Honour roll becomes even greater

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

The Zonta Club of Ballarat will celebrate six women next month when they induct them at a special presentation dinner.

In the coming weeks, the Ballarat Times will publish profiles on each of the inductees.

This year’s honourees are 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 Pamela Taylor OAM.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to introduce readers to the 2025 honourees, nominated by their peers, who represent such a diverse range of commitments to the wellbeing of our City,” said Zonta Club of Ballarat president Catherine Taylor.

“We are privileged to add their names to the Honour Roll of Ballarat’s Great Women: Heidi Biggin nominated by Kate Diamond-Keith of the CoRE Alliance, Maureen Doonan nominated by David MacPhail OAM of Rural Australians for Refugees, Marianne Hendron nominated by Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, Natalie Illingworth nominated by Andrew Eales, CEO of the Ballarat Foundation, Frances Salenga, nominated by Dianne McGrath, OAM, DGSJ, supporter of cross-cultural programs of the City of Ballarat, and Pamella Taylor OAM nominated by Carol Taylor who supports the nationwide Safety Link program.”

Zonta Club of Ballarat’s Val Sarah, a member of the Ballarat’s Great Women committee, has been part of the movement to recognise and highlight outstanding local women since 2006.

“Historically, women have been quiet heroes in the day-to-day progress of our city, and notoriously shy of any recognition, saying ‘this is just what we do’,” she said.

“However, many have been trailblazers and role models for the generations of young women to come.

“Their exemplary contribution to the development and wellbeing of our community has been nothing short of amazing. We are indebted to them all.”