Words of Wisdom from Rachael Wong at Formal Hall

Campion College welcomed Rachael Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Forum Australia, as the guest speaker at last night’s Formal Hall.

Wong, a lawyer by training with extensive experience in law reform and human rights, shared insights from her remarkable career journey — one that has taken her from commercial litigation in New Zealand to the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, to leading legislative reform in Samoa, and finally to her current role advocating for women and girls in Australia.

Reflecting on her career path, Wong encouraged students to embrace the unexpected turns in life and to see setbacks as stepping stones: “There is something to be said for doing things you may not love in order to get to where you want to go — even if you’re not quite sure where that is,” she said. She recalled her time working long hours in corporate law, a role that left her unfulfilled but gave her invaluable training. That experience, she noted, eventually positioned her for opportunities in refugee advocacy, law reform, and the leadership of a national think tank. Her advice to students was simple yet powerful: “You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Each experience, even the ones that seem frustrating or uncertain, can become part of a bigger picture.”

Wong also spoke about the importance of courage in pursuing difficult but necessary work. At Women’s Forum Australia, she and her team advocate on issues such as the sexualisation of women in media, violence against women, human trafficking, prostitution, and surrogacy. These topics, she explained, require not only passion but also resilience. “Striving for excellence is essential,” she said, “because when you do, you leave little legitimate reason for others to discredit you. That discipline builds credibility and allows your voice to reach further.”

Encouraging students to reflect on their own journeys, Wong urged them to look for the unique contribution they can make in society. “Each of you has talents and passions that are irreplaceable. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have when you use them in service of others,” she said. Her words resonated strongly with the Campion College community, particularly as students prepare to take their next steps into professional and personal life.

Following the address, students engaged Wong in a lively Q&A session, exploring topics such as legal reform, cultural change, and international models of advocacy. College President Dr Paul Morrissey thanked Wong for her courageous public engagement, noting the inspiration her words offered to Campion College students. See below for photos from the night.