Wycheproof Community Resource Centre (WCRC) is marking International Women’s Day by shining a light on the terrific women who have and continue to contribute to this local organisation and the wider community.
Right from the very beginning in 1989 through to the current day, WCRC has championed women in leadership and gender equality.
The current voluntary committee of management is majority female including chairperson Ann Durie, vice chairperson Deborah Mill, treasurer Jacinta Miller, Rhonda Allan, Julie McLennan, Jackie Noonan and Barry Crockett.
A small but passionate team of community-minded women make up the staff quota.
Some of the many current and former female staff and voluntary committee members of WCRC including (back row) Jill Grant, Dawn Hommelhoff, Sandy Pollington, Naomi Fay holding daughter Lola, Ann Durie, Deborah Mill (front row) Julie McLennan, Bernie McNicol and Averyll Loft.
Averyll Loft, who recently returned from maternity leave, is working in partnership with Sandy Pollington to manage WCRC in the newly created roles of Program Coordinator and Operations Coordinator respectively.
“Our gender equality project Mount of Prevention will be a focus in 2021 and we are especially proud on International Women’s Day of all that we have achieved in this space.”
Long-standing staff members Bernie McNicol and Dawn Hommelhoff continue to remain central to the operation of WCRC, with Bernie managing the centre’s finances and Dawn in administration. Between Dawn and Bernie is a wealth of experience and local information, as many Wycheproof locals already know and appreciate.
Tutor Lynda Rumbold continues sharing her IT expertise as part of WCRC’s adult education program and in late 2020 Naomi Fay joined the team. Naomi is learning the ropes in all aspects of WCRC operations and brings new ideas and enthusiasm.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the history of WCRC and the many women who have contributed since the very beginning, says chairperson Ann Durie.
“Women such as Jill Grant and Eleanor Pollard. Jill was the first centre manager and, later on, a volunteer committee member of many years,” she says.
“Eleanor Pollard was also there from the beginning as a committee member. She went on to be elected chairperson and treasurer. Both Jill and Eleanor are life members of WCRC.
“There are many others over the years who have brought a wide range of skills and enthusiasm, often while juggling motherhood and other responsibilities.”
The theme of 2021 IWD is ‘Choose to Challenge’.
A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.