Dora Topelberg z'I

Dora first became actively involved in WIZO after WW11 and became a founding member of WIZO Younger Set, now WIZO Galil. In 1948, Dora was honoured to host the founder of WIZO, Rebecca Sieff in her home during Mrs. Sieff’s only visit to Australia. Dora attended the first national WIZO Conference held in Sydney. She returned even more inspired and eventually took over the Presidency of her group, a position she held for more than 30 years.

With an enthusiastic committee, WIZO Galil led the way in Perth. Fundraising for Israel in those days was in the form of a Queen Competition. The Galil women understood that they were privileged to see the establishment of the State of Israel and were determined to do all in their power to help the women of Israel live as good a life as possible.

Through their friendship with Godel Korsunski, Dora was able to obtain a major bequest for WIZO. This is now perpetuated in the Fanya and Godel Korsunski Youth Club in Kfar Saba, a major Australian WIZO project.

Dora was inextricably linked to WIZO and became a mentor to many State Presidents. The door to her home was always open and many problems were discussed and solved by her sage advice. She was always available to give encouragement to younger members. 

Dora's daughter Ann Topelberg OAM was particularly active in WIZO WA and was President for some years. Her daughter in law Ruth Topelberg was always very involved on WIZO WA Executive. To this day they are both still involved.

Although approached many times, Dora refused to take on a State Presidency, instead preferring to work in the background and took no credit for her enormous contribution. 

She led by example, always passionate about her beloved cause. 

She was honoured by WIZO Federation as a Federal Life Member and continued to take a keen interest in all WIZO’s activities even when ill heath prevented her from taking active part.