Comments made by Mark Latham today in his podcast on Triple M provide a timely reminder that we have a long way to go in Australia to change attitudes about men’s violence against women.

Of note:

• The National Excellence in Educational Leadership Initiative is partnering with Women & Leadership Australia to provide a national scholarship program for female leaders across the education sector. More details here.

• Registrations are now open for the 2016 WAVE Conference and the 2016 AVETRA Conference.
• Call for presentations: ‘No Frills’ Conference 2016 (closes 22 February 2016)
• Call for presentations: VETnetwork Australia 2016 Biennial National Conference (closes 29 January 2016)

WEL NSW Executive Member, Mary O'Sullivan, writes about the joint submission made by WEL and OWN to the NSW Parliament Upper House inquiry into elder abuse in NSW and the growing challenge to the dignity, rights and well-being of older people.

Wendy McCarthy AO, one of WEL's founders and long time member, will address members at the WEL NSW AGM on Saturday 28 November. The title of Wendy's talk is Women's refuges - where to now?

Today there is great news from SOS Women's Services for women's and girls' refuges. The NSW Government has made a major announcement that there will be no tender process in 18 months and all women's refuges and other services will be funded until 2020.

Congratulations to Ludo McFerran, one of the finalists for the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) 2015 Human Rights Community Award.

Join us for our 2015 Annual General Meeting on Saturday 28 November 2015

When: 10.30am - Noon, Saturday 28 November 2015

Where: 8-10 Victoria St, Newtown, 2042

Party to follow with food and wine to celebrate our new premises and our new members.

Pass all the laws you like, but women and their children fleeing domestic violence need specialised refuges.

WEL is looking for volunteers to join WEL and become active members in one of four Action Groups - Violence Against Women, Affordable Housing, Reproductive Rights and a Federal Election Campaign Group.

Our aim is to recruit two Volunteer Team Leaders to develop resources and procedures to support our volunteers as well as increase the diversity and geographic reach of our base of support.