In conversation with: Thelma Castles OAM

Thelma Castles has been a cornerstone of The Queen’s Fund and is a mentor to many of its younger members. In 2017, she received the Order of Australia in the general division ‘for services to the community through charitable institutions.’ Here is a look back at the incredible work she has done with us over the last 24 years.

Invited to join The Queen’s Fund by Helen Moylan (committee member 1993-2021) in 1998, Thelma held executive positions for 18 of her 24 years on the Committee. She holds the honour of bring the Queen’s Fund’s longest-serving President - leading for a total of six years - as well as performing the roles of Deputy President, Secretary and Convenor of the Communication Subcommittee.

The changes that Thelma introduced during her terms as President modernised The Queen’s Fund and completely transformed the way it operated.

In 1998, one person was responsible for applying for funding; one person for collecting the letters in the city; one for reading and prioritising the applications; one for entering the information on the database; and one for reading the letters at the meeting.

There was significant pressure on the individual volunteer for each role. During her time working in what is now the Submissions Subcommittee, Thelma had many sleepless nights and dreams that she had missed the application date and lost funding for The Queen’s Fund. he was, however, always on time.

Today, as a result of changes to structures and processes initiated by Thelma, there is a subcommittee for each of these activities filled with volunteers with the required skills and expertise. The organisational changes she put in place ensured that The Queen’s Fund remains a viable and relevant organisation, able to adapt and meet new challenges.

In her time, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications, number of women and children assisted and total grants provided. There has also been an increasing number of partnerships and individual donors. Following Thelma’s instigation, TQF now has automated systems and processes in place that allow us to cope with this increase.

Reflecting on her time in The Queen’s Fund, Thelma is so thankful to have had this wonderful organisation be a significant part of her life for 24 years. Advocating for and directly aiding women in need has been truly fulfilling. Sadly, the work does not end. The reasons women were in crisis in 1998 remain today: homelessness and housing, family violence, mental illness, medical, and disability.

Thelma is sad to go but grateful to know she has contributed to the ongoing and crucial work of The Queen’s Fund: helping vulnerable women.

The Queen’s Fund is 100% run by volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering your skills and time with The Queen’s Fund, contact us at enquiries@queensfund.org.au