Pathways to Politics alums celebrated at Victoria’s Government House

Last month at Government House, the Victorian Pathways to Politics for Women program celebrated the graduating 2023 cohort together with alums spanning every cohort since the program launched at the University of Melbourne in 2016.

The evening was filled with gratitude, recognition, and a palpable sense of optimism for the future of Australian politics.

Crowd of women listening to an address by the Governor of Victoria

The event was graciously hosted by Her Excellency Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria, in what has become a special graduation tradition for Pathways to Politics in Victoria.

Founder Carol Schwartz AO addressed the room of more than 120 guests, expressing excitement at the political progress of the alums present since participating in the program.

Photo of University of Melbourne Provost Nicola Phillips, Carol Schwartz AO, Her Excellency Margaret Gardner, and Alan Schwartz. They are standing in a grand hallway with green carpet. — University of Melbourne Provost Prof. Nicola Phillips, Carol Schwartz AO, Her Excellency Margaret Gardner AC, and Alan Schwartz

Women listening to a lecture, seated in rows in a grand room — 2023 graduates were given a lecture on the role of the Governor by Jonathan Burke, Official Secretary to the Governor of Victoria

Other esteemed guests included Jonathan Burke, Official Secretary to the Governor of Victoria, who gave an illuminating lecture on the role of the Governor to the 2023 graduating cohort.

The University of Melbourne, a foundational partner of Pathways to Politics, and Provost Professor Nicola Phillips, were also recognised for their instrumental support.

Several members of the Victorian program’s Steering Committee were in attendance, including: former Federal Liberal Member for Higgins and Pathways to Politics alum, Dr Katie Allen; former State Labor Member for Western Victoria, the Hon. Jaala Pulford MP; Acting Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece, and; State Liberal Member for Evelyn and Pathways to Politics alum Bridget Vallence MP.

Close up of a crowd of women listening to an address in a grand room

Acknowledging the vital leadership of National Co-Convenors Sarah Buckley and Dr. Meredith Martin, Carol emphasised the significant growth and impact of the program both in Victoria and nationally.

Underscoring the program’s success, with over 450 alums nationwide and 34 electoral successes across local, state and federal levels of government, Carol emphasised the ongoing commitment to supporting alums through skills sessions, networking events, and mentoring.

“This is a meaningful result and just the beginning of what we hope to see in the coming years,” she said. “We remain focused on how to support all Pathways alums over the next 10-20 years. We want to see each of you succeed in your political aspirations.”

The graduating 2023 Victorian cohort were warmly welcomed into the Pathways to Politics alum community.

“I want to recognise and celebrate the wonderful 2023 cohort in front of me, whose talent and potential in this room fills me with optimism about the future of politics in Australia,” Carol remarked.

A special mention was given to Bronwyn Currie who recently ran in the seat of Mulgrave, Stephanie Hunt who is running for pre-selection in Goldstein, and recently elected mayor of Mitchell Shire Council, Cr. Louise Bannister.

Close up of a silver pin in a black jewellery box, with a blue Pathways to Politics card propped next to it

An exclusive Pathways pin was also unveiled. Designed by artist Allona Gorren, the pin serves as a reminder of the collective strength of our powerful and diverse community of women who are committed to driving meaningful change through political leadership. The Governor was presented with her own pin.

In her closing remarks, Carol expressed her confidence in the transformative power of collective action:

“Together, we are literally changing the face of Australian politics. You are all part of this critical shift, and I greatly look forward to following your journeys in the years and decades ahead.”