Greetings from the West!

This edition of the Journal has had a typical Homo gestation period rather than the anticipated significantly shorter production, and the final month in particular was very frustrating! As for naming this baby, well... Susan’s working title was ‘WA Swansong?’ reflecting her current disposition far better than the actual content, which we sincerely hope you will find to be topical, interesting and, detailing challenging issues where action to improve the situation is definitely required.

The theme of this issue revolves around the fact that some women are succeeding; they are wonderful role models and we are glad to be able to shine spotlights on several here. In addition to these articles, we offer congratulations to two WA WISENet members who have achieved significant recognition in recent months. Professor Cheryl Praeger, UWA gained a Federation Fellowship and Professor Lyn Abbott, UWA achieved a 2007 Carrick Citation for outstanding contribution to student learning.

However, this success continues to play against a backdrop of evidence that it is still very difficult for women to achieve and we have a long way to go before equity is achieved. It is valuable that both the successes and the evidence of difficulty receive visibility. The value of promotion of successes is that they provide role models. The evidence of difficulties experienced by women has two benefits. First, it demonstrates the need for continued effort to achieve equality. Second, it alerts young women so that they might avoid difficulties, and so that they will not individualise their own difficult experiences, because they recognise them as common.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to send a blessing to all of you. May funds and opportunities flow your way, may your colleagues, clients and students value your activities, may your knowledge and training lead to your fulfilment and a significant contribution to others, may the world gain wealth in the wisdom of women’s ways.

Susan Barker and Sally Male
Perth October 2007