NCJWA unveils landmark Ambassadors initiative, appoints Dr Kerryn Phelps

The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) has announced a landmark initiative, appointing Dr Kerryn Phelps as its first ambassador in a programme designed to elevate Jewish women’s voices and strengthen their role in shaping Australian society.

NCJWA President Lynda Ben-Menashe explains the Ambassadors programme is designed to harness the standing of high-profile Jewish women who already command influence in their professional sectors. “Most organisations spend their time trying to build relationships from scratch,” she explained. “Our ambassadors are already recognised leaders who can open doors and shape conversations in ways no one else can.”

For Dr Phelps, the appointment is both personal and professional. “I am very impressed with the work NCJWA does in advocating for Jewish women across Australia,” she said. “The organisation’s commitment to gender equality, social justice, and intergenerational connection really resonated with me. When I was approached to become an ambassador, it felt like an opportunity to give back to a community that has been a great support to me over the years, while using my public voice to support causes I care deeply about.”

For Dr Phelps, who has held leadership positions in medicine, politics and advocacy, the new role is a natural progression. “My career has always been guided by a will to serve, whether it is working in general practice, shaping health policy, or advocating for human rights,” she said.

“This ambassador role fits naturally into that broader context. It is another platform where I can advocate for social justice and inclusion, this time with a particular focus on Jewish women. I see it as a way to bring together my professional experience and personal values and to help drive change from both within the community and across Australian society.”

She identified several pressing concerns that she hopes to highlight. “One issue I am especially concerned about is the impact of the rise in antisemitism, both globally and here in Australia, and how that affects Jewish women’s sense of safety, identity, and visibility,” she said.

“I also want to emphasise the importance of women’s leadership, equal representation, and access to healthcare, including mental health and aged care. These are issues where I feel I can help amplify the voices of Jewish women who tend to be underrepresented in public discourse.”

Phelps has already begun using her new platform. Within days of her appointment, she was invited by the new president of the Australian Medical Association, who is also a woman, to consult on the experiences of Jewish doctors.

NCJWA facilitated the meeting, which brought together Jewish doctors and medical students from across the country. “Among my medical colleagues, I hope to highlight the intersection of gender, culture, and health,” Phelps said.

“I have been hearing concerns about antisemitism in healthcare from patients and from healthcare workers, and it is extremely important to raise awareness of the need to ensure culturally safe healthcare for all members of our community.”

Looking ahead, Phelps hopes the programme will give NCJWA’s work even greater visibility and impact. “I would like to create more opportunity for conversations, in medicine, in politics, and in the community, about the unique experiences and contributions of Jewish women,” she said.

“I hope the Ambassadors programme helps to raise the profile of NCJWA and its mission, especially across generations. By bringing together diverse voices from different fields, the programme can show the diversity and strength of Jewish women’s leadership. It would be great to see the development of new collaborations and inspire more people to get involved in shaping a future that is inclusive and optimistic, both within the Australian Jewish community and beyond.”

Ben-Menashe said the Ambassadors initiative complements NCJWA’s wider renewal. Since taking office a year ago, her board has introduced an Allies Committee of non-Jewish women leaders.

This has resulted in a national series of Jewish resilience workshops attended by more than 5,000 people, high-level boardroom luncheons with political and civic leaders, and listening campaigns to gather the experiences of Jewish women. “Our aim”, she said, “is to ensure Jewish women are not just present but leading in the national conversations that shape our future.”