Penny Goodman

Penny emigrated to Melbourne from London as a 3-year-old in 1969.

Knowing nobody in Australia, her mother enrolled her into Mount Scopus College from the UK as she wanted her child to have a Jewish education and at least be part of a community through meeting people from the school.

In year 8, Penny decided she needed to go to a school which would accommodate her artistic interests so she went to Lauriston Girls School where she pursued art and drama. After matriculation Penny trained as a hairdresser and worked in this profession until she was 25.

Deciding to change careers she went back to studying Interior design at RMIT. She now runs a design and property development business called Penelope Design.

She has a blended family of four children with her husband David. David’s interests in Indigenous health and welfare has lead the both of them to central Australia where Penny volunteers at a community centre called Purple Houses.

Her interest in WIZO came when she attended a Mother’s Day brunch with her mother over 20 years ago. Her mother had always instilled in her a sense of charity and community which led her to form her own group. She was one of the founders of WIZO Chavera where she held the position of treasurer for over 10 years.

She was also elected to the WIZO Victoria Executive with then President Anita Bejerano and helped with submitting grant applications.

She is now on both State and Federal executives of WIZO as Membership Chairperson.

Along with Ronit Chrapot, President of WIZO Victoria’s new executive, Penny feels that WIZO Victoria is evolving into a modern and vibrant organisation, transforming the lives of women, youth, children and men in Israel.

She has always encouraged her children to become involved in helping the community both locally and in Israel.