AO, 1989

Born

22 July 1941
Orange, New South Wales, Australia

Occupation

Businesswoman, Company Director, Educator, Femocrat and Public Speaker

Alternative Names

• Ryan, Wendy Elizabeth (maiden name)

Summary

Wendy McCarthy is an experienced businesswoman who has assumed many major leadership roles in both the public and private sectors for nearly forty years. Her first experience as a political lobbyist came about when, newly pregnant, she and her husband joined the Childbirth Education Association (CEA) in Sydney, campaigning for (amongst other things) the rights of fathers to be present at the births of their babies. Since then, she has had three children, and been an active change agent in women's health, education, broadcasting, conservation and heritage and Australian business. Her senior executive and non-executive positions have included: CEO - Family Planning Association of Australia (1979-84); Member - National Women's Advisory Council (1978-81); Member - Sydney Symphony Orchestra Council and Director - Australian Multicultural Foundation. Currently, she is Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Chair of Plan Australia and a Director of the Plan International Board, Chair of the board of McGrath Estate Agents, Chair of Symphony Australia and Chair of the New South Wales Health Participation Council. She is also Executive Director of Corporate Good Works and McCarthy Management Pty Ltd. Initially trained to be a teacher, she has become a public speaker of note and has written several books and articles that reflect her broad range of interests.

Wendy's contribution to Australian life has been recognised in various ways. In 1989 she became an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to community affairs, women's affairs and the Bicentennial celebrations and in 1996 she received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia. In April 2003 she was awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal.