research at the Institute.
Combined with lunch meetings, members have taken the opportunity to visit museums and galleries in
the city including Garden Island Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre, SH Irvin Gallery, Hyde Park
Barracks, St James Church and The Mint.
Highlights and activities for the year included:
- Presentation of awards to acknowledge the achievement of women students engaged in the TAFE
Tertiary Preparation Course (TPC) at Ultimo and Meadowbank. Awards were made to Carolyn Marnell
(Meadowbank TAFE ) and Diane Hatoum (Ultimo TAFE).
- Presentation of achievement awards at the annual week long Asia Pacific Model United Nations
Conference (AMUNC) held at Parramatta campus, University of Western Sydney. University students
from Australia and New Zealand from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines met in a simulated
environment which matched the United Nations General Assembly, presenting position papers and debating
topics of international significance and concern.
- Contribution to SAAP.
- Presentation, Turbulent Times: What Now? by well known counsellor and author, Petrea
King, held at the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts. Whilst not well attended by AFUW-NSW members,
there was very good attendance from women representing NGOs and public sector organisations.
- Branch member, Beverley Pavey, outlined the aims and objectives of AFUW and the activities of
City Branch during a radio interview on Community Radio Triple H.
Several members attended the AFUW Conference held in Canberra.
This provided members with the opportunity to not only meet other members from various parts of Australia
but to experience first hand the inner workings of AFUW.
The President congratulated and thanked the executive and members for their commitment and the time
they have given to the Branch in order to ensure its success in this the first year.
Christine Hosking President
Teresa Valenti Secretary
HUNTER VALLEY
The President expressed her appreciation to all members, particularly the executive and members of
the committee, for their support during the past year which was a busy and successful one.
In 2005/6 there were 34 financial members including several new ones. Sadly some of the older members
were unable to keep up their membership. New members were welcomed and it is hoped that they will enjoy
participating in the Branch’s activities. Monthly dinner meetings have been popular with approximately
20 members attending. The guest speakers during 2005/2006 covered a number of interesting areas.
The AGM in July was held with supper served afterwards. On July 30 instead of a Dinner Meeting a
number of the members attended the Civic Playhouse for “Broadway at its Best” - music from some
of Broadway’s most popular shows.
In August: Bill Chambers, a highly qualified SCUBA diver and photographer, illustrated his talk with
wonderful photographs of marine life.
September Art/Craft Morning-Tea: This was in aid of our East Timor students. Members and some of
their friends displayed their works. These included paintings, quilts, embroidery, spinning, weaving
and knitting, African violets and photography. Several members spoke about their work. Some items were
sold. It was a very happy and successful day. About 40 people enjoyed the display and morning-tea prepared
by the Committee. There were lots of lucky door and raffle prizes, many of them donated.
On 15 October the Annual General Meeting of AFUW-NSW was hosted by Hunter Valley Branch at the Capri
Plaza Hotel. Lunch was served after the meeting. The Guest Speaker was Margaret Winn who spoke of her
experience of and insights into working on Aid Projects in less developed countries.
November: Professor Nick Saunders, The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, was the speaker
for the final dinner meeting of the year. His topic was Our University, Our Town.
Member, Vicki Cowling OAM, was guest speaker in February, 2006. Her topic was “I am a rock. I am
an island” (Simon, 1972). She spoke of children of parents with mental illness and their families
The Guest Speaker for March, through mishap, was unable to attend so the members and their guests
had a pleasant evening in conversation. In April Cathy Johnston, a Project Officer with the Migrant
Resource Centre, spoke about the settling of migrants in our community, particularly our latest African
arrivals.
In June: Dr Noel Rutherford stood in at very short notice for our advertised Guest Speaker who had
become ill. Noel spoke of The Great Witch-Hunt and placed it firmly in its historical setting.
Musical Morning-Tea in May Jenny Bain had organized musical items for this function held at her home.
These were performed prior to a delicious morning tea prepared by the Committee who were assisted in
serving it by Jenny’s husband, family and young friends. Some 40+ members/friends enjoyed the morning.
Again, there were many much appreciated raffle prizes donated by our members.
On 30 March 2006 our Life Member, Huldah Turner died, after a long period of illness, six months
short of her 100th birthday. She had been a Foundation Member of the Hunter Valley Branch. The Branch
was enriched by her membership over many years.
University Book Fair In August last year the Branch gave its usual assistance by providing morning
tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the volunteer workers and, as well, selling refreshments to the general
public. Members of the public did not purchase as much as usual which meant that financial return from
this event was disappointing given the unstinting effort put in by the members involved.
The Branch has continued to support two girls with their education in Dili, East Timor. The Principal
of St Joseph’s Secondary School has nominated two girls for support over the coming two years. Given
the ongoing difficulties in Dili, the Branch is waiting to hear more from Father Edu before sending
the next lot of money. Two prizes, are funded at the University of Newcastle. They are the Margaret
Auchmuty Prize for Education and the Huldah Turner Prize for Mathematics. The University did not award
the latter prize this year. The Branch continued its annual commitment to the Virginia Gildersleeve
Fund and to the Study And Action Programme.
Book Group
The book group is now into its sixth year. Membership has grown with 15 members all told and 10 -11
members attending regularly. The person who selects the book for that month leads the discussion and
hosts the group. There have been some very lively discussions. Reading tastes vary quite widely so members
find that the subject matter of their reading has been broadened by belonging to the group. Members
donate a gold coin each month which helps fund the Branch newsletter.
Broader AFUW Issues
Members appreciate being kept in touch with the wider happenings of AFUW. They were saddened to hear
of the death of Shirley Manion, Vice-President and Public Officer at the time of her death. Shirley
had been a stalwart member of AFUW over many years and had a wealth of knowledge of the workings and
history of the Organization both locally and internationally.
The Hunter Committee has made several suggestions to the working party revising the current Constitution
of AFUW- NSW and queried several clauses. Further material about the Branch has been prepared to go
on to the AFUW-NSW website.
Hilary Alexander President
Jenny Bain Secretary
INNER WESTERN SUBURBS
A year ago we had a brief AGM and a fascinating account of the New Sydney Senior Secondary College
at Blackwattle Bay from Jill Collier, the Principal. However we left last year’s AGM with the understanding
that this was the LAST time we could simply juggle positions on the committee and twist people’s arms
to serve yet again and that without an infusion of new people and new ideas the branch was doomed. As
President, Jane was disappointed to acknowledge that despite general mailings to all members and two
meetings devoted to discussion of how they could revive the branch nothing has really changed.
The first meeting of the year was in October when Minna, who was involved with founding this branch
about 10 years ago when she was State President, gave us a brief history of the branch and led discussion
on ways to boost attendance at meetings and membership. There was little support for changing day or
venue and concern that the problems were not of AFUW alone.
At our Christmas meeting we enjoyed Shelston hospitality and welcomed Dr Janelle Trees as our speaker.
Janelle had just heard she had passed her final exams and gave us a fascinating account of her life
as a mature Koori medical student who left school before HSC, married, and had a baby early, then completed
HSC as a mature student, struggled to complete her first degree and came to medicine via acupuncture.
We are pleased to report that Janelle graduated with honours at a special graduation ceremony marking
150 years of the Faculty of Medicine at Sydney University and is planning to continue in Wollongong
in 2007. She is contemplating a career in palliative care via General Practice or one in Psychiatry.
In February 2006 Minna and Jane went to Sydney Town Hall for the Fort Street prize-giving and Jane
was delighted to present our High School prize to Chansopheavy Ngoeun (Sophie). The prize was used in
part payment of fees for Sophie to attend the Sydney University Summer course on Mind and Morality.
This confirmed her ambition to go to university and gave her use of the Fisher Library for the year.
We decided in place of our May meeting to encourage people to attend the Sophia Holland lunch since
Susan Coulson, the invited speaker, is a member of our branch. Susan did us proud – but unfortunately
though we had invited her to come Sophie was unable to attend and meet our members.
Our March meeting at Burwood RSL had Ivy Edwards, our State President, as guest speaker. Ivy spoke
informally about her vision for the future of AFUW-NSW and was involved in discussions about how we
could save this branch.
Apart from the prize to a high school pupil we have made donations over the year to SAAP, Bina Roy,
Virginia Gildersleeve and by changing our bank account we have eliminated bank charges.
NSW AFUW has proposed making an Australia Day Award through NCW and is seeking contributions. At
least $1000 is needed plus travel expenses if the student is from outside Sydney. This seems a suitable
way to distribute some of the Branch’s funds. The President indicated she would very much like to commit
to a Year 12 prize and have details of a worthy recipient.
As to the future - a year ago the branch probably elected its committee unopposed. In October members
resolved that, if at the next AGM no volunteers came forward to serve as Treasurer and Secretary, the
Branch had no alternative but to close. Jane Baker stressed how it was no pleasure to serve as the ‘final’
president but as yet there are no nominees! She hoped members would join an alternative branch.
Jane Baker President
Marie Shelston Secretary
NORTH SHORE
This has been a successful year and President, Betty Davy, was happy to advise that the financial
membership stands at 89 and is in a healthy condition.
Sadly we lost three of our valuable members; Professor Elizabeth Liggins, Lorna Puflett and Shirley
Manion who was not only a competent Secretary but also a wise counsellor. A number of our members have
spent long times in hospital and we are all pleased to see them recovered and back with us again.
Dorothy Betty has provided us with a varied and interesting programme of Guest Speakers. In September
Sue Stannard, one of our former presidents, spoke of her Scottish Heritage and in December Professor
Waterhouse delighted us with his reminiscences of life at Eryldene. Gabrielle Upton, Deputy Chancellor
of the University of NSW, informed us of the duties of her position and the changing face of the University.
Our last speaker for the year was Kate Chidlow, the conservator of the Power House Museum, and we were
interested to learn of the items stored at the Museum and the manner in which they are maintained.
We have continued to make donations to University-related projects, providing prizes for outstanding
students at Macquarie University in the subjects of Psychology, Biology and English. Representatives
of our members attended the prize-givings and were recognised as donors.
We have made a donation as usual to the SAAP Fund which supports a girl student in Cambodia, and
to the Virginia Gildersleeve Fund which provides assistance to women in underprivileged countries. This
year we made a donation to the Asthma Foundation in memory of Shirley Manion.
We have been involved with both the activities of AFUW NSW and AFUW National. Several of our members
attended the AGM of AFUW NSW at Newcastle where we were able to meet members from other branches. Contacts
like this lead to an understanding of the organisation on a state - basis.
In April a number of our members journeyed to Canberra for the AGM of the Federal Body where we had
the pleasure of a visit to Yarralumla and the Senate and dinner at the home of Dr Jocelyn Eskdale in
Queanbeyan. As well as this enjoyable social programme, we found interesting the meetings and presentations
of the Guest Speakers, whose topics ranged from the hundred years of service of Women in the Armed Forces,
to Emergency Management of Disaster, the Role of Women in the Armed Forces, Women in the Police Force,
Australian Women in U.N. Peace-Keeping, to Bullying in the Workplace and Assistance for Indigenous Students
to obtain academic qualifications. We were privileged to have the International President, Mrs Griselda
Kenyon, with us to tell us of the work of the international body.
During the year we had the opportunity of attending a luncheon to honour Mary Kane, who, due to ill
health, has resigned as Treasurer of the State body. Mary has made an enormous contribution to AFUW
NSW and we enjoyed seeing her and expressing our appreciation and hope for her better health in future.
Betty Davy expressed her gratitude and praise to the members of her Committee as most cooperative
and willing attend additional meetings at short notice when urgent action was needed. She especially
thanked treasurer, Greta Recsei, membership secretary, Judith Douglas and Jean Marshall, who willingly
acted in the place of the late Shirley Manion.
Betty Davy President Shirley Manion (dec), Jean Marshall Secretary
RIVER
The River branch has enjoyed another very successful year thanks in large part to an indefatigable
secretary, a supportive and very hard-working committee and a superb caterer.
We continue to attract 60 to 80 people to our spring and autumn lunches. The spring luncheon speaker,
the author, Jacqueline Kent, gave a fascinating insight into her research on the internationally renowned
pianist, Hepzibah Menuhin. She described her travels to meet Hepzibah’s children and nephews and the
difficulties of reconciling their sometimes differing recollections and their concerns for her reputation.
We were fortunate to be offered the home of Judy and Jim Fitzpatrick for our Christmas Party. It
turned out to be a very wet, windy day, but somehow everyone fitted inside thanks to Judy and Jim’s
rearrangement of their furniture. The President thanked the committee who organised and cooked a beautiful
meal, and particularly, Judy and Jim for making the day such a success in spite of the weather.
The speaker, Helen Caldicott, attracted a large crowd to our autumn lunch, which was again beautifully
catered for by Alex Penfold. She gave a most informative talk on the dangers of exposure to radiation
and the problems associated with radioactive waste materials, however produced. She stressed that with
more countries developing nuclear capability and with increasingly violent terrorism there are new nuclear
dangers for us all. Her talk stimulated much discussion, some of it quite heated.
The Book and Theatre Groups continue with varied, stimulating programs and so are well supported.
As a result of all our activities the Branch were able to support the following:
- $300 for the River Group prize in Special Education at Macquarie University, which in 2005 was
awarded to Miss Narelle Walker.
- $500 towards the River Group Post-Graduate Award Fund at Sydney University.
- $500 to Dr. Frances Booth, for her Eyecare Project.
- $443 from the raffles run by Dorothy Keyworth, to the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund.
Anne Ridley President
Nada Taylor Secretary
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Fellowship and friendship are our cornerstones and we welcome those who enjoy our company. We come
together at a congenial place to learn more about our society and the world at large, and hopefully,
to do something about it. On the theme of congenial meetings, we started the new AFUW year with a very
successful garden party at “Karrara”, with a record attendance of members and friends. The President
thanked Cath Davies and the Committee for the sterling effort made on the day. The guest speaker, Professor
Kristine French, Director of the Janet Cosh Herbarium, delighted everyone with her presentation of the
life of Janet Cosh, who collected and documented the flora of the Southern Highlands.
All in all, we raised over $500 towards for our scholarship fund, and our Christmas Dinner Meeting
at Gilbert’s Restaurant at Mittagong was similarly successful. Rosemary Stanton is well known to us
as the celebrity nutritionist, an attractive and entertaining advertisement for the good health that
she espouses.
We have been fortunate to have some good guest speakers this year. Our local federal parliamentary
member, Jo Gash gave us a lengthy opportunity to question her on current women’s issues in February,
and the following month saw Lily Arthur give us a harrowing account of her experience as a just under-age
unwed mother. In May we were privileged to enjoy a power point presentation on the latest research into
intelligent fabrics in the prevention of sports injuries by Professor Julie Steele.
David Tranter inspired us in June with his observations of the intricate, co-operative workings of
planet Earth, and our need to be pro-active to save it from disaster. Our July speaker Linda Emery highlighted
the great strength of pioneer colonial women. These speakers extended our knowledge of the world, and
made us think of our part in it.
Our branch sees tertiary education for women as a priority, and the two students chosen by Wollongong
University for $500 scholarships were Kylie Wilson and Lisa Keith who are studying at the Moss Vale
Campus. We have also given another $500 for our East Timorese Law student Ina de Rosa, who is making
exceptional progress in her studies. We have donated $100 towards AFUW-NSW’s Student of the Year Award,
to be presented on Australia Day 2007.
Susan Nagy President
Robyn Wheeler Secretary
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The goal of the new executive was to improve communication and build relationships between members
and the wider community. Undeniably, technology is a major factor in 21st century communication through
the internet and email. As a result of time and effort AFUW-NSW can now boast a modern improved website
with the facility for each branch to advertise itself. A new logo was designed which proudly states
we are NSW and at the same time affiliates of the National and International Federation. Wherever possible,
members have been encouraged to avail themselves of and use email to facilitate communication.