What We Do
Women and Mentoring (WAM) has been operating in the City of Yarra (in Melbourne) since 2009 and we have recently expanded into the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. We run a unique, early intervention program which supports women charged with a criminal offence by matching them individually with a supportive female mentor.
The volunteer mentors are trained and resourced to provide appropriate support to the program participants, to share their skills and to contribute to the wider community. The program has made a significant positive difference to the female offenders’ confidence, coping mechanisms and capacity to respond to their legal matters and address the issues that underlie their offending.
The vast majority of the participants have avoided a prison sentence and have not re-offended. A total of thirty-five women have participated in the program since its inception. Only one received a custodial sentence, and only two have reoffended after their participation.
The WAM program has always been strongly community-based. We rely on relationships within the community to support the program and to refer participants to it. We have conducted research into other areas where women are committing crimes and in need of support, and we are now planning to replicate our program in these other areas.
"Our mission is to assist women in their early interaction with the justice system through the provision of a formal mentoring relationship. This will provide them with a pathway to develop and use positive life skills."
Ann Polis (Chair) & Mary Latham (Executive Officer)
Our People
Ann Polis
ChairAnn Polis has played a significant role in the establishment and development of WAM from 2008. Ann has been active in her local community, including as a board member of the Wellington Inc, a council member of the Fitzroy Primary School, an executive member of the Fitzroy Residents’ Association and a community member of the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in many facets of its work. From 2000, Ann worked as a volunteer mentor with the VACRO program for women leaving prison. Ann has previously worked as a trainer with the Trade Union Training Authority (TUTA) and was the founding editor of The Melbourne Times newspaper.
Stacey Zuluaga
DirectorStacey is an accountant with over 11 years’ experience in public practice. She is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting and Management) and a Diploma of Financial Planning. Stacey is the Chair of the women's committee at CPA, she chairs the CPA Mums and Bubs discussion group and she writes material for a CPA education product. Stacey brings to the board of WAM accounting experience across a range of industries, a broad understanding of the issues women can face, especially financial, and a passion for empowering others.
Keren Murray
Director & Company SecretaryKeren has most recently worked as Principal Lawyer of Legal Policy at the Law Institute of Victoria. Keren previously worked in criminal law reform at the Department of Justice, Victoria and at law reform commissions in England and Victoria. She has experience working as a solicitor for a large commercial firm and in family law at the Women’s Legal Service Victoria. She has previously been a member of the Board of the YWCA Victoria. Keren brings legal experience to the board of WAM, and a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on women.
Sam Payne
DirectorSam Payne retired from a long career in Business Administration in 2005. She joined the WAM pilot program as a Volunteer Mentor in 2010, one of the first volunteers. Sam has mentored three women participants in WAM and continues as a Volunteer. She joined the WAM Board in 2014.
Dean McWhirter
DirectorDean is currently the Assistant Commissioner, Family Violence Command, Victoria Police. In 2007, he was the manager of the Yarra Police Service Area (Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy). Whilst working at Yarra he was involved in the initial development and implementation of the Women and Mentoring program. Dean’s other roles with Victoria Police have included Superintendent of the Road Policing Enforcement Division responsible for the Road Safety Camera Program and Superintendent, People Development Command responsible for the oversight of foundation training for police recruits and protective security officers.
Sally Dobell
DirectorSally is the CEO of a Creative Agency, Cornwell which is renowned as one of Australia’s most innovative and respected brand experts.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Sally is a passionate and dedicated business person who also sits on the board of Open House Melbourne.
Mary Latham
Executive OfficerMary has been with WAM since 2014 and is responsible for managing the organisation and overseeing its operations and its expansion into new areas.
Gen Anderson
Program Coordinator – Inner NorthGen has been with WAM since 2016 and is responsible for managing the program in the Inner North, including recruiting and supporting mentors, matching the mentors with mentees and liaising with community organisations.
Sharlene Farrugia
Program Coordinator – Western suburbsSharlene has been with WAM since 2015 and is responsible for managing the program in the Western Suburbs, including recruiting and supporting mentors, matching the mentors with mentees and liaising with community organisations.