Woodards Women Unite to Raise Much-Needed Funds for Safe Places Housing Initiative

More than 100 women from across the Woodards network have gathered at an International Women’s Day

morning tea to reflect on how small actions can create meaningful change, hear leadership insights,

network and raise funds for the Woodards Foundation’s housing initiatives.

On Friday, March 7, at Chadstone’s LXD Lounge, Woodards used the collective strength of the women

across its offices to highlight the power of giving to create actual safety for Melbournians in need of safe,

short-term accommodation, with funds raised for its Safe Places initiative.

Inspired by the IWD theme this year, the network launched a “Give to Gain” giving challenge, encouraging

donations from attendees, with Woodards matching every contribution dollar-for-dollar to support safe

accommodation for those experiencing distress.

Chair of the Woodards Foundation Jane Nathan (OAM) said the Foundation was established in 2015 with a

clear commitment to support those experiencing homelessness.

Over the years, women and children have been housed in the Foundation’s innovative, portable,

transitional housing option before going on to secure homes in the rental market.

The Foundation has also donated more than $1.7 million to help the community and purchase multiple soup

vans for St Vincent de Paul to provide more than 200,000 meals a year to the homeless.

Ms Nathan said funds raised through the International Women’s Day event would contribute to the next

stage of the foundation’s work.

The Woodards Foundation has taken a major step with a very exciting project that we're slowly getting all of

the pieces together for," she said.

“This will allow for housing for between seven and nine participants, in their own separate spaces. The

property’s previous use also means it has large communal spaces and a very large kitchen.”

The morning tea also featured a series of speakers focused on leadership, financial independence and

career growth for women in the real estate industry.

Woodards Carnegie and Bentleigh Director Ruth Roberts shared her 30-year real estate journey, including

her start in sales with a small independent agency, growing to purchase that business, rebranding with

Woodards 22 years ago, becoming an auctioneer, opening multiple offices and becoming one of Australia’s

top female agents.

She said hard work and overcoming fear were the key drivers behind her success, recalling how she once

knocked on a homeowner’s door after noticing several competing agents visiting the property.

Despite the nerves, she introduced herself and asked for the opportunity to present.

The gamble paid off, with the owners later appointing her to sell the home — a moment she still remembers

as proof that sometimes success comes from simply having the courage to ask.

“If you can get in front of someone, anything is possible,” she said.

“You just have to back yourself".