This Scholarship was created in 1946 to commemorate the work of Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown, OBE, Director of Maternal and Pre-School Welfare in Victoria from 1926 to 1946. It represents a celebration of Dr Scantlebury Brown’s leadership in the development of female professionals and as such is open to women only. Women who work in the area of prenatal, child and family health, development and wellbeing are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to enable the successful applicant to undertake further studies or research overseas or in Australia. The value of this scholarship is up to $7,000.

Every applicant shall at the time of her selection agree that within a period of no more than 12 months from the date of completion of her study she shall return to Victoria and work for at least 12 months in the area in which she has gained training and experience. Applicants are required to submit a Report of their work following completion of their studies no later than twelve months after receiving the scholarship.

We will be taking applications from the 1st July 2010 with the closing date being Friday 20th August 2010. This deadline has now been extended to the 11th September.

Please click on this link for more information and an application form - http://www.paediatrics.unimelb.edu.au/VSB_Scholarship/VSBmainpage.html

Dear VMWS Member,

It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of Dr Alex Gale, on the morning of 24/08/2010.

For those who knew Alex, she was a truly inspirational woman.  Not only was she a life member of the VMWS, but Alex was also a staunch VMWS attendee - at most meetings until this year.

The funeral will be held at Le Pines in Kew at midday on this Friday, 27th August 2010.

The family are asking people to bring some flowers from their garden and make a donation to Hedley Sutton Community, if they feel it is appropriate.

She will be fondly remembered.

(Please feel free to pass on this notice to any other colleagues or associates.)

Padmini (Mini) Murthy, MD, MPH, MS is a physician and an activist who did her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has practiced medicine in various countries.  She has a Master's in Public Health and a Masters in Management from New York University (NYU).  She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. Murthy has been the recipient of several awards and has presented at numerous national and international conferences.  Currently she is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management and Global Health Program Director at New York Medical College School of Public Health. She is also Asst Professor in the Department of Family Community and Family Medicine. Murthy is the NGO Co-Representative of Medical Women's International Association to the United Nations.

The 63rd Annual United Nations DPI/NGO Conference (to be held in Melbourne from 30 August to 1 September 2010) is fast approaching. The theme for this year is "Advance Global Health: Achieve the MDGs". Specifically, the conference aims to examine critical issues such as bridging the health gaps that still exist and encouraging equity of treatment and access, addressing failed maternal and child health strategies, promoting civic activism around health and wellness and strengthening an integrated approach to achieving health for all.

A draft communiqué for participants has been released. Click here to read it in full.