KEY CHANGES FOR WOMEN:
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4 May 1988​
A change of membership rules was proposed and passed by committee members, allowing female members for the first time.
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1989
The above change comes into effect, as women in the industry begin joining the society.
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1997
THE FIRST FEMALE STATE PRESIDENT
Wendy Paterson becomes State President of NSW, a role she would continue until 2014.
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1999
The First Woman State Pioneer of the Year, Margaret Murphy of QLD.
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2001
THE FIRST FEMALE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Wendy Paterson.
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2002
The First Woman National Pioneer of the Year, Pat Lovell AM MBE.
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2011
The first year to feature women in the role of State President, and as recipients of State and National Cinema Pioneer awards.
Founded in 1933, The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has been a community based on reconnection and peer recognition for industry professionals across all areas of the Australian Motion Picture Industry for over 90 years. This extensive history has inevitably seen experiences and minor operational changes to be forgotten by time, as the past personal recollections and interactions of former members remained undocumented. Despite this unclear atmosphere of experience, one thing remains certain: for 56 years women in the industry were barred from membership.
Only in 1989 was the decision made for allowing women membership, transforming the demographics of the society and informing the change towards a more diverse and equitable community, which reflected the prevalence of roles held by women across key areas of the industry.
In reflecting on the history of the organisation, the changes in the roles of women members can be traced as a way of signifying the operational changes and policy progress over the past 35 years. The changing demographics and increased leadership opportunities for women across the National Executive Committee, State Presidents, and National President positions illuminates the importance of these changes upon enhancing the community of the society.
By hearing from women members on their own experiences and contributions to The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers, this collection of oral histories provides insights and reflections on the progress of the community.
"It was all very much business as usual and I, and the rest of the females were welcomed like any other members."
— Wendy Paterson
Beginnings
The various professional backgrounds of members from across the Australian Motion Picture Industry have informed the diverse stories of introductions to the society.
Sue Milliken AO
Kerry Westwood
How did you first become involved with the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers?
QUESTIONS ASKED:
"It was very shortly after that that NSW, unlike the other states, had never had their own branch but had rather been lumped in with the National body. It was therefore decided that it was high time we had our own branch."
— Wendy Paterson
Experiences
​
The personal and professional experiences of members have informed interactions and changes implemented for enhancing the operation of the society.
Sue Milliken AO
Kerry Westwood
QUESTIONS ASKED:
Has your experience in the Australian Film Industry informed your interactions with the society?
Do you have any memorable experiences with the society?
"My election as National President in 2001 was again pretty straight forward...I never really liked to prepare speeches but rather winged it at the time. I always felt it made things much more friendly and personal which is what I liked."
— Wendy Paterson
COMMUNITY
The appeal of community and the connections formed between members has heightened the sense of belonging among women members.
Sue Milliken AO
Kerry Westwood
QUESTIONS ASKED:
What was the society like during this period?
Did you immediately feel a sense of community?
Did you notice any changes?
"I very much enjoyed being State President. The lunches and meeting all the new members and renewing friendships with existing members were always a joy."
— Wendy Paterson
WOMEN
The encounters with the history of women members showcases the importance of reflection and documentation across the society as a whole, where recording of personal experiences ensures the endurance of collective and individual memories.
Sue Milliken AO
Kerry Westwood
QUESTIONS ASKED:
Has the history of women pioneers been discussed before?
"I’d always had a very good relationship with the people in the industry and had often been the only female in the room, or on a committee. I thought nothing of it, it was just normal for me."
— Wendy Paterson
EVOLUTION
The evolution of the society towards an equitable and inclusive community for women members highlights the importance of instilling change from within, where women are a part of the operational decisions and policymaking of the society.
Sue Milliken AO
Kerry Westwood
QUESTIONS ASKED:
During your time involved with the society, has there been a noticeable evolution in demographics of members?
Or changes in the community?
"There have certainly been further females in both State and National Presidential roles and again, I don’t think it has ever been an issue. More and more women have joined the society and we’re pretty much one big happy family."
— Wendy Paterson
Created in 2024 by Makeely Nix.