The Australian Women's Register

Chris McDiven was schooled at Penrhos College in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, U.K., then Methodist Ladies College in Claremont, Western Australia. She gained a Primary Teaching Certificate at Claremont Teacher’s College, Western Australia (1968) and worked as a primary school teacher and volunteer ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher before returning to study at the Churchlands College of Advanced Education (Diploma of Teaching) in 1978.

McDiven moved into small business in 1982, and became a member of the Liberal Party (Paddington Branch) in 1984. She has held many party positions, including President of the Federal Women’s Committee (Aug 1994 – Feb 1997) and was awarded a Distinguished Service Award in 1998. McDiven initiated and coordinated the NSW Liberal Women’s Forum (1993 – 1997), a political network for more women in parliament and has organized related training seminars, functions, networking opportunities and a mentoring program. She has also coordinated the information centre at campaign headquarters for all State and Federal election campaigns since 1991. McDiven is currently the State president of the NSW division (since December 2000) and a member of Federal Executive. She is also Director of Leon Holdings Pty Ltd Family property trust (1995 -) and Gister Pty Ltd (1999 -).

Her many community activities include involvement in the Australian Sports Foundation Ltd (Director 1998 -), the National Foundation of Australian Women, Kambala Church of England Girl’s School, Rose Bay, the Keep Australia Beautiful Council ( NSW), Rotary Club of Sydney, Toastmasters International, the Powerhouse Museum (Awarded Distinguished Service Award 1995), the Harbourside Swimming Club now known as Uniswim Swimming Club, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra Medici Ball Committee.
She is married with two teenage daughters.