Women of the West

From making lipstick cases from bullet shells to pioneering breakthroughs in women’s footy, Women of the West documents and explores the significant, yet forgotten stories of the women that live and thrive in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

‘WORKING WOMEN OF THE WEST’ Explores the lost lives and stories of the women that carried the Great War on their backs as they built every bullet used by the Australian army from 1914 to 1945. With insight from the first female Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria Judy Maddigan, ‘Working Women of the West’ explores the concept of ‘forgotten women’ in history and their monumental efforts which helped the Allies overcome one hurdle after another.

‘DAUGHTERS OF THE WEST’  With a constant shift in social dynamics comes ideas previously unheard of gaining much support and recognition. The rising popularity of women in sport has paved the way for leagues like the AFL-W League to give passionate women a platform to chase after a dream they had once been denied.

‘IMMIGRANT WOMEN OF THE WEST’ The multicultural city we live in is often taken for granted. Migrant women coming to Melbourne in the 1970’s faced many trials and tribulations on their journey to a better life. With insightful commentary from Melba Marginson, we explore the lives and the past of the migrant women that fought to stay in a land far from their homes.