Reimagining Legacy: Continuing Queen Victoria Women’s Centre’s Path of Purpose and Impact

QVWC logo

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) is a unique and iconic Melbourne institution that empowers women—cis, trans, and non-binary inclusive—through creative experiences, community resources, and meaningful connection. Governed by the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Act 1994, QVWC operates in a dynamic environment shaped by economic uncertainty, evolving gender equality policies, and the ongoing challenges of post-COVID recovery. To move forward, QVWC needed support reimagining legacy and charting a bold new path.

In 2023, QVWC partnered with Right Lane Consulting to co-develop its 2024–2028 strategic plan. Together, we set out to renew QVWC’s vision, purpose, and organisational values while making critical decisions about its future. Our collaboration also aimed to strengthen QVWC’s sustainability, deepen its community connections, and reinforce its leadership in gender equity advocacy across Victoria.

QVWC’s History and Significance

Located in a heritage-listed building on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, QVWC occupies a site rich in history. The building once housed the Royal Melbourne Hospital (1913–1946) and later became the second home of the Queen Victoria Hospital (1946–1987). Founded in 1899 by pioneering women doctors, Queen Victoria Hospital broke gender barriers. It also created a space dedicated to women and children. It was the third hospital in the world to be established, managed, and staffed entirely by women. Its Latin motto, Pro Feminis, A Feminis—“For Women, By Women”—continues to inspire QVWC’s work today.

After the hospital relocated to Monash Medical Centre and the site was decommissioned in 1987, the State Government preserved part of the building. This included its last remaining tower. In 1994, the Victorian Parliament passed the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Act. This ensured the hospital’s legacy would live on through QVWC—a new organisation committed to community, connection, and gender equity.

Today, QVWC carries this legacy forward as a vibrant, women-led space. They offer inclusive programs, services, and spaces. While honouring its history, QVWC continues to evolve to meet contemporary needs. As a vital part of Victoria’s social infrastructure, the Centre provides access to health information, meeting rooms, community services, and cultural experiences. It also amplifies the voices of diverse and marginalised women through advocacy, programming, and collaboration.

Right Lane’s Support

Right Lane Consulting worked closely with QVWC’s staff, Trust members, and stakeholders to co-create a forward-looking five-year plan. In addition we worked to prepare the organisation for long-term sustainability and growth. Our support included:

Facilitating strategic workshops to revisit QVWC’s aspirations. This also confirmed priorities, and aligned with the Victorian Government’s gender equality agenda.
Conducting interviews and surveys with Trust members, staff, and external partners. This helped to identify key initiatives, clarify strategic intent, and better understand community needs.
Leading a collaborative values development process to ensure QVWC’s new values authentically reflect its mission, vision, and commitment to inclusive community-building.
Designing and facilitating a Trust planning day, including preparations for the annual internal performance evaluation and a skills survey aligned with Trust Operating Procedures. This work positioned QVWC for a full external evaluation in 2025.

Reimagining Legacy: Strategic Outcomes and Impact

Our partnership helped QVWC navigate a pivotal moment in its journey, delivering tangible and lasting outcomes:

Clear strategic direction: QVWC now has an actionable plan grounded in four pillars—Place, Community, Advocacy, and Sustainability—aligned with Victoria’s evolving policy and funding landscape.
Stronger organisational identity: New values rooted in inclusion, decolonisation, equity, and wellbeing have revitalised QVWC’s internal culture and strengthened its strategic foundation.
Improved governance and capability: Our facilitation of internal evaluations and skills audits helped QVWC identify governance strengths and development areas, building readiness for future evaluations and leadership sustainability.
Greater community impact and visibility: By leveraging its historic site and strategic partnerships, QVWC has expanded its reach and delivered programs that meet the needs of diverse women across Victoria.

Right Lane Consulting is proud to partner with QVWC during this time of strategic renewal and transformation. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and community-driven future. Our collaboration demonstrates the power of purposeful strategy, deep stakeholder engagement, and a shared commitment to gender equality.

If your organisation is ready to define a bold new path, we’d love to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your next strategic initiative.