All welcome to honour Great Women

THIS year’s Great Women of Ballarat honouree induction evening is open to the public next Thursday 5 March.

Taking place at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, the event – Illuminate – will celebrate women who lead with courage, give back without seeking recognition, and strengthen the city through volunteerism, advocacy, innovation and community service.

Great Women of Ballarat has existed for 17 years, but for the first time in 2026 is under the custodianship of the Ballarat Foundation and its partners including the City of Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat, Federation University, the Zonta Club Ballarat, the Times News Group, and more.

“Great Women of Ballarat is a powerful expression of our commitment to celebrating, recognising and amplifying the achievements, stories and leadership of women across our community,” Ballarat Foundation chair Ellen Jackson said.

“These women are not only making an extraordinary impact in their fields, they are shaping the future of Ballarat.

“At the Ballarat Foundation, we believe leadership and recognition matters. By honouring their contribution, we elevate their voices, inspire the next generation, and acknowledge the profound and lasting impact women have on our city.”

Speakers at the event will include honourees, Ms Jackson, and BMI and Ballarat Arts Foundation chair and Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute board member Paula Nicholson.

There will also be a raffle hosted by Zontian Catherine Taylor and Ballarat Foundation board member Katrina Baraquiel, with all money raised going to the Ballarat Women’s Fund that supports programs for a safer and more equal city.

The event format was traditionally a sit-down dinner attended by honourees and guests, but this year organisers have expanded it as a networking opportunity, with the $30 ticket price including nibbles.

So far they’ve received over 90 registrations with a capacity for 150, and tickets are available through the Ballarat Foundation website.