Each year, the Maybanke Lecture brings together advocates, scholars, policymakers and changemakers to reflect on the legacy of Maybanke Anderson – writer, feminist, education pioneer, and tireless campaigner for the rights of women and children.
This year, the 12th Annual Maybanke Lecture was held at the Union, University & Schools Club in Sydney, marking another powerful chapter in the story of the Maybanke Fund, which was established to carry her vision forward.
After a warm and moving Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon AM, the evening’s program was introduced by Jane Spring AM, the Maybanke Fund Coordinator and great-great-great niece of Maybanke Anderson.
This year’s lecture was introduced by Dr Shirley Randall AO, a long-time leader in women’s rights both in Australia and abroad, and delivered by Dr Wendy Michaels OAM: Whose Child? Millicent Preston Stanley’s Campaign for Mothers’ Rights.
Dr Michaels traced the tireless efforts of Millicent Preston Stanley, the first woman elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly, to reform outdated child custody laws that denied mothers equal rights. Her determination – through parliament, activism, and even theatre – led to the eventual passing of the Guardianship of Infants Act in 1934.
“One hundred years ago, Millicent Preston Stanley took her seat in Australia’s ‘mother parliament’, the NSW Legislative Assembly, known colloquially as the ‘Bear Pit’. She had a wide raft of feminist concerns on her agenda… making the nation a better place for women and children,” Dr Michaels shared.
The impact of the Maybanke Fund was also brought to life through scholarship recipient Maylyn Zongas, a young woman pursuing early an childhood education degree and the inaugural Maybanke Scholarship Recipient from The Women’s College.
“I am incredibly grateful to attend The Women’s College through the Maybanke Anderson Education Scholarship, and know that this scholarship will provide more young women in the future the amazing opportunities I have received,” Maylyn shared.
Also in attendance was Emma Watts, the 2025 recipient of the Maybanke Anderson Education Scholarship. Currently on her fourth year of a double degree Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Macquarie University, Emma said that not only does the scholarship provide financial relief, it also supports her commitment to being an inclusive and culturally alert teacher.
“As an Aboriginal education student, I am deeply inspired by Maybanke Anderson’s legacy of reducing social inequality through learning,” Emma said.
“This support will allow me to improve my focus on my studies and professional growth, so I can become a teacher who sees every child’s potential and create change for future generations.”
All funds raised by the Maybanke Fund go directly toward tertiary scholarships for Indigenous students studying early childhood education – investing in the future of children, families, and communities.
To support the Maybanke Fund, you can donate here.
Click to read Dr Wendy Michael’s 2025 Maybanke lecture: Whose Child? Millicent Preston Stanley’s Campaign for Mothers’ Rights.
Main image: Emma Watts, Maylyn Zongas, Dr Shirley Randall AO, Jane Spring AM and Dr Wendy Michaels OAM.
