IN her 50 years with Business and Professional Women Swan Hill, Marie Schlemme has advocated for women and girls here and overseas.
Mrs Schlemme joined BPW soon after moving to Swan Hill while working as a secretary in the federal parliament in 1975.
In her time, she has served as the Swan Hill, state and eventually national president of BPW from 1985 to 1987, and was the BPW representative at the World Congress for Women in Moscow in 1987.
Mrs Schlemme was named Swan Hill Citizen of the Year in 2012 and earned the BPW Australia Jean Arnot award and an Order of Australia Medal award in 2014.
“Through BPW I’ve been able to take advantage of opportunities that have helped me grow, I’ve learned how to assemble and lead a team that brings in expertise and I’ve connected with people all around the world who have taught me so much,” she said.
“Meeting women at international conferences who had similar views on life and hearing about what they were doing around the world was an amazing experience.”
At home, Mrs Schlemme has been involved in advocating for women’s rights, providing resources to improve women’s employment prospects, and mobilising her network to provide relief to women and families in need.
“I’ve always wanted to give back, so if I am capable I like to do what I can,” she said.
“I like the way BPW goes about things, beating the drum when we need to and advocating for change in our community.
“BPW works well when there’s a project and we get women to feel passionate about their community.
“We are now focusing on leadership training for women and helping women become part of the community.”
Member, Christine Plant said Mrs Schlemme is a strong supporter of encouraging and enabling personal and professional development.
“Marie always comes at an issue asking what we can do,” she said.
“She has led on Women in Drought funding, the community leadership SOAR program, three employment programs, research as to the need for childcare centres, and raising awareness of local domestic violence and elder abuse.
“Marie is innovative yet practical and astute, using her knowledge, skills and connections to run first class events.
“We are proud of you Marie, of all your achievements and of your long service to BPW, but equally we value you as a friend in BPW and our community.”
