About the network
The Victorian Public Sector Women of Colour Network (WoCN) is a staff-led collective run by and for self-identifying women of colour across the Victorian public sector.
The network was established in January 2019 by a group of passionate women in Department of Premier and Cabinet's Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division.
We strive to create a safe and inclusive space that allows us to:
- contribute our policy, community and lived experience to inform the development of policies and programs that better meet the needs of communities
- advocate for our professional and personal development
- improve diversity and inclusion practices across the VPS including through recruitment, retention, and progression of diverse talents.
Our champions
Fred Alale AM
Director, Financial Systems and Projects Branch, Financial Services Division, Department of Education
Ro Allen
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner
Tom Bell
Executive Director, First Peoples Self Determination Division, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Sharon Deano
Director, Compliance and Enforcement, Energy Essential Services Commission
Dishella Fernando
Executive Director, Transformation, Development and Capability, Department of Justice and Community Safety
Monica Kelly
Executive Director, Prevention, Policy and First Peoples Branch, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health
Esther Kwali
Director, Strategy and Productivity, Infrastructure Division, Department of Treasury and Finance
Vanya Kumar
Executive Director, Innovation, Commercial and Investment Attraction, Energy Group, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Dr Bridie O'Donnell
Executive Director, Public Health Network and Programs, Department of Health
Wei-Fong Yee
Director, System Planning, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health
Strategic objectives
Connect and Grow
Build our membership to become safe community within the VPS for women of colour to receive support and bring our allies and champions with us on this journey.
Amplify and Elevate
To bring awareness to issues experienced by women of colour and advocate for a more inclusive VPS for all intersectional communities. To be represented and celebrated across the VPS.
Transform and Embed
To influence systems' change to remove barriers for women of colour. To provide expertise and advice to support VPS to become an employer of choice for women of colour in Victoria and be reflective of its community.
How can I get involved?
Membership is free and open to all Victorian Public Sector employees who identifies as a woman of colour.
Employees across the VPS, who are not a woman of colour and wish to support the objectives of the network, can join as an Ally member.
Learn about upcoming events and ways to get involved by signing up through our LinkedIn group or by joining our Innovation Network group.
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