Quota Brisbane joined with other affiliated organisations and associate members to celebrate the National Council of Women of Queensland’s 120th Anniversary at the Conference, ‘Voices of Queensland Women: legacy, leadership and change’ on the first weekend in October at QUT Garden’s Point. The celebrations began with an Honour Parade. Margaret Vallance represented the Quota Club of Brisbane in the parade where she placed the Quota Brisbane logo onto the felt board which represented the Council as an umbrella organisation.
Quota Brisbane members Cheryl Beaton and Marilyn Mc Ginn joined Margaret Vallance on the registration desk wearing their Quota Brisbane scarves. At the fireside chat Margaret reflected on her time as President of NCWQ as did Noela O’Donnell AM. Interviewed by Sandy Smith who like Margaret is a delegate for Quota Brisbane. Sandy was installed as NCWQ President for the third year. Sandy highlighted the changes over time contrasting what the Council and key leaders of the Council were focusing on and contrasted that to what the Council is advocating for and involved in today. At the Celebration Dinner on the Saturday evening at Kedron-Wavell Service Club Margaret was acknowledged as an NCWQ Leader along with Noela, Dr Rachael Murray, Irene Cayas OAM and Netta Finney.
The weekend saw us reflect on the years it took to effect change, how working together we were able to achieve more. A highlight was the Key Note Speech by Dr Robyn Blewer who reported changes to the juvenile justice laws as a direct result of advocacy by women’s organisations such as NCWQ. Discussion panels were topical with speakers focusing on technology and embracing AI, celebration of diversity and women’s safety. On the Saturday afternoon affiliate organisations offered skill development with Sandy leading the Youth Leadership Workshop assisted by Isabelle Logan. The message from Dame Quentin Bryce let us feeling valued and encouraged to keep working together on important issues. Sunday saw us focus on women’s safety. The Key Note Speech by Kate Crowley- Smith from Broken to Brilliant was incredible, spoken from the heart which moved everyone present. A discussion panel followed where Dr Brian Sullivan was able to shed some light on trials overseas that have effectively changed the culture of violence. Wendy Pavey’s session concluded the Conference on a positive note empowering all of those present to improve their visibility. Attending and being engaged the whole weekend the Quota Brisbane members were proud to be associated with an organisation such as the National Council of Women of Queensland who has a legacy of being ‘ Respectable Radicals’ and ‘Stirrers with Style’ who have made an incredible difference for 120 years. At the recent Annual General Meeting it was unanimous that we remain affiliated with NCWQ and Margaret and Sandy will continue to be the delegates.
