Thank you to Giulia Baggio
At its September 23rd meeting the WoMEDA Board took the opportunity to pass a heartfelt vote of thanks to Giulia Baggio, as her six month contract as Executive Director approaches its conclusion.
WoMEDA Chair, Professor Peter Dawkins noted that earlier this year WoMEDA was very pleased to be able to secure the services of Giulia for six months to plan and execute the launch of the WoMEDA Dialogue and to consult with local politicians, community leaders and local businesses on the immediate priorities for the West of Melbourne.
Giulia has made a significant contribution to WoMEDA over a short period and while her role will conclude on 1st October, we anticipate seeking Giulia’s involvement and advice beyond her time as Executive Director. She has a deep commitment to the West of Melbourne and leaves WoMEDA in a stronger position than when she joined us back in March.
Following a discussion of options going forward, assisted by a strategy paper developed by Giulia, the WoMEDA Board has decided it will revert to an Executive Officer role to support the board, with recruitment to commence in coming months.
Peter Dawkins
Chair, WoMEDA
&
Emeritus Professor of Economics
Mitchell Institute
Victoria University.
ABOUT WOMEDA
WoMEDA is an independent alliance bringing together a significant network of leaders from public and private sector organisations to drive long-term prosperity in Melbourne’s West, one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and home to a million people.
WoMEDA harnesses momentum through strategic partnerships and rigorous research to identify opportunities for investment in new industries, new jobs, new skills and healthy communities.
A flourishing West of Melbourne underpins the economic strength of Victoria and Australia. WoMEDA’s work since 2015 is helping to shape a prosperous future for all.
WOMEDA'S SIX PILLARS
CITY BUILDING
TRANSPORT
JOBS & SKILLS
INDUSTRY
LIVEABILITY
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
Read more below about the pillars in Western Growth - Unlocking Melbourne’s Economic Engine, WoMEDA’s strategic foundation paper.
RESEARCH & ADVOCACY
Reports & Policy Papers
WoMEDA's researchers Professor Janine Dixon and economist Mary Clarke drive the evidence based reports and strategic papers that shape policy and advance the investment agenda for Melbourne's West.
2025 - Western Growth - Unlocking Melbourne’s Economic Engine
Strategic Foundation Paper
EVENTS
MEDIA LAUNCH
August 2026
WOMEDA'S PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT TERM OF GOVERNMENT
After months of consultation, WoMEDA this week launched its key investment priorities for the Victorian state election. WoMEDA's research builds the case for essential infrastructure to support Australia's biggest and fastest growing metropolitan area.
THE WoMEDA DIALOGUE
The WoMEDA Dialogue brings together members, diverse networks, MPs and other influential leaders to discuss and share ideas on progress and investment in the West.
A series of roundtables, webinars, lunches and other networking events are held throughout each year to promote and progress the West's agenda.
WoMEDA's biannual West of Melbourne Summit is the flagship event for the region, attracting state and federal keynote speakers and policy experts to discuss major projects and future development. Planning is now underway for the 2027 Summit.
WEBINAR
Early October 2026 - Online
LIVEABILITY & INCLUSION IN THE WEST
HOSTED BY PROF. PETER DAWKINS
WoMEDA Chair Professor Peter Dawkins will be joined by subject matter experts to dispel commonly held misconceptions about communities in the west and what our suburbs need to better support health and wellbeing.
ALLIANCE MEMBERS
OUR NETWORK
WoMEDA unites significant public and private institutions across Melbourne's West, from councils and universities to industry leaders and infrastructure operators.
WoMEDA thanks the following major member partners for their support
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
WoMEDA acknowledges the Wurundjeri, Bunurong and Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We offer honour and deep respect to their Ancestors, Elders, and families past, present and rising. We recognise the rich, ongoing cultural, social and spiritual connections that First Nations peoples have with the lands and waters West of Melbourne and beyond.