Preserving a legacy: QVWC launches appeal to support historic building

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) has launched its Community Appeal Fund, calling on the public to help raise $20,000 by June 30, 2025.

The appeal seeks support to safeguard the QVWC building, an important historical and cultural space, ensuring it remains a place where women and gender-diverse people can thrive for years to come.

The Community Appeal runs alongside QVWC’s Conservation Appeal, which accepts tax-deductible donations through the National Trust.

Although donations to the Community Appeal are not tax deductible, organisers emphasise that every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in preserving QVWC’s legacy.

“Contributing to the Conservation or Community Appeal, big or small, shows you care about preserving the QVWC’s extraordinary history, making sure we’re still standing strong for future generations of women,” QVWC CEO Keryn Negri said.

The overall vision is to raise $4 million over four years to fund major works outlined in the QVWC’s recently updated Conservation Management Plan.

Donations will support one or more of the following projects:

Project 1: Historical Interpretation and Landscape Renewal

Project 2: Public Art Honouring Dr Constance Stone and Victoria’s first medical women

Project 3: Conservation of the Tower Turrets

Project 4: Conservation of Lonsdale St Balconies

Project 5: Feminist Historian in Residence Fellowship

QVWC is calling on the community to help preserve this extraordinary site as a lasting symbol of inclusion, empowerment and living history for generations to come. •