General News
31 May, 2024
BPW president steps back after 30 years
SOUTH west Victoria’s Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW)s president is taking a step back from her role after 30 years of service.
Kim Kavanagh will continue her work with the BPW but has officially retired as the president of the south west Victorian chapter.
BPW is an international network of women who work for gender equality and empowerment through projects, events and advocacy.
At the local club level members meet, network and socialise and gain new skills through attending informative monthly dinner meetings and workshops.
For over 30 years Ms Kavanagh has enjoyed a rewarding career in retail, tourism, hospitality, museum and event management; all while balancing the joys and challenges of raising a family.
Her association with BPW began when the local chapter of the club, BPW South West (BPW SW), was founded in Warrnambool in 1996.
Ms Kavanagh said she had been in the role of president since 2005.
“As club president, my most significant accomplishment has been leading the club through a near collapse in 2005, with just 10 financial members, to its thriving state, now welcoming an average of 60 financial members each year,” she said.
“My involvement has always been as an active participant in various aspects of the organisation at local and national levels.
“I have held positions on the committee as secretary, treasurer and president, a role I held from 2005 until this year, 2024.
“These opportunities provided valuable education in the running of business meetings, conducting agendas, organising events and public speaking.”
Ms Kavanagh has brought a diverse group of women together to organise regular monthly dinner meetings offering education and fun to an average of 40 women at each event.
Since 2012, the club has held an annual community breakfast event with over 100 attendees.
In 2019, BPW SW was chosen to host the Victorian BPW club forum in Warrnambool with 98 participants from around the state and interstate attending the three-day event.
Ms Kavanagh said she will continue to hold the position of admissions officer on the Committee of Management of the BPW, owned and operated Probus Women’s Housing Vic Inc.
“This role allows me to contribute to the operations of two blocks of flats situated in Glen Iris to house disadvantaged older professional women.,” she said.
“Through my membership of BPW I am proud to assist in making a difference in the lives of single women who have found themselves without the comfort and independence of their own home.”
BPW SW’s new president Mel Curtis said she was honoured to continue Ms Kavanagh’s legacy
“Kim is the epitome of a good president and she has been there from the very start of BPW South West, her ongoing efforts to support and foster women across the region is an inspiration,” she said.
“I only hope I can continue her work to offer opportunities for advocacy, support and mentoring of women - and have some fun as well.”
Ms Kavanagh said she had many great moments over the past 30 years.
“My proudest achievements from my involvement with BPW SW are: the resurrection of the club from its almost demise in 2005 to the vibrant club it is today, receiving two special BPW National Achievement Awards, encouraging new member engagement, involvement in the Probus Women’s Housing, and the many BPW friends I have made locally, nationally, and internationally,” she said.
“And I continue to work for the welfare and betterment of women and our general community.”
