Connect
Grow relationships. Meet new women. Make new friends. SWIC has been supporting women new to Sydney for over two decades.
Welcoming women from all over the world
Whether you are coming to Sydney to live for the first time, or returning after an absence, relocating can be a lonely and challenging time. At Sydney Women’s International Club we would like to extend a warm welcome to new members from overseas or interstate, with the offer of friendship, support, cultural exchange and activities encompassing the very best of what Sydney has to offer.
SWIC is affiliated with other international women’s associations and is non-political, non-religious, non-commercial and welcomes women of all nationalities, including Australians.
What members say about SWIC
“I Love SWIC!”
“I came to live in Sydney in September 2012, having been widowed in February of that year. Other than my daughter and her family, who already lived here, I had no contacts at all. SWIC has been my lifeline and the prime mover in helping me make a fresh start in this beautiful city.”
“It’s been almost six years since I came to Australia.”
“It was my first move abroad and I didn’t know anyone and hardly spoke the language. When I look back, I realise that SWIC was my lifesaver – the perfect way to find new friends and people to talk with who understood that my English wasn’t 100%. Through SWIC I fell in love with walking and going to museums and art galleries. I have a very rich life in Sydney.”
“It’s not easy to return to your homeland after 25 years overseas as an expat”
“It’s actually more challenging than starting again in a completely new country! When my husband and I returned to Sydney to retire in 2005 we found the usual fuss made on our short vacations was missing. Then I was introduced to SWIC and it was like stepping into a warm bath. I met friendly women of many nationalities, both expats and immigrants, returned expats like myself and Sydney women who were interested in more than which school you went to. I have made lifelong friendships through SWIC and have rediscovered Sydney.”
“I had never lived in a different country before, let alone one on the other side of the world.”
“I remember thinking ‘This is my home now, this is my life’ and feeling very lonely. As beautiful as Sydney is, it was hard at times without friends or family. SWIC changed all that. SWIC gave me things to do, places to go to, and best of all SWIC gave me friends. It is a club with so much warmth and positivity, and my ‘SWIC family’ has helped me through times of struggle as well as sharing times of celebration.”
Activities
With more than 20 different activities and groups getting together weekly or monthly, there is always something to do and people to connect with.
Events
Attend special events. SWIC organises trips to the theatre, art exhibitions, shows and more, enabling a diverse and rich life with like-minded people.
Springboard
Springboard aims to help newcomers settle into life in Sydney, matching them with a ‘buddy’. Springboard can also provide information about Sydney.