Mary Crooks AO
B. 1950
Mary Crooks AO is an outstanding leader in the advocacy of women's rights, held in high regard for her commitment to public policy, feminism and social justice. Over several decades she has tirelessly championed the rights of women and girls in the quest for gender equality, and since 1996 she has been the Executive Director of the Victorian Women's Trust. In the 1980s, Crooks held significant positions within the Victorian Government, including the inaugural Chair of the Social Justice Consultative Council and advisor to the Coode Island Review. As Executive Director of the Victorian Women's Trust, Mary directed The Purple Sage Project, a pioneering exercise in participatory democracy that engaged some 6,000 women and men in community dialogue and action throughout Victoria. In 2012 Crooks authored 'A Switch in Time', a publication which aimed to restore respect in Australian politics. In 2000 Mary Crooks was the inaugural recipient of the Vida Goldstein Award and received the Centenary of Federation medal for her outstanding service to women. In 2012 she was appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Queen's Birthday Honours (AO).