Beginning of a new Era

History

Based in the City of Latrobe, Gippsland, the International Women’s (IWG) was formed on International Women’s Day, 8th March, 1996.

In 1996 a workshop for migrant women was conducted by Gippsland Multicultural Services (then the Gippsland Migrant Resource Centre) along with Latrobe Community Health Service. Eight women attended the workshop and realised the need to form multicultural support group for women in the local area. The decision was made to meet every second month and as result the International Women’s Group was formed. Today we have over 100 members from 16 nationalities and always welcome new members from any cultural background.

The aim of the group are:

to accept women of any age accept women of any ethnic background
to discuss women’s issues including those related to family, health and community
to provide an opportunity to get together and socialise
to invite guest speakers on women’s issues
to share experiences of our own country and to compare differences and explore similarities
to go on trips and outings

Statement of Purpose

1. We are women from different countries getting together to socialize, to learn from each other about each other’s different cultures such as cooking, dance and songs.

2. We provide a very friendly environment to learn and respect tolerance, respecting the opinions of each other, sharing knowledge and improving our communication by using “one” common language being, English.

3. Speakers are invited providing us with different information about different topics such as, Health & Legal issues and various other topics for discussion.

4. Trips are organised to enhance our knowledge of the local and metropolitan areas providing an opportunity for all to see and experience different and new things.

Awards

In recognition of service the International Women’s Group was nominated/received the following awards;

2025 Latrobe City Harmony Day 2024 Event of the Year
2018 Latrobe City Welcoming and Age Friendly Award
2017 Community Service of the Year Latrobe City Council Australia Day Award
2012 Gippsland and Cardinia Regional Diversity Award for Meritorious Service
2005 Victorian Multicultural Ambassador Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs

The following members have received awards for:

2025 Senior Citizen of the Year

Delia D’Amico

Excellence in Multicultural Affairs –

Rosa Schirato
Llerma Valencic
Lourdes Aragon
Tess Jordan
Thelma Davies
Amparo Miller
Soula Kanellopoulos
Anne Douglas
Wendy Brown