Celebrating lives of greatness

Inductees: Honourees Pamella Taylor OAM, Natalie Illingworth, Heidi Biggin, Marianne Hendron, and Maureen Doonan with Dianne McGrath OAM who represented honouree Frances Salenga. Pictured at Ms Biggin's feet is her assistance dog Freya. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS

BALLARAT’S Honour Roll of Great Women – who have made this community an even better place to live through their work or volunteering efforts – became longer last week.

The Zonta Club of Ballarat and supporters celebrated six women at a presentation dinner where they were inducted onto the roll.

Hilary Pope delivers the toast to Zonta International.

This year’s honourees were disability advocate Heidi Biggin, advocate for refugees and asylum seekers Maureen Doonan, Women’s Health Grampians CEO Marianne Hendron, Raven Collective director Natalie Illingworth, multicultural community leader Frances Salenga, and Safety Link co-developer Pamella Taylor OAM.

Guest speaker Patty Kinnersly, the CEO of Our Watch and director of Carlton Football Club.

Each inductee spoke for five minutes about their background, work and service, and were presented with a certificate and yellow Zonta rose of friendship by Zonta Club of Ballarat president Catherine Taylor.

Women’s Health Grampians CEO Marianne Hendron reflected on her childhood during The Troubles conflict in Ireland.

After many years of being custodians, the Ballarat Zontians will no longer lead the Great Women Honour Roll initiative and are seeking an organisation that could take it over in the years to come.