A Powerful Beginning: Official Launch of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective

 

Last Thursday, the Geelong Community Foundation proudly launched the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective — bringing together a vibrant community of women and allies united by a shared vision of collective giving, local leadership, and lasting change for women and girls across our region.

With over 150 guests in attendance, the evening was defined by connection, energy and a strong sense of shared purpose. The room reflected a growing movement of people coming together through women-led philanthropy to advance gender equality in our region.

A Collective Vision for Change

The Geelong Women’s Impact Collective is grounded in a powerful shift in philanthropy — one that recognises the unique strength of women’s giving. When women come together to give collectively, build trust-based relationships and lead with purpose, the impact is deeper, more connected, and more enduring.

“Look around you and see the collective power you are creating right now.”
— Melissa Smith, CEO, She Gives

Designed as a giving circle, the Collective brings together women and allies who are passionate about addressing inequality and improving outcomes for women and girls in the Geelong region. Members learn together, make informed decisions, and direct funding to high-impact local initiatives — while also contributing to a growing fund that supports long-term, sustainable change.

 

Why This Work Matters

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the realities of gender inequality — not as a distant issue, but as something experienced every day by women and girls in our own community.

Geelong Community Foundation CEO Amy Waters spoke powerfully about the importance of recognising that inequality is not abstract:

“Gender inequality isn’t abstract — it’s happening here, in our community, to people we know.”

Dr Renee Fiolet, a Geelong-based researcher and long-standing advocate for women, highlighted the persistent challenges facing women across Australia and the critical role of community-led, place-based action in driving meaningful change.

“When we change outcomes for women, the benefits ripple across our whole community.”

In a special video message, Melissa Smith, Founder of She Gives, placed the Collective within a broader national movement — one that is seeing women come together in new ways to grow giving and create impact.

Together, these voices reinforced both the urgency of the work — and the opportunity we have, as a community, to respond.

 

A Growing Community

Since announcing the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective in February, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

We are proud to now have 78 Founding Members — individuals who have stepped forward with generosity, leadership and a shared commitment to creating lasting change.

We are deeply grateful to each of our Founding Members for their belief in this initiative and the role they are playing in building something meaningful for our community.

 

Looking Ahead

The launch marks an important step forward for female-led philanthropy in Geelong.

Through the Collective, members will support locally delivered programs that improve safety, wellbeing, opportunity and leadership for women and girls — both now and for generations to come.

By pooling contributions and investing for the future, the Collective is designed to deliver both immediate impact and long-term, sustainable change.

This is about more than funding — it is about participation, connection and shared responsibility, and shaping a better future for our region.

 

 

Join the Collective

We warmly invite you to become a Member of the Geelong Women’s Impact Collective by donating $1,000 annually or $84 monthly. Founding Membership closes 11:59pm Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Join a growing movement of women and allies committed to creating lasting change here.

Together, we can take meaningful steps toward gender equality — creating a more connected, fair and thriving Geelong for all.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Collective please click here or contact Sheridan Emond-Salmon, Philanthropy Manager, on 0434 264 102 or philanthropy@geelongfoundation.org.