Press Release – March 2004

MISSION SAYS BOARD WOMEN A PLUS

The Weekend Australian (20-21 March) header that only 7 per cent of all board members in Australia are women and unlikely to increase has been roundly countered by Well-Being Australia Inc., a nationally functioning Public Benevolent Institution and Christian Mission.

Three women and four men make up the membership of the national board for Well-Being Australia Inc. and they are spread far and wide.

The Reverend Mrs Jan Croucher of Melbourne, Mrs Shirlene Bennett of Sydney and Mrs Delma Tronson of Moruya south coast of NSW have helped shape the policy and activities of Well-Being Australia Inc.

Jan Croucher is probably one of the most experienced senior clergy women in main line protestantism in Australia with highly recognised credentials in terms of international and national speaking engagements.

“Women bring a diversity in thought, we bring a different perspective and the Gospel has freed women to make an incalculable contribution for good at this level,” Jan said.

With 20 years in pastoral leadership positions Jan Croucher has also been a sounding board to her more illustrious husband, the Reverend Doctor Rowland Croucher, Australia’s leading Christian clergy social, pastoral and theological commentator and carer.

But Jan Croucher is also a realist and understands the pressures upon younger women:

“When women are freed from family responsibilities, they can make a significant contribution in the corporate world, whether that be a Mission Agency or otherwise.”

Mrs Shirlene Bennett is Well-Being Australia’s treasurer and keeper of the books, while Mrs Delma Tronson is an Australian Institute of Sport qualified sexual harrassment contact person, as she and her husband Dr Mark Tronson co-ordinate “Timeout in Moruya” where AIS athletes enjoy rest and recuperation.

Press Release by Well-Being Australia Inc.