Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock launched International Women's Day celebrations for ECU with a global message congratulating those in the ECU community who boldly marching in the pioneering footsteps of Edith Dircksey Cowan.
The inspiring journeys of these ECU Alumna embody the values of ECU: resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Lorna Cook – Revolutionising cancer care
This International women's Day when award-winning ECU Alumna Lorna Cook was asked what advice she would share with other women that would help shift the dial omen, girls and the community in general, she said…
"It breaks my heart when I see women say "I have a great idea" or "I would love to do this" and they don't go ahead and do it because they doubt themselves or they are frustrated by the lack of support from around them. If I can say anything to inspire women, no matter what age, is, to back yourself. Take a risk. Of course, take a calculated risk. But take a risk. Even if it's only a small one. Jump. Try. Don't say "I'll do it one day". Don't regret that opportunity lost."
Entrepreneur, innovator, and healthcare advocate Lorna Cook has transformed chemotherapy delivery in Australia. With three ECU degrees - a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) in 1990, a Master of Nursing in 1997, and an MBA in 2002 - Lorna recognised a crucial gap in patient care. Believing that chemotherapy could be safely administered in the comfort of a patient's home, she co-founded chemo@home in 2013.
ECU Alumna Lorna Cook.
Today, chemo@home is a multi-award-winning national service that performs approximately 85% of all home infusions across Australia. The service has not only improved patient experience but also expanded access to treatment for those facing geographical and logistical challenges.
Lorna's dedication to healthcare innovation has earned her numerous accolades, including ECU's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022, recognition as a finalist for the Australian College of Nursing's Nurse Trailblazer of the Year Award (2020), and the WA Government Innovator of the Year Award (2018). She continues to advocate for patient-centred care, inspiring the next generation of nurses and healthcare entrepreneurs.
Hear Lorna speak about her work when she was awarded a ECU's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.
Stella Kelly – Empowering creatives through Event Cloud
We asked talented ECU Alumna Stella Kelly what bold moves she had made and what advice she would share with other women to help others march forward for equity, she said…
"Launching online platform, Event Cloud, is my boldest move yet. Event Cloud serves to connect people who are planning events with creatives who work in the events industry. After nearly a decade of working as a musician, I wanted to provide a database that allows people to access the services of all of the creatives in their area and plan an event with ease. Myself and the team hope that investing in this technology will provide Creatives with the opportunity to receive regular contract work and will result in the industry growing as a whole due to the simplicity and accessibility of our technology."
WAAPA alumna Stella Kelly is a talented musician, educator, and entrepreneur who has redefined accessibility in the creative industries. Graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Jazz and Improvisation in 2020, Stella's journey as a performer and educator exposed her to the challenges faced by event professionals and creatives in securing reliable work.
In response, she founded Event Cloud - a cutting-edge online platform designed to connect event planners with local creative professionals. This innovative service streamlines the process of finding and booking artists, reducing administrative burdens and helping creatives focus on their craft.
ECU Alumna Stella Kelly.
Stella's vision is to grow Event Cloud into a widely used platform that fosters a thriving creative community. By leveraging technology to enhance industry accessibility, she is creating new opportunities for emerging and established artists alike. Her passion for education and the arts continues to drive her mission to support and uplift fellow creatives.
Elsie Penny OAM – A champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Award-winning ECU Alumna Elsie Penny OAM was asked what advice she could share with other women that would help the march forward for equity, she said…
"Empowerment starts with us. Let's uplift each other and honour our cultures, while advocating for equality and justice for all women"
For more than 27 years, Elsie Penny OAM has dedicated her life to improving healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. After completing her Bachelor of Nursing at ECU in 2005, Elsie has played a pivotal role in community health, working tirelessly as the Primary Health Coordinator at the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS).
ECU Alumna Elsie Penny OAM.
Elsie's journey is deeply personal. Taken from her family at the age of seven as part of the Stolen Generations, she has channeled her experiences into a lifelong commitment to caring for others. Through SWAMS, she has contributed to the expansion of services addressing mental health, chronic conditions, maternal care, and aged care, ensuring culturally appropriate and holistic support for First Nations people.
"I'm just honoured to be part of our Aboriginal community and have input in improving the health of my people, because there's still a big gap there," she says. "I hope I've helped people, make someone a bit happier for the day or put a smile on their face by having a yarn with them."
Her unwavering dedication was recognised in 2021 when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to Indigenous health. Elsie is passionate about encouraging more Aboriginal people to enter healthcare, believing that lived experience is key to closing the health gap. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and an enduring commitment to community well-being.
Hear Elsie speak about her work when she was awarded a ECU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.
These three extraordinary women exemplify the values of ECU - innovation, leadership, and service to the community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all, proving that passion, perseverance, and a dedication to making a difference can transform lives.
On International Women's Day, we celebrate Lorna, Stella, and Elsie, and all the incredible women making an impact across industries and communities.
