A Network to Support Female Staffers
The Elizabeth Reid Network supports former and current female staffers to strengthen career pathways and ensure women have key roles in shaping a better, fairer Australia.
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Congratulations to our 2026 recipients!
The Elizabeth Reid Network is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Bridget Whelan Scholarship.
This year, the judging panel faced an unusually difficult decision. The calibre of applications was exceptional, and two candidates stood out in a way that made it impossible to choose between them.
So for the first time in the history of the scholarship, the panel has awarded two joint recipients. Both winners embody the spirit of the Bridget Whelan Scholarship: a commitment to public service, strengthening our movement, and supporting women working in politics. This announcement is especially meaningful as 2026 marks 10 years of the Elizabeth Reid Network. It was an honour to have Elizabeth join us to present the awards this year.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the ERN over the past decade — and to those who continue to back the development of talented women in politics.
Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients, Odette and Jade.
Odette Visser
Our first recipient is Odette Visser, who has held senior roles across politics, media and advocacy and currently serves in the Chief Government Whip’s office. Odette will travel to the United Kingdom to learn from Westminster initiatives supporting the wellbeing and mental health of parliamentary staff, and explore how these approaches could strengthen support systems in our own Parliament.
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Jade Marikar Bawa
Our second recipient is Jade Marikar Bawa, Office Manager in the office of Joanne Ryan MP and a young leader committed to strengthening engagement between the Labor Party and Australia’s Muslim communities. Jade will visit the UK Labour Muslim Network to study successful models of community engagement and develop strategies to increase participation and leadership opportunities for Muslim women in Australian politics.
Our Goals
01
Support and connect women working in politics
Provide a trusted space for current and former female staffers to share experiences, mentor one another, and stay connected.
02
Strengthen women’s leadership and influence
Offer opportunities for learning, development and collaboration so women can grow, lead and shape Australia’s political landscape.
03
Keep women engaged and informed
Share employment opportunities, policy updates and practical resources that help women stay active and involved in public life.
04
Advance safer, more inclusive political workplaces
Use the collective expertise of members to champion respect, equality and better conditions across the political system.
The network grows stronger each year
Years
Members
Scholarship funding awarded
About the Elizabeth Reid Network
Since 2016, the Elizabeth Reid Network has expanded across Australia, connecting current and former women staffers and creating pathways for meaningful work in politics and beyond. Our members continue to drive change in their communities and careers.
The Network is named in honour of Elizabeth Reid, whose groundbreaking appointment in 1973 as Australia’s first adviser on Women’s Affairs by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam opened new doors for women’s participation and leadership. Learn more about Elizabeth Reid.
The Elizabeth Reid Network is continuing her mission: for generations of women to play a central role in the Australian Labor Party and Public life.
Connect
ERN hosts networking events that allow current and former women staffers to connect and support each other and to celebrate their important work and achievements.
Develop
ERN supports the development of women staffers through scholarship and training in areas such as leadership, governance, policy and campaigning.
Lead
We strengthen women’s leadership through learning opportunities, development and collaboration so women can continue to shape Australia’s political landscape.
About the Bridget Whelan Scholarship
The Bridget Whelan Scholarship is an annual award of $10,000 for female staffers in the Australian Labor Party. The Elizabeth Reid Network awards the Scholarship is to assist female staffers with several years of experience to extend and develop their skills and capacity and contribute further to the party – whether in policy, communications or leadership roles.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients!
The Elizabeth Reid Network is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Bridget Whelan Scholarship as we celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
For the first time in the history of the scholarship, the panel has awarded joint recipients.
Both winners embody the spirit of the Bridget Whelan Scholarship: a commitment to public service, strengthening our movement, and supporting women working in politics.
Odette Visser
Our first recipient is Odette Visser, who has held senior roles across politics, media and advocacy and currently serves in the Chief Government Whip’s office. Odette will travel to the United Kingdom to learn from Westminster initiatives supporting the wellbeing and mental health of parliamentary staff, and explore how these approaches could strengthen support systems in our own Parliament.
Jade Marikar Bawa
Our second recipient is Jade Marikar Bawa, Office Manager in the office of Joanne Ryan MP and a young leader committed to strengthening engagement between the Labor Party and Australia’s Muslim communities. Jade will visit the UK Labour Muslim Network to study successful models of community engagement and develop strategies to increase participation and leadership opportunities for Muslim women in Australian politics.
Past recipients
2024 Winner
Clare Manton
2023 Winner
Stephanie Anderson
2021 Winner
Georgia Betros
2019 Winner
Georgia Goldsworthy
2018 Winner
Rachel Durrant
2017 Winner
Karelle Logan
Upcoming events
We run small and large events including online throughout the year. We encourage State and Territory Staff to run their own events for female staff as well. All our activities are aimed at bringing members together to celebrate achievements and support women in the political workplace.