For more than 15 years, the Women of West Heidelberg (WoWH) have been a constant source of connection, care, and community spirit. What began as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Project has grown into a vibrant group of local women who meet regularly, fundraise tirelessly, and support each other through life’s ups and downs.
When the original project funding ended, members could have quietly gone their separate ways. Instead, they chose to keep the group alive — led first by Betty Dodd, and since 2012 by Wendy Ogden.
Making a difference close to home
From their weekly fundraising stalls in the foyer of 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg, the women have raised thousands of dollars to support local families, schools, and charities. Their generosity has funded everything from prams for young parents, excursions for children at Charles La Trobe College, and a washing machine for a grandmother raising her grandchildren – to larger contributions like $5,000 to the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Centre in memory of members lost to cancer. Since resuming fundraising after COVID, the group has already donated more than $15,000 back into the community.
More than fundraising
But WoWH is about much more than money. Members describe the group as a lifeline of friendship, laughter and connection. During COVID, they kept spirits high with a Messenger chat group, Zoom trivia nights, recipe swaps and endless conversations. That sense of belonging still binds the group together today.
“I have made lifelong friends from this group. They have supported me through thick and thin — especially the pandemic. Life would be boring for me if I wasn’t part of the Women of West Heidelberg,” Wendy Ogden reflected.
Each year, the group has proudly hosted International Women’s Day events, welcoming inspiring guest speakers such as Jill Hennessy (former Victorian Minister for Health), Aunty Faye Carter (First Nations Elder), Nicola Roxon (former Federal Health Minister), Jenny Macklin (former Federal MP), and local Paralympian Amanda Carter. These celebrations have become a highlight of the WoWH calendar, alongside Biggest Morning Teas, Knit in Public days, Morning Melodies, and simple but cherished catch-ups over coffee, fish and chips, or craft.
Looking ahead
Though many of the founding members have now passed, the legacy of Nan, Betty, Lillian, Pauline, Janette and others lives on. Current members say what keeps them coming back is simple: friendship, fun, and the chance to give back. Wendy looks forward to handing on the baton,
“I look forward to the group involving younger women from the community to carry on the work we have done over many years.”
The Women of West Heidelberg prove that when women come together, they not only strengthen each other — they strengthen the whole community.
Timeline
- 2008 – Group founded under the Neighbourhood Renewal Project, led by Betty Dodd.
- 2012 – Wendy Ogden becomes Convenor; members from other local women’s groups join.
- 2012–2019 – Weekly fundraising stalls held at Banyule Community Health, raising funds for local causes and hosting annual International Women’s Day events with inspiring guest speakers.
- 2020 – During COVID, members keep connected through a Messenger chat group, Zoom trivia, recipe swaps, and daily check-ins.
- 2022 – Fundraising resumes after the pandemic, with more than $15,000 donated since December.
- Today – The group continues to meet regularly, host events, and support local individuals and charities — proving the power of friendship, fun, and community spirit.
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