This year, the Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) turns 40. That’s four decades of bold ideas, feminist collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality in Victoria and beyond. Since 1985, we’ve been backing women and gender diverse people, challenging the status quo, and creating spaces for community-led change.

Now, we’re entering an exciting new chapter.

We’re thrilled to announce that from 1 August, 2025, Dr Kirsten Abernethy will be stepping up as the new Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust.

Kirsten will be taking the reins from Mary Crooks AO, a fierce feminist who has led the organisation for over 28 years. In that time, the Trust has tackled a range of important gender equality policy areas, creating positive outcomes for women’s health, safety, and economic security, while enhancing our civic discourse. Each major initiative has been directly informed by Mary’s strong leadership and unique take on feminist advocacy. 

As a social scientist and lifelong feminist, Kirsten is the ideal candidate to lead the organisation into the next chapter. Over the past two decades, Kirsten has been working at the intersection of gender justice, equity and workers’ rights, looking closely at improving conditions for women in the seafood industry — a space where women are often invisible, underpaid and excluded from power. Kirsten brings fresh eyes, bold ideas, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She’s also a longstanding supporter of the Trust, and a great admirer of our work.

“I’m stepping into this role with a deep respect for the organisation’s history, and an even deeper enthusiasm for what lies ahead,” says Kirsten. “VWT has always been about bold ideas and big-picture change — and I’m honoured to lead our team as we build on that foundation.”

Image above: Victorian Women’s Trust newly appointed Executive Director, Kirsten Abernethy, with Board Chair, Alana Johnson AM. Photo by Breeana Dunbar.

Celebrating 40 Years of Feminist Action

The VWT was founded in 1985 with a 1 million dollar gift from the Cain government to mark the sesqui-centenary of the women’s contributions to Victoria since white settlement. The initial idea was to purchase a building for women. This soon evolved into the notion of a Trust for women, which would advocate and provide annual grants for community initiatives that benefit the lives of women in Victoria.

Today, the Victorian Women’s Trust is 100% independent of government — and still has that original 1 million dollars. Over the decades, we’ve continued to fund grassroots initiatives with our annual grants program; created powerful initiatives like Rosie.org.au, Rural Women Online, Madam Speaker, and Together, Yes; and delivered research and advocacy campaigns across housing, health, economic security, media, and democracy. Our work has always been grounded in the belief that real change happens when you invest in women and the community.

This anniversary year is a time to celebrate our history, acknowledge everything we’ve achieved thanks to our passionate supporters, and look to the future.

Image above: Victorian Women’s Trust staff with newly appointed Executive Director, Kirsten Abernethy. Photo by Breeana Dunbar.

What’s next for VWT?

Under Kirsten’s leadership, VWT will continue to do what we do best: support communities to take action, amplify women’s voices, and hold power to account. In a rapidly changing world, our role remains clear: we stand for justice, equity, and long-term, community-led solutions. 

This is also an opportunity to publicly thank our outgoing Executive Director, Mary Crooks AO, whose visionary leadership has shaped VWT for more than 28 years. Mary’s contributions to feminist policy, strategic thinking and civic leadership in Victoria are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire us well into the future.

So here’s to 40 years, and many more to come!

If you’ve ever read a VWT article, attended one of our events, shared a post, or donated to our work, you are part of this story.
Thank you.