INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN ADDED TO 10th VICTORIAN HONOUR ROLL
– Media release from the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Thursday March 4, 2010
Twenty inspirational Victorian women were formally inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this evening in the lead up to International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8.
Announcing the inductees, Minister for Women’s Affairs Maxine Morand said in the 10th year of the Honour Roll there were some exceptional additions.
“This year we celebrate a remarkable group of women who have used their tenacity, vision, outstanding leadership, commitment and just plain hard work to succeed in their chosen field and have a lasting impact on their community,” Ms Morand said.
“This is an opportunity to recognise them and the many other women who have contributed to making Victoria a great place to live.”
Triple Olympian fencer Helen Smith, Victoria’s first Equal Opportunity Commissioner Fay Marles, Australia’s first Noel Prize winner Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, Dr Sally Cockburn alias Dr Feelgood, and Aboriginal rights champions Eleanor Bourke and ‘Aunty’ Maria Starcevic are among the 20 inspirational women inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.
“Whether they have worked behind the scenes in support of local communities or on the international stage, each of these women has achieved significant success in their chosen field,” she said.
Ms Morand said while women made up around half the population they were under represented in senior and leadership positions.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to increasing women’s leadership and I hope by promoting the stories of these women it will inform and inspire others,” she said.
“The 20 inductees are from right across metropolitan and regional Victoria and their backgrounds and work are diverse.
“The areas these women have excelled in range from community services, communication, Indigenous affairs, multicultural affairs, health, law, education, science, medicine and social justice.
“Their passion, ingenuity and dedication have marked these extroadinary Victorian women for special mention.”
Other Honour Roll inductees include: Sister Ann Halpin, tireless champion for isolated women; Bev Cook, mentor for women in the Mallee; epitome of community participation and social justice, Eileen Capocchi; and decorated veteran and military nursing leader Colonel Janice McCarthy.
“More than 450 women have now been inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women – every one is a role model and their achievements stand as an inspiration to us all,” Ms Morand said.
