Di Bane, Clo Bullen OAM, ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath, ECU Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, Dr Roma Winmar, Graham Kerr and Sonia MacKay-Coghill.
The event, now in its 16th year, showcased ECU's unwavering commitment to gender equity and honoured the enduring legacy of Edith Dircksey Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament and an enduring champion for women's rights and education.
This year's event attracted a diverse audience, including ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath, ECU Council members, Student Guild President Pema Chentsho, industry partners, community leaders, alumni, and many extraordinary women and male allies. The President of the Karrakatta Club, which Edith Cowan founded in 1894, was also in attendance, reflecting the deep historical roots of the University's commitment to social justice and equality.
The Edith Cowan Memorial Lecture has become a signature event on ECU's calendar, bringing together students, staff and members of the wider community to reflect on gender equity and celebrate women's contributions to society. This year's edition introduced a new format, featuring a dynamic panel discussion led by ECU's Vice-President (Engagement), Sonia MacKay-Coghill, who also served as the event's MC.
A moving Welcome to Country and thoughtful reflection
The event began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by ECU Elder in Residence, Dr Roma Winmar, affectionately known as "Nan Roma." She captivated the audience with a touching reflection on how International Women's Day brought to mind the vital role of matriarchs in nurturing and sustaining families and communities. Sharing personal stories of her upbringing with 11 brothers who treated her like a queen, she emphasized how positive male role models shape resilient and empowered women.
Dr Roma Winmar, ECU Elder in Residence performed a Welcome to Country for the audience.
Sonia MacKay-Coghill took a moment to honour Yooreel Fanny Balbuk, a fierce Whadjuk Noongar woman of the 19th century who stood against the disruptions caused by early colonization in Boorloo (Perth). She reflected on how Fanny's spirit of resistance and Edith Cowan's determination for gender equality both resonate with the values ECU holds today.
Thought-provoking panel discussion
The event's highlight was an inspiring panel discussion featuring acclaimed leaders known for their bold vision and dedication to equity and women's empowerment:
- Professor Clare Pollock: ECU's Vice-Chancellor and President, with more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education, shared insights from her academic and applied perspective. Professor Pollock emphasised that gender equity is not just a women's issue but a "people issue," highlighting the strength that diversity brings. She spoke passionately about how ECU's role as an educator gives it a unique opportunity to instil the value of equity in the next generation of leaders.
- Di Bain: Chair of Tourism Western Australia and Chair of the WAAPA Advisory Board, Di Bain brought her wealth of experience in marketing, communications, and leadership. She discussed how the tourism and hospitality industries, once seen as a "boys' club," are being transformed by a new wave of female leaders who are fostering more empathetic and productive workplaces. Di shared that while significant progress has been made, more structural changes are still needed to achieve true gender equity.
- Clothilde (Clo) Bullen OAM: A Wardandi (Noongar) and Badimaya (Yamatji) curator and arts leader, Clo is ECU's Manager of Art, Culture and Collections. Recently recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for her services to Indigenous art, she spoke candidly about the barriers faced by women in the arts and the need for legislative change to address gender disparities. Clo also highlighted the importance of flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support for women balancing career and family responsibilities.
- Graham Kerr: CEO and Managing Director of South32, Graham brought a unique perspective as a male ally advocating for diversity in the resource sector. He shared the transformative journey at South32, where proactive diversity strategies have led to women comprising 50% of recent hires. Graham shared a powerful story of a long-serving employee training his granddaughter as an apprentice, illustrating how generational change is gradually taking hold.
Key themes and insights
The central theme of the panel was the urgent need for universal free childcare as a transformative enabler of women's workforce participation. All panellists unanimously agreed that achieving this would significantly advance gender equity.
The discussion also touched on the importance of having women at decision-making tables and the need for society to collectively take responsibility for building a more inclusive future. Professor Pollock emphasised that gender equity must be addressed holistically, advocating for policies that support not just women but all people in the workforce.
Clothilde Bullen discussed the challenges faced by women, particularly Indigenous women and single mothers, in accessing career-building opportunities. She called for innovative approaches to event scheduling and workplace flexibility to accommodate diverse needs, highlighting the power of seemingly small changes to create significant impact.
Graham Kerr's reflections on progress in the mining sector were both candid and hopeful. He emphasised that cultural change requires consistent effort and commitment from leadership to reshape attitudes and promote diversity at all levels.
Celebrating bold vision and courage
Reflecting on the event, and thanking fellow panel members, Professor Pollock spoke to the importance of courageous conversations and bold visions in dismantling barriers to equality. She acknowledged that progress has been made but urged continued action to empower women and achieve lasting change.
The event concluded with a sense of unity and inspiration, as attendees were left with a renewed commitment to advancing gender equity in their own spheres of influence.
Di Bane, President of the Karrakatta Club Marina Valmadre with ECU Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock.
A lasting legacy
The Edith Cowan Memorial Lecture once again demonstrated ECU's leadership in advocating for women's rights and gender equity. The new format, with its engaging panel discussion and candid conversations, resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing ECU's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Edith Cowan University remains committed to celebrating and honouring women's achievements while championing the ongoing pursuit of equality.
