Meet The Team
Inner Wheel Australia
Inner Wheel Australia’s Committee is made up of dedicated members from across Australia, elected to represent and lead our organization.
These passionate women believe wholeheartedly in the values of Inner Wheel and are committed to making a positive impact through their roles.
Taking on these responsibilities offers them an amazing opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and develop valuable skills, including communication, leadership, creativity, and practical abilities like business management, technology, and financial oversight. These skills not only benefit Inner Wheel but also provide lifelong growth and development.
The friendships they build and the personal growth they experience are invaluable, making their journey with Inner Wheel fulfilling and rewarding. They’re proud to contribute their time and talents to continue the legacy of Inner Wheel Australia.
Inner Wheel Australia
Executive Committee
Julie Brzozowski
President
Club: FNQ Tablelands
Interests
My family, looking after our cat, reading murder mysteries, AFL, sport, caravanning, travel and catching up with friends.
Background
One of 5 siblings. My dad was a school principal in Qld. I became a teacher then went on to do admin including bookkeeping and moved to Cairns 34 years ago where we ran a business for 28 years. Now retired.
What does IW mean to you?
Firstly it’s the friendships that are made as they last a lifetime. Then working together to improve the lives of others and to inspire women to achieve their potential.
Clare Swaan
Vice President
Club
Norwest IW club (District A53)
Interests
My interests include travel, bushwalks, scrapbooking, catching up with friends and of course, my family – 3 married daughters and their beautiful children. Nick and I have 6 grandchildren – 3 boys and 3 girls, aged from 3 to 13.
Background
I was introduced to Inner Wheel by a friend and was immediately impressed with the National Project – Cord Blood Research. I have found the world of Inner Wheel to be one of friendship, fun and fundraising which is both uplifting and fulfilling.
Christine Laws
Secretary
Club: IWC Cairns District A76
Interests
Gardening, travel, reading, cooking curries basically a one dish meal throw everything in. Drying my herbs for seasoning mixes. Turmeric, I slice dry and powder the same with chillies. My last venture sweet chilli sauce not for the faint hearted, you only need a drop.
Background
Banking leading to bookkeeping and then a Practice Manager for a busy Medical Centre for the last 20 Years.
What does IW mean to you?
Friendship, fun, travel and doing new things, extending myself.
Jenni Bennett
Treasurer
Club: IWC Trinity After Dark
Interests
Family life, all things crafty and company of friends. Reading nice murder mysteries – is that a real thing?
Background
I grew up on a farm in South Australia. I studied commercial subjects at school and for most of my working life I worked in banking and finance. For the past 46 years I have lived in Queensland.
What does IW mean to you?
Great opportunities to make friends across the Globe. Sharing of knowledge and experiences. Helping and being helped to reach our full potential. Challenging!
Susan Chisholm
Immediate Past President & National Rep
Club: Wyong
Interests
Naturally I love spending time with family but I also enjoy scrapbooking, sewing, reading, painting with watercolours and acrylics, walking and kayaking.
Background
I grew up on the NSW Central Coast and after University moved to Sydney where I worked as a police officer, then I was a stay at home mum, then I moved into retail. After 26 years in Sydney we are now back on the Central Coast and enjoying retirement.
What does IW mean to you?
Women supporting women, and opportunities – to learn and grow and help others grow; to make valuable contributions to society; to forge meaningful and lasting friendships; to make a difference.
Inner Wheel Australia
Council Members
Coralie Deshon
A40 Council Member
Club: Kalamunda IWC
I live in the Perth Hills where my husband and I raised our 5 children. We now have 13 grandchildren.
I am a retired Primary School Principal who enjoys watching my grand-children’s activities, travelling, patchwork, delving into family history and reading.
Inner Wheel meetings and friendship days help unite like- minded women as they work towards improving life for others. I really enjoy Inner Wheel, especially the friendship that is exhibited and value the supportive nature of members.
Janet Power
A50 Council Member
Club: Blayney IWC
My interests include reading, word puzzles, Christian children’s ministry, Inner Wheel, and travel.
I have belonged to the Anglican Church all my life and assist with Church services and Children’s Ministry. I grew up in Lithgow, have lived in Tamworth (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Portland (Vic), Marton (NZ) and Blayney. My husband is an engineer and I am a teacher. We have 4 children. I joined Inner Wheel in 2008, and have served at Club (twice president) and District level (twice Chairman)
Inner Wheel for me means warm friendship and an opportunity to serve my community. Also serving women’s causes, locally, nationally and internationally.
Sandy Guy
A51 Council Member
Club: Balmain
Interests
I am an avid Book Club reader, enjoy travel and researching my family history
What does IW mean to you?
I joined Inner Wheel 9 years ago and I am proud to be part of an international service organisation that connects women globally in friendship and helps those in need. I love that through Inner Wheel I have been able to get involved with other women in a really practical and hands-on way to support different organisations in our local and wider community and the wonderful circle of friendships that I share.
Julie Thorp
A53 Council Member
Club: The Hills
Interests: I am married with two daughters and two granddaughters Olivia and Josephine who I love to spend time with. I also enjoy travelling, cooking and reading in my spare time which isn’t often.
Background: I Joined Inner Wheel in 2009 in Ryde and when it folded I joined The Hills. In both clubs I have been involved in many roles including President. In Inner Wheel District I have had various roles and continue to enjoy my involvement.
What does IW mean to you?
My life in Inner Wheel started when I was a small girl when my mother was an Inner Wheel member. I am so proud of what we do while working together with like minded ladies to raise money for our charities and the friendship I have received means so much to me.
Carolyn Alkemade
A54 Council Member
Club: Wagga Wagga
I love lawn bowls, doing cross stitches and tapestry. Reading is another love especially with my IW book club. Of course, IW plays a big part in my life and I have made some wonderful friends within my club and also at district and national level, which is why I love IW because of the diversity of how you can involve yourself. My husband Stan & I love travelling and have 3 great kids in their 40’s and 8 beautiful grandchildren to spoil.
Christine Gallagher
A55 Council Member
Club: Alstonville
I have been an Inner Wheel member since 2018 and since that time I have been my Club President and held club membership and International Officer positions. Currently I am our membership and International Officer. I have also held Junior Vice, Vice and then was District Chairman for 2 years while we implemented our succession plans.
Joining Alstonville Inner Wheel club has been one of the highlights of my life.
Why did I join? It was because of the welcoming, friendly like-minded women who are contributing to our community through the various activities and events we hold. I always planned to “give Back” once I had retired from my working life and my Inner Wheel Alstonville Club was perfect to do this by sharing our skills and abilities, friendship, being active in our Community and also having a lot of fun.
Marlene Sullivan
A60 Council Member
Club: Bendigo
It was 1992 and I had just returned from living overseas for some 15 years and had my first baby at 41 while renovating a large Queenslander, and I was invited to be a founding member of the IWC of Maryborough, Queensland. That introduction to the friendship of Inner Wheel also allowed me to settle into country town life, as well as supporting various community projects.
I moved to Bendigo in 2004 and once again, Inner Wheel friendship helped with the transition while setting up a business with my husband. And again, it has given me the opportunity to discover the diversity of our community, as well as more renovations. Having been recently divorced I am looking forward to exploring where Inner Wheel might lead me to next…
Margaret Ferguson
A61 Council Member
Club: Bundoora
I was a charter member of the Bundoora Club and have been President many times and Secretary – enjoying both positions. I have been on District twice as Chairman and 3 times as Secretary as well as Membership and Social Convener, just loving each one learning more about Inner Wheel.
Dianne Allen
A62 Council Member
Club: Bairnsdale
I live in Lakes Entrance Victoria and have been married to Arthur for 45 years. We have 5 children and 13 grandchildren, with number 14 due soon.
I enjoy doing all types of craft; Patchwork, scrapbooking, crocheting, candle making and many others.
I love making costumes, so I have a lot of fun at Conference and Friendship days.
I have been a member since 2010. Inner Wheel has become my friendship circle and my life is enriched with their support and friendship.
Rosalie De Lurant
A70 Council Member
Club: North East Sunset
I joined Inner Wheel in 2009. I am passionate about Inner Wheel because I believe in giving back to my community. I have volunteered with my local Council since 2009 and in 2019 I was awarded Council’s Citizen of the Year.
I joined SA Police in 1979 and walked the beat and worked on patrols in the city, suburbs and country. I worked as a youth officer; a prosecutor and a victim contact officer with Major Crime.
I am divorced with a 30-year-old son who is a doctor and he and his wife have an 18-month-old daughter.
Mary McDowall
A76 Council Member
Club: IWC of Innisfail
My interests include Inner Wheel for the last 55 years, church, gardening, lunch weekly with my nursing colleagues, playing the ukulele and most importantly – life with my husband Trevor, whom I married 3 years ago.
The friendships formed in IW brought comfort after losing my husband 19 years ago. I have filled all positions at club level and a couple at District, enabling personal growth I thought impossible.
Born, educated at MLC, qualified General Nursing all in Melbourne, then Midwifery in Sydney.
Married, moved to Innisfail, adopted 2 children and raised my granddaughter.
Karen Winters
A77 Council Member
Club: Brisbane North
Like many, our family is the most important part of our lives. In my spare time I like to read, stitch, attend live theatre, make memories with family, and share time with friends.
I was born in Victoria but have lived in Queensland since my teenage years. I have always worked in an office environment, having worked in two schools, a church and our own company for some years.
My membership enables me to meet interesting women who have a heart for service. Lifelong friendships throughout the world are made and we make a difference while having fun and supporting each other in our life’s journey.