Who we are

The Women’s Network (Hunter NSW) is a not-for-profit non party political organisation and aims to provide a supportive, educative forum where women can:

• participate in informed discussion about current issues
• have the opportunity to meet other informed women
• help to increase the number of women in decision making roles in the community and at all levels of government.

What we do

Initially created to encourage female representation and leadership within government and community, the Network continues to engage the local community attracting a community of women from all walks of life and political persuasions.

Some of the more notable annual events and platforms facilitated by the Network include co-hosting the annual Maitland Woman of the Year and the funding and presentation of an annual scholarship for Women in Non-Traditional Trades. Other events include raising funds  for womens’ health and advocating on issues affecting women. In addition, the Network hosts social and educational events throughout the year which it believes are of key interest or importance to women locally and on the whole.

How we originated

The Women’s Network Hunter NSW was set up in 2005 by Vicki Woods and Bronwyn Ridgway in response to their experiences in running as Councillors in the Maitland City Council. In all, the Council ended up with two women, Vicki Woods (Independent) and Wendy White (Greens). None of the major parties managed to get women elected to positions on Maitland Council that year.

The concept of the Network was to attract women from all walks of life and political persuasions who clearly saw the need for an organisation which promoted women and encouraged them into decision making roles in public life, whether in elected government positions, or on boards and committees.

Vicki and Bronwyn were joined by Jenny Aitchison as Foundation President and the first meeting was held in November 2005 and since that time the Network has grown considerably with up to 500 women on the mailing list at different stages in its development.

In only three and a half years, the Women’s Network encouraged a record 50% female nominations from Local Government candidates at the 2008 elections.  Jenny and Vicki as President and Secretary were also highly supportive of the both Councillor Loretta Baker (ALP) and Councillor Lisa Tierney (LIB) being pre-selected within their party groupings to take on winnable positions at these elections.

Since these early days, the Network has been in support of and seen successful female representation across local State and Federal Government since with several members of local government as active members of the Network.

Today the Network continues to encourage women in leadership and across community and support womens involvement and representation across a myriad of topics and areas as well as promote a social network for individuals to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

Looking to Get in Touch? EMAIL & Facebook and Instagram are our favourite platforms!