Courage and Change: From MLC to Workplace Equality
At the heart of any meaningful change lies courage – the courage to take risks, challenge conventions, and pursue a purpose greater than oneself. This message resonated powerfully when MLC alumna, the Honourable Mary Wooldridge (1984), spoke at the 2025 Old Collegians’ Club’s International Women’s Day event, sharing reflections on her time at MLC and her career in the Victorian Parliament and as CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
Mary, alongside her sisters Jennifer and Sue, represents the second of three generations of Wooldridge women who attended MLC, beginning with Anne Wooldridge (1950), who was President of the Old Collegians’ Club in 1972.
From her early school days, Mary learned that courage is crucial to growth – it is not about being fearless but about embracing opportunities. At MLC, she tested her intellectual and physical capabilities under the guidance of dedicated teachers who were also impressive role models. She recalls MLC as an environment that encouraged students to try new things and take risks, even if they thought they were not going to succeed.
These formative experiences helped shape her guiding principles for her career:
- to contribute to meaningful change in people’s lives
- to drive positive social impact
- to take risks, push boundaries, and lead with courage.
With these values at the core of her ambitions, Mary built a career centred on social policy and public service, advocating for some of society’s most vulnerable – those affected by abuse, addiction, disability, and mental illness. As a member of the Victorian Parliament, she worked to ensure that programs and policy addressed the needs of communities.
One of her proudest achievements was the founding of Parkville College within the Parkville Youth Justice Centre. In 2011, young offenders received only a few hours of education each week. Through her leadership, Parkville College was established, ensuring students now receive 25 hours of schooling per week. This initiative equips young people with the fundamental skills they need to rebuild their lives, making a tangible impact on their futures while improving community safety.
Mary’s belief in courage as a catalyst for change is embodied in one of her favourite quotes, from Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Now as CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Mary works to advance gender equality and dismantle systemic barriers in the workforce.
Mary highlighted the significant advances that have been made in gender equality – from increased representation of women in managerial roles and boardrooms to expanded parental leave policies. Yet, challenges remain. The gender pay gap persists, workplace structures still reinforce outdated stereotypes, and many men hesitate to take parental leave due to perceived career risks. Mary emphasised that cultural and policy shifts are essential in making workplace equality a reality.
Her message was clear: gender equality benefits everyone. It empowers women and men alike, strengthens families, enhances productivity, and drives societal progress. Though change may be slow, the momentum is building. She encouraged the community to remain optimistic, celebrate progress, and continue championing equality with courage.
Mary reinforced a powerful truth – courage is not just about facing the unknown; it is about pushing forward, striving for fairness, and believing in the possibility of a better future.