Recognising women leaders at a milestone celebration

Fellowship recipients from Melbourne Business School were welcomed to the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust 75th Anniversary event at Government House, recognising the achievements of Fellows and the strength of a longstanding partnership.

Held on 9 June 2026, the Government House event brought together Trustees, partners and sector colleagues to mark 75 years of impact across Victoria. Among those in attendance were Helen Macpherson Smith Fellowship recipients Alyssa Cameron, Kim Campbell, Bianca Eden, Rashmi Mattewada, Nellie Montague, and Jackie Steeper.

The Trust also welcomed representatives from Melbourne Business School, including Chair Ken MacKenzie, Dean Jenny George, and Director of the Centre for Social Purpose Organisations, Libby Ward-Christie. Their presence reflected the close and longstanding relationship between the School and the Trust.

The relationship between the Trust and Melbourne Business School spans more than three decades. In 1990, the Trust established a $200,000 endowment at the University of Melbourne to address the under-representation of women in management roles. Income from the endowment supports the annual Helen Macpherson Smith Fellowship, enabling outstanding women professionals to study, teach or undertake research at Melbourne Business School.

It was inspiring to celebrate 75 years of Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and to meet up again with the scholars whose achievements are a testament to the power of investing in women’s leadership. For more than 35 years, the Trust has partnered with Melbourne Business School to support 56 outstanding women through the Helen Macpherson Smith Fellowship. By enabling talented professionals in the not-for-profit sector to pursue an MBA, the Fellowship strengthens leadership that creates lasting benefits for communities across Victoria.  Professor Jenny George, Dean, Melbourne Business School

The partnership was further strengthened in 2008 through a $1.5 million endowment from the Trust, which supports the Centre for Social Purpose Organisations. The Centre works to strengthen leadership, governance and management capability across the not-for-profit sector, extending the impact of the Trust’s investment beyond individual Fellowship recipients.

Since its establishment, the Fellowship has supported 56 women across academia, business, government and the not-for-profit sector. Today, it is awarded to an exceptional Victorian woman working in the not-for-profit sector.

“Receiving this scholarship from Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Melbourne Business School is a real privilege, and I am proud to be recognised”, Fellowship recipient Jackie Steeper reflected. “It’s an amazing opportunity that will support me as I focus on my studies and build the skills I need for the future.”

In addition to the annual Fellowship, accumulated income has supported three executive not-for-profit leaders to undertake the Executive MBA.

The Trust acknowledges Fellowship recipients past and present, whose leadership continues to strengthen communities across Victoria.