IN August 1995 an advertisement was placed in the Warrnambool Standard calling on local women interested in starting up a group to help women meet, network and socialize.

There was a great turnout and in 1996 Business and Professional Women South West (BPW SW) was born with an official dinner at the then Mahogany Restaurant, and the Australian BPW President there to officially welcome the new chapter.

I caught up with Charter Club member Kim Kavanagh to find out all about BPW SW.

Ms Kavanagh said the club had been active in the south west since 1996, representing a wide range of professions and businesses with membership open to all women in the region. 

The club is BPW South West and is keen to increase its members across the region, and also open to assisting others if they wanted to start a new club.

“The group is open to all women, whether they are working for themselves, employed by someone else, retired or taking time out to study or care for family.

“We have a strong focus on professional and personal development and provide a friendly inclusive atmosphere to foster friendships and provide networking and mentoring amongst all participants.”

BPW SW is part of BPW Australia, which is a community of women working to end gender inequity.

Members share an interest in the issues that affect women in Australia and around the world today.

In the spirit of act local, think global; BPW Australia is affiliated to BPW International, which has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has expert and experienced representatives accredited to most United Nations agencies. BPW SW is also proud to be affiliated with the International Federation of Business & Professional Women.

“We provide intel and advocacy back to BPW Australia and BPW International on issues that affect women all around the world,” Ms Kavanagh said. 

“Such as the war in Ukraine, where we raised awareness and funds to help women and children directly affected.”

She said their current local membership stands at around 50 and includes Corporate Membership with some leading south west organisations.

Guests are welcome to attend three meetings to see if the group is for them after which they are encouraged to join as a financial member.

Dinner meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month with vibrant guest speakers presenting on a variety of business and wellbeing topics and women’s issues.

These dinners are generally held in Warrnambool with occasional visits to other areas in the region.

Events and topics in 2023 included hearing from an award-winning historian writing a book about pioneering Warrnambool business women from 100 years ago, a visit to Deakin University library to learn what a modern, post-COVID library delivers for students, a breakfast business event with four local women in different fields in the media and a visit to the Crystal Lee op shop in Koroit to hear about its mission to help young people fighting cancer, a workshop by a professional business coach who inspired BPW SW members find their purpose in both their work and personal lives.

BPW SW members also attend state and national conferences, with several members recently returning from the national conference held in Darwin in November 2023. 

At the conference they took part in a number of resolutions to assist women.

BPW encourages members to take advantage of the leadership opportunities in our Clubs and provides support and skills development for women seeking leadership positions in the workplace and in our communities.

“Empowering women increases productivity and growth, and the broader community thrives.”

BPW SW meets on the first Tuesday of the month. If you want to find out more contact them via email:  bpwsouthwest@gmail.com

You can also find out more from their Facebook page or find out more about the wider organisation at bpw.com.au