On 30 June the new Bonnie’s was launched.

The day started out with our team excited but anxious about how the day would go. (Just like any party, I guess.) We shouldn’t have worried though. It was perfect – the rain stayed away but our guests didn’t. A big crowd came to celebrate our 40 year anniversary and our new-look service for the future. Guests included some of our original founding women, workers from other services, members of parliament and of course women and their children who were and continue to be supported. We were glad they could be part of our big day.

There were a lot of laughs and some tears too as we heard the amazing stories of what it took to get to where we are today and the changes to women’s rights over the years. We were also reminded of what hasn’t changed and the work still needing to be done. Our archive of documents, newspaper clippings, video footage and the written stories from the women and children who have received assistance throughout the years was on display too. More laughs and more tears!

Inspiration came from our chair Betty Green, Tanya Davies MP, founder Susan Varga, our brand consultant Moya Sayer-Jones, Mary Perkins, Dr Leslie Laing and our Executive Manager Tracy Phillips. They spoke about how those early feminist victories have given women strength and hope to keep on fighting for necessary changes ahead.

Our long history and the grit and determination of so many women over so many years, gives us ‘youngies’ at Bonnie’s great hope. We are part of a big story that continues every day.

Read more about our history here.

Written by An