Older Women’s Network Queensland is pleased to announce that, following its Annual General Meeting on 17th September, we have a new Management Committee:
- President: Karen Marlow
- Treasurer: Rosemerry Paidley
- Secretary: Lisa Signorini
- General Members: Lee Hodgson, Elizabeth Woods, Marianne Wright
Brief Bios are below:
Karen Marlow
I have been privileged to serve on the OWNQ Management Committee for the past two years, initially as a committee member and subsequently as President from mid-term 2025.
During this time, I have advocated for improved branch sustainability through the introduction of a Branch Support Team model that encourages members to actively participate through shared responsibilities and workload.
As President, I have fostered relationships with complementary organisations, including National Council of Women Queensland (NCWQ) and Council on the Ageing Queensland (COTA Queensland), to build awareness of OWNQ within the not-for-profit sector as a respected and effective voice for older women.
My vision for OWNQ is a strong, sustainable and connected organisation that empowers branches, supports volunteers, creates meaningfull opportunities, and meets the evolving needs of current and future members, while recognising and valuing the tapestry of backgrounds, generations and lived experienced each woman brings.
Rosemerry Paidley
I consider it an honour to be re-elected to the position of Treasurer for the 2026-2027 term. I joined the Management Committee in 2021 and since 2023 have held the position of Treasurer. I am a member of the Mackay Branch and am proud to represent a regional town, reinforcing that distance is not a barrier to contributing to OWNQ.
I feel confident that I understand the financial and funding aspects surrounding the operation of OWNQ. I have developed a very strong working relationship with our office staff and together we strive to keep within budget.
I am open to, and interested in exploring additional funding sources/grants to enable OWNQ to expand and keep our delivery relative and up to date with current trends and supporting the needs and interests of OWNQ members.
Lisa Signorini
I am pleased to be elected again to the position of Secretary of the Older Women’s Network Qld, a role I have proudly held through consecutive re-elections since 2022. I bring reliable administrative skills, consistent support, and helpful history with our group.
With our President chairing the monthly meetings, and our staff—the Coordinator and the Administration Officer— managing day-to-day operations, regulatory duties, and constitutional oversight, my focus remains on executing the vital function of minute taker.
In this role, I focus on attending each monthly meeting to document our discussions clearly and fairly. When writing up the minutes I produce accurate, timely, and official records of all committee decisions. Preserving a clear history of our meetings to support both our staff and the committee.
As the Secretary, I will continue to bring reliability, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to the Management Committee. It would be a privilege to continue supporting the members of our vital network.
Lee Hodgson
Lee has been a member of OWNQ for 25 years and undertaken many roles during that period, including assisting the Convenor at Gympie Branch for a number of years before becoming the Convenor herself.
Her move to Maroochydore occurred close to the departure of the Maroochydore Branch Convenor so Lee took on that role and has led the branch for a number of years now.
She has also been a member of the Management Committee in various capacities over the years, including as President for 2018-2023.
Currently, she is one of OWNQ’s State representatives on the National Older Women’s Network Board which meets regularly throughout the year.
Lee’s experience and dedication is an asset to OWNQ and she looks forward to continuing to contribute to the committee with her breadth of knowledge obtained over many years with the organisation.
Elizabeth Woods
Having recently joined OWN, I am impressed by the value that the organisation brings to older women in Mackay:
- A forum for older women to network, socialise and learn with like-minded people.
- A vehicle for older women to remain involved in and give back to their community.
- A regional voice in a state-wide organisation focused on their needs.
I would be honoured to contribute to OWN as a member of the state committee. I have an extensive background in senior management in the government sector, as well as having practised law for over 30 years. I have served on the Board of TAFE. I believe that my knowledge of governance, my familiarity with state government processes and my legal knowledge and network would be of benefit to the organisation.
I would like to see OWN develop:
- As a representative organisation collaborating with other organisations focused on the needs of older Australians.
- As a voice to government.
- Providing educational programs and opportunities for older women.
Marianne Wright
Marianne has worked in Aged Care for over 25 years, gaining experience at Sinnamon Retirement Village, Blue Care and Council on the Ageing (Qld), before joining OWNQ as a member in 2015.
In 2016 and 2017, she was the Secretary of the Management Committee then became the administration officer in 2018.
In 2023, she saw an opportunity to expand on the interactions between staff and management and re-joined the committee as a member, whilst still contributing to the Policy Subcommittee she’s been involved with since 2017.
When the subcommittee Chair stepped down, Marianne stepped up as the new Chair and has been working since with the current subcommittee and an external consultant on a comprehensive review of OWNQ’s policies to bring them into line with current legislation. She looks forward to continuing in her dual roles.