General News
24 April, 2026
Celebration to mark 30 years of empowerment
BUSINESS and Professional Women South West (BPWSW) will this year celebrate 30 years of empowering and supporting women.
The group invites all past and present members to celebrate three decades at a special event at ‘Vida’ in Warrnambool on Saturday, May 16.
The group’s origins date back to September 1995 when around 90 enthusiastic local women gathered at Otway House with the vision of forming a club to support and empower women in the region.
Led by local business women, Dorothy Mahony, Margaret O’Keefe and Carolyn Monaghan, with leadership delegates from the BPW Geelong and Melbourne clubs, the group set out to become an affiliated BPW club.
Business and Professional Women South West (BPW SW) was formally chartered at a gala dinner on May 18, 1996, with 47 financial members presented to BPW Australia president Maria Doolan, and representatives from BPW clubs across Victoria.
Over the past 30 years, BPW SW has grown into a strong, vibrant club with an annual membership averaging 50 financial members.
Members have supported local charities and projects, represented the club at national and international conferences, and contributed to the local community.
Along the way, they have gained invaluable personal and professional development through inspiring speakers, mentoring opportunities, and connections with women of all ages and interests forming lasting friendships.
BPW south west president Mel Curtis invited past and present members to help celebrate this milestone - to reconnect with old friends, meet current members, and reflect on the many achievements of BPW south west.
For more information and to express your interest in attending contact BPW South West engagement officer Kim Kavanagh at bpwsouthwest@gmail.com or on 0438 626 004.
Bookings are required by Friday, May 8 and can be made at Humanitix – https://events.humanitix.com/bpw-south-west30year-celebration.
