Media Release

YWCA Canberra’s report into the 2025 Our Lives survey has been released. The 2025 Our Lives survey received nearly 2,800 responses from women and non-binary people across the ACT and region. The survey provides a strong understanding of the lives of Canberra women and tracks personal safety, financial wellbeing, housing, and future perspectives. The Our…

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YWCA Canberra welcomes progress in the Legislative Assembly today to declare public and community housing developments as Territory Priority Projects. This amendment streamlines these housing developments that have received prior planning approval exempting them from costly and lengthy third-party appeals. Canberra is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue…

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As Floriade draws to a close for another blooming season, YWCA Canberra is proud to celebrate its role as the 2025 Charity Partner of Allhomes for The Great Big Bulb Dig, taking place on Monday 13 October 2025. This much-loved community event marks the end of Floriade by inviting Canberrans to take home a piece…

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YWCA Canberra welcomes the announcement today by the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson to introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control by mid-2026.   Speaking at a media doorstop today alongside Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Director of Policy and Advocacy at YWCA Canberra, Leah Dwyer…

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YWCA Canberra is proud to announce that we have been awarded Large Employer of the Year at the 2025 ACT Training Awards, held last night at the National Museum of Australia. The ACT Training Awards are the peak national awards recognising excellence in the VET and skills sector. The awards highlight the outstanding contributions of…

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The 11th Annual She Leads Conference is set to take place in Canberra tomorrow, welcoming over 250 delegates with a sold-out Networking Night this evening, showcasing the city as a hub for women’s leadership.  This year, Canberra proudly hosts some of Australia’s most dynamic and prominent women leaders. Emceed by comedian Chris Ryan, the conference…

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EDIT: We would like to issue a correction regarding our ACT Budget Media Release published 25/6/26. We are pleased to clarify that an additional $400,000 has been allocated to the Escaping Violence Payment. Every effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of our policy work and analysis, and we are grateful for the correction provided. YWCA…

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YWCA Canberra has welcomed the commitment, announced today at a pre-budget announcement by Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, to strengthen support for children impacted by domestic and family violence.   The ACT Government has committed $300,000 a year for four years to support the recruitment and retention of…

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YWCA Canberra has launched the fourth wave of the successful Our Lives: Women in the ACT Survey.  “The responses to the Our Lives survey reveal the true story of women in Canberra—their struggles, their resilience, and their aspirations for the future. This powerful survey not only informs YWCA Canberra’s advocacy agenda but also serves as…

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On the morning of Tuesday 29 April, YWCA Canberra proudly hosted its annual Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers to celebrate the outstanding recipients of the 2025 Great Ydeas Small Grants Program.  Established in 2010 to mark YWCA Canberra’s 80th anniversary, the Great Ydeas Small Grants Program has empowered over…

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