Acknowledgement Of Country

We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection to country – to the land, air, waterways, oceans, animals and plants – and recognise the wisdom and culture that has seen them thrive for thousands of years. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and, with humility and courage, wholeheartedly commit heads, hearts and hands to a path of healing, restitution and justice, embracing the wisdom of those who can guide us. We will fulfil our responsibility with honesty and integrity, we will challenge injustice, and - in all of this - we will hold ourselves accountable.

Join us

Join the leading organisation for gender equity in the Barwon South West region.

Now recruiting

Volunteer Board Members

Are you passionate about gender equality, women’s health and creating meaningful change in the Barwon South West?

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West Inc. (WHWBSW) is seeking expressions of interest for volunteer Board Member positions.

WHWBSW is an independent, not-for-profit, intersectional feminist organisation committed to gender equality and evidence-based health promotion.

We work towards an ambitious vision where women are healthy, safe and equal. Our work is grounded in evidence and excellence — leading change by shifting public discussion, translating research into action, and advocating for policy reform across all levels of government, business, and community.

Our Board consists of women and gender diverse people from across the Barwon South West region. The Board plays a critical role in the organisation’s governance, strategic direction, and oversight of performance and compliance.

We are seeking values aligned women and gender diverse people who are highly committed to the vision and priorities of our organisation with demonstrated governance experience.

We value diverse individual perspectives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, women from the LGBTQIA+ community, women of trans experience and gender diverse people are strongly encouraged to apply.

BOARD POSITION INFORMATION:

TERMS

Board positions are for a two year term with the opportunity to nominate for three consecutive terms.

REMUNERATION

All voluntary Board positions are unpaid however Board Members will be supported to participate fully in activities. This includes reimbursement for costs associated with travel or care of dependents, adaptation of meetings and materials to ensure accessibility, and group learning and development opportunities. While Board meetings are currently held online via Zoom, travel for face-to-face meetings may occur on an as- needs basis and the associated travel cost would be considered a necessary expense.

BOARD MAKE-UP

The WHWBSW Board consists of women and gender diverse people from across the Barwon South West region. Office bearer positions include Board Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer, and Subcommittee Chair/s.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Board plays a critical role in governance, supporting the health of the organisation through diligent oversight of business and compliance performance, strategy, financial management, risk management, and governance systems. The Board upholds good governance principles and practice and has a commitment to growth and development.

BOARD MEMBER – ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated experience and understanding of governance principles and practices.
  • A strong commitment to the vision, purpose, and values of Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West, consistent with the organisation’s Strategic Plan.
  • Integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards in all aspects of governance and leadership.
  • Sound judgement and well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team of Board members.
  • Confidence and independence of thought, with the ability to contribute constructively to discussion and decision-making, even when perspectives differ.
  • A demonstrated commitment to promoting and representing the organisation and its vision to stakeholders and the broader community.
  • Capacity to commit to minimum 6 meetings annually plus 4 Committee meetings
  • Eligibility to hold a governance position under Australian law (i.e. not insolvent or under administration).
  • An understanding of, or interest in, the women’s health sector and health promotion practice is desirable but not essential.

 

Application Details

Please download a copy of the position description here 

Applications Close on the 30 November, 2025.

Applicants are requested to provide a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, a statement addressing the Board Member essential requirements and a current resume. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a police check, ASIC check and a Working with Children check.

Please submit your applications via email to ceo-office@womenshealthbsw.org.au 

Confidential enquiries can be made to Jodie Hill  

E:  ceo-office@womenshealthbsw.org.au 

WHWBSW has a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal exemption no: H291/2024 enabling the organisation to:

  1. Advertise for and employ only women and gender diverse people
  2. Provide a service for only women and gender diverse people, and
  3. Restrict membership of the organisation to individuals who are women and gender diverse people

WHWBSW defines a woman as an adult person who identifies as a woman regardless of their sex assigned at birth, including cisgender and transgender women. WHWBSW defines gender diverse people as people who identify as non-binary or gender fluid, and/or who do not identify exclusively as one gender.