About us

Founding members Maureen McPhate, Fran Rule (hidden), Judith Couacaud Graley, Val McKenna with Denise Hassett at SWAN’s 25th Anniversary. Photo supplied.

SWAN was established in 1996 by a group of like-minded women living on the Mornington Peninsula and in the Frankston environs to advocate for social justice and play an active involvement in the community. It provides a forum for women to discuss and learn about social justice issues through bi-monthly meetings with guest speakers on topics such as human rights, homelessness, gender equality, aged care, the environment, gender-based violence and First Nations issues.

Past speakers have included Victoria’s first female Premier The Hon Joan Kirner AM, AC; Human Rights advocate Prof Gillian Triggs AC; Family Violence campaigner Rosie Batty AO; Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Christine Nixon AO, APM, and proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, activist and storyteller Teela Reid.

What do we do?

Current initiatives:

SWAN Val McKenna Young Women’s Advocacy Award
SWAN Women for Housing justice
SWAN Women Against Gender-Based Violence

Previous initiatives:

2024 and 2025 Conducted two Roundtables on Housing and Homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula, involving community leaders and representatives of all levels of government.
2024 Facilitated a March against Gender based Violence in Mornington.
2023 Publication of When Women Meetdocumenting SWAN’s unique long-term history.
2021-23 Government submission for the Constitutional Enshrinement of a First Nations Voice and conducted two public forums in the lead up to the Voice referendum (Mt Eliza and Rosebud).
2011-2021 Bursaries for disadvantaged postgraduate students researching social justice issues.
2021 Government submission for the Constitutional Enshrinement of a First Nations Voice

Our monthly newsletter SWAN NEWS provides information about up-coming events, social justice actions and social catchups where members meet to discuss issues and enjoy friendship that comes from sharing common values.

Want to Know More?

You are welcome to attend our General Meetings and hear our guest speaker. See our Home page for details.

Or our more casual Coffee Catch Ups. See our Home page for details.

Check out our Newsletters

If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email swanwomen@outlook.com