Vale Michelle Hogan, Our Leader and Inspiration.

We are deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear friend and comrade Michelle Hogan. Michelle was a passionate and dedicated feminist unionist and long-time member and Chair of the South Australian Working Women’s Centre Management Committee.

Michelle served as our Chair for five years. Her leadership strengthened the Working Women’s Centre, supported us through difficulties, and inspired our growth and transformation into the organisation we are today.

We will miss her courage, her warmth, her intelligence, and her fierce determination.

Michelle was unrelenting in her pursuit of a more equitable world for working women. She was a role model and mentor for many South Australians dedicated to this cause.

Her legacy includes her contribution to the Anna Stewart Memorial Project – a program that has trained and emboldened a generation of union women.

Michelle went above and beyond for her community both as a worker and an activist. For over 40 years, her career involved significant work in education, women’s community services, women’s health, civil society and the trade union movement.

Michelle was Assistant Secretary of the UTLC of SA (SA Unions) during the early 2000’s. She volunteered her time and energy to work with the May Day Collective, APHEDA Union Aid Abroad, and the National Trust of Australia. Michelle was an elected local councilor in the Port Adelaide Enfield Local Council.

We express our deepest sympathies and support for Michelle’s partner Robert and her family as they grieve this significant loss. We share our condolences with Michelle’s many friends, comrades and colleagues including those she knew through her work at the Centre, and the many other causes and communities she belonged to, connected with and built.

The Working Women’s Centre would not be in the position it is today without Michelle’s tireless work and passion. We thank her for all she did to support us, including being our leader, advocate, and lifelong friend.

We also thank our clients, supporters, and friends for their patience during this time. We are so sad to have lost Michelle. We loved Michelle and we will bring Michelle’s passion, commitment and strength as we continue to support working women across South Australia.

In solidarity,

The Working Women’s Centre Board and Staff