To be a strong and respected voice of graduate women working for the advancement and wellbeing of women and girls through education.
We believe education is essential for:
- Empowering women
- Reducing poverty
- Improving health
- Supporting human rights
- Maintaining human security
- Building peace
Our Expert People Will Help You
Graduate Women NSW unites graduate women across New South Wales to work in friendship, cooperation and understanding with one another — and with our national and international partners.
We work:
- With Australian Graduate Women nationally
- With Graduate Women International globally
- Inclusively, irrespective of race, religion or political opinion
We strive to:
- Promote equitable educational opportunities and lifelong learning
- Improve the status and wellbeing of women and girls
- Encourage women and girls to become active leaders and decision-makers
- Inspire and support women graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in
service to local, national and international communities
Summary
Graduate Women NSW traces its origins to the late nineteenth century, when women first gained access to university education in Australia. From those pioneering beginnings, generations of graduate women have worked together to promote education, equity, and leadership.
Founded on principles of scholarship, friendship, and advocacy, the organisation has evolved through different names and structures while remaining steadfast in its mission: to advance the status of women and girls through education.
Our Founders
On 19 May 1892, nineteen women met to form The Sydney University Women’s Association (SUWA) — the foundation of what would become Graduate Women NSW.
Two remarkable women led this movement.
Louisa MacDonald BA MA
● First President of SUWA (1892)
● First Principal of The Women’s College
● Advocate for women’s participation in university governance
● Linked to the Womanhood Suffrage League of NSW
Louisa was a classics scholar from University College London and a strong public advocate for women’s education and civic participation.
Jane Foss Russell BA MA
● Co-founder of SUWA
● First Tutor to Women Students at the University of Sydney
● Pioneer in science and mathematics education
● Leader in the National Council of Women NSW
Jane was one of the most brilliant early women graduates in Australia, distinguished in chemistry, physics and mathematics at a time when few women studied science.
She later became the second President of SUWA.
History Notes
Foundations
1871 – Girls admitted to Junior and Senior Public Examinations at the University of Sydney
1881 – Women admitted to the University of Sydney
1885 – First women BAs graduate
1892 – Sydney University Women’s Association Established
1919 – First woman elected to University Senate
1921 – Australian Federation of University Women formed
Growth & National Leadership
1922 – First AFUW Conference (Sydney)
1950s–60s – Branches Expanded Across NSW
1968 – First Jamieson Awards
1974 – Name changed to AFGW–NSW
1975 – International Women’s Year
Scholarship Expansion & Modern Era
1982 – Centenary Maths Prize established 1995 – Education Trust settled 2002 – Website launched
2008 – First AFGW-NSW Education Trust Award
2017 – 125 Years Celebrated
2019 – Transition to Graduate Women NSW Inc
2021 – Centenary of admission to IFUW
2025 – Merle Thompson Emerita
Central Committee & Office Bearers
The Executives for GW-NSW Inc are:
Dr Christine Jennett
Ms Susan White