The Our Watch Board today announced the appointment of Inaugural Chair Natasha Stott Despoja AO as Life Patron.
Board Chair Moo Baulch OAM said the honour recognised Ms Stott Despoja’s distinguished service as Inaugural Chair of Australia’s first national organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women.
“Our Watch will be forever grateful to Natasha for her instrumental contribution and unwavering commitment to the organisation,” Ms Baulch said.
“Over her eight years as Chair, Natasha lent her name, business development skills, significant contacts and political acumen to support Our Watch’s success.”
“We are delighted that she has accepted this honour as we continue to work towards our vision: an Australia free from violence against women.”
Ms Stott Despoja’s appointment follows the conclusion of her tenure as Inaugural Chair of Our Watch in July 2021 after eight years of service.
Her departure came after her election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in November 2020. She is only the second Australian to hold the position, and the first in 28 years.
Commenting on the new patronship, Ms Stott Despoja said chairing Our Watch was one of the great privileges of her life.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition and steadfast in my commitment to helping create an Australia where all women are safe, equal and valued,” she said.
“In accepting this life patronship, I thank the Our Watch Board and CEO Patty Kinnersly, and send every best wish and solidarity to Moo Baulch who is an inspired and wonderful choice as Chair. As always, I pay tribute to the victims and survivors of violence and those people who work every day to keep women and children safe.”
Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or call 0448 844 930.
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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
To access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children, visit www.ourwatch.org.au/media-and-reporting
Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children.