Women in Media Australia is poised for an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to embark on a search for a national supervisor and expand the not-for-profit organisation’s board.
Concluding four busy years of leadership, co-chair Cath Webber resigned in early August and Kathy McLeish announced she is stepping down as Women in Media prepares to celebrate its fourth national conference at Bond University on September 9 and 10.
“During our term, Women in Media has matured into a highly effective advocacy and mentoring body for media women across Australia,” Ms McLeish said.
“We’re incredibly proud of all that has been achieved over the past few years.”
National patron Victoria Laurie said the organisation owed a huge debt to its outgoing co-chairs.
“We hope to build on their legacy by increasing our board and installing an inaugural national manager,” Ms Laurie said.
“Volunteering requires long hours and huge dedication, both of which Cath and Kathy have so generously contributed over the past four years.
“They have worked tirelessly, creating committees in every state and territory and amassing a 6000-strong membership.”
Women in Media’s strategic growth plan is generously supported by Google News Initiative, our partner in the highly successful Relaunch Project for women returning to the media workforce after a career break.
Board director Anita Jacoby AM said the time was right for Women in Media to grow by recruiting a paid organisational leader and adding three new directors.
“With such new initiatives, we can increase our membership and activities, and truly advocate for and with women in forging better careers in the media workplace,” Ms Jacoby said.
“We are deeply grateful to the stewardship and extraordinary commitment of our co-chairs, and to GNI for providing us with the opportunity to move towards a bold new future.”
Ms Jacoby and Ms Laurie will step in as interim co-chairs during the transition period.
“We are moving quickly with the intention to recruit new directors and dedicated staff over the next few months,” Ms Laurie said.