Victoria Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Wooldridge

Victoria Honours Women Leaders

Victor P Taffa

Twenty Outstanding Women were today inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women by the Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Wooldridge, as part of celebrations to mark the centenary of International Women’s Day.

“The Victorian Honour Roll of Women is important as it acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of inspirational women in Victoria and ensures that the contributions these women have made are recorded and passed on to future generations.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

Announcing this year’s Honour Roll inductees at a ceremony at the National Gallery of Victoria, Ms. Wooldridge said the inductees came from right across the state. 

“Their achievements span a diverse range of areas, such as business and industry, community services, indigenous affairs, multicutural affairs, youth affairs, health, training and education, the arts, international development and social justice.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“As we mark the Centenary of International Women’s Day, it is timely to acknowledge the leadership shown by these exceptional women.”

“Like those who came before them, these women have demonstrated vision, courage and a commitment to succeed in their chosen fields and, as a consequence, they have made Victoria a better place.”

“They also serve as inspirational role models for other women, many of whom are contributing to the vibrancy and inclusiveness of their communities.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

More than 470 women have now been inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Brief profiles of the 2011 Honour Roll inductees are available from www.women.vic.gov.au

VICTORIAN HONOUR ROLL OF WOMEN 2011

Professor Muriel Bamblett, AM

A Yorta Yorta woman who has worked tirelessly to advocate for and improve the lives of Aboriginal children and their families. A former CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.  Northcote

Ms. Terry Bracks

Founder of Western Chances, a scholarship program for disadvantaged young people in the western suburbs to help them complete their education with financial and mentoring assistance. Williamstown

Mrs. Cecilia Conroy

One of the first women principals in Victoria and an advocate for education for children with special needs. Bendigo

Ms. Sandie de Wolf, AM

Advocate for improving life opportunities for children, young people and families. As the CEO of Berry Street she has led the organisation to become the largest independent child and family welfare organisation in Victoria. Richmond

Ms. Dale Fisher

The first female Chief Executive of the Royal Women’s Hospital and a champion for the improvement of women’s health care. Elwood

Dr. Paula Gerber

A champion for women working in the male dominated field of construction. Founder of the National Association of Women in Construction and board member of the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Clayton

Ms. Tricia Harper, AM

Advocate for single mothers and their children. A founder of both the Victorian Council for the Single Mother and her Child and the National Council for the Single Mother and her Child. Fitzroy

Ms. Chris Jennings

Champion for the rights of women with disabilities and a lead advocate in raising awareness of the issue of violence against women with disabilities. Brunswick

Mrs. Jill Joslyn

A passionate campaigner on the issue of youth suicide in rural and remote areas and breaking down the stigmas associated with mental illness. Mildura

Ms. Betty Kitchener, OAM

World-pioneering founder of the Mental Health First Aid program, an internationally recognised program to provide initial help for people developing mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. Kensington

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni

Winner of the 2010 New Inventors Grand Final for inventing a biomarker device to diagnose mental illness. Internationally recognised for her work in the treatment of mental health disorders, particularly in women’s mental health, pioneering the use of oestrogen as a treatment in schizophrenia and depression. Beaumaris

Ms. Marion Lau, OAM

Advocate for greater recognition for migrant women in public, private and community life. First woman president of the Chinese Community Society of Victoria and first woman Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. Caulfield

Aunty Dot Peters

Campaigner for the recognition of Aboriginal returned service men and women after her own father’s death on the Thai Burma Railway in WW2. Protocols honouring Aboriginal service men and women are now part of ceremonies Australia wide. Healesville

Dr. Wendy Poussard

Co-founder of the International Women’s Development Agency and instrumental in promoting the importance of gender in international development. As a result, gender requirements are now built into all AusAID and non-government organisation development projects. St. Kilda East

Ms. Brenda Richards

A founding member and inaugural treasurer of the Council of Single Mothers and their Children (CSMC). Started the Family Step Program in the Children’s Court, to help stepfamilies whose children were before the courts. St. Kilda

Ms. Carol Schwartz, AM

A pioneer in developing social enterprise organisations in Australia and a champion of women’s leadership. Founded Our Community, Australia’s first major private company established as an organisation to enhance the social good. Toorak

Ms. Virginia Simmons, AO

Inspirational leader and innovator in vocational and tertiary education. First female Director of a TAFE Institution in Victoria; longest serving female TAFE CEO and Director in Victoria (Chisholm). Black Rock

 Dr. Diane Sisely

Champion of human rights and equal opportunity in Victoria. Commission Member, Chief Executive and Chief Conciliator of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission (VEOC) from 1994 to 2004. Established the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT University in 2007. St. Kilda

 Dame Peggy van Praagh, OBE, DBE (1910-1990)

Passionate advocate for dance education. Inaugural Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet and founder of the Australian Ballet School.

Mrs. Jane Scarlett, AM (1940-2010)

Dedicated to improving the lives of young women and girls through her work with the Girl Guides, the Salvation Army and as a teacher. As part of her work with Girl Guides, developed a peer leadership program for girls.