Image above: Mary with musician Kavisha Mazzella at Federation Square at the launch of the Women’s Anthem in 2008, commissioned by the Victorian Women’s Trust. Photo by Ponch Hawkes.
Dear friends of the Victorian Women’s Trust,
Today, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the important contributions of our outgoing Executive Director, Mary Crooks AO. After 28 years of leadership, she will step down at the end of July, 2025.
Image: Mary (circa 1999) taken at VWT’s old headquarters on Bourke Street, Melbourne.
We owe enormous thanks to Mary for building the Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) into such a key organisation with its prized independence and feminist advocacy. She has led with distinction, intellect, energy and selflessness. Every major initiative by Mary over her 28 years at the Trust has been pathbreaking, of the highest quality and extremely impactful.
Image above: Mary speaking at ‘Credit Where Credit is Due’ in 2013, an event hosted by the Victorian Women’s Trust at the Melbourne Town Hall to honour the impact of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Photo by Ponch Hawkes.
Making history through feminist activism
Many thousands of people have been involved and positively affected by by Mary’s work. The changes have been history making. Mary’s driving vision has been of a Victorian Women’s Trust which remains strong, sustainable and there for generations to come.
She has been steadfast in this endeavour, creating Sub-Funds, establishing our national harm prevention entity, The Dugdale Trust for Women & Girls, securing VWT’s permanent home in Clifton Hill, and raising the required funds to start annual budgeting on a known-income basis.
These remarkable achievements are due largely to Mary’s singular drive, her talent for bringing out the best in people, and the shared vision of wonderful donors.
Image: VWT Economic Security Summer Intensive, 2019. Photo by Breeana Dunbar.
Make a gift in Mary’s honour
Instead of a public event to celebrate her contribution, Mary’s preference is to encourage everyone to contribute to our Equal Futures Endowment Fund, to cement her sustained effort in guaranteeing the Victorian Women’s Trust for the long term. With your help, we can ensure the Victorian Women’s Trust continues to be a voice for generations of women, girls and gender diverse people. Every donation to the Endowment Fund will be acknowledged on our permanent Honour Roll. Thank you for your generosity.
Please join us in honouring Mary and her feminist legacy by making a donation and sending her a personal message. If you have already made a contribution — thank you — we are very appreciative.
Warm regards,
Alana Johnson AM
Chair, Victorian Women’s Trust