Inspiring women sought for 2026 Victorian Honour Roll

COMMUNITY members are being encouraged to nominate eligible inspirational individuals from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and age groups for the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

The honour roll celebrates achievements in fields including social justice, health, science, research, arts, environment, law, media and education across five categories: history heroine, local champion, change agent, emerging leader and trailblazer.

The late Joan Kirner, Victoria’s first female premier, created the program in 2001 to formally acknowledge women for their achievements and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

Last year’s 24 inductees included Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips, a leader and advocate for women in medical research and the first woman to become a professor of oncology in Victoria.

Family violence awareness campaigners were also well represented, including internationally recognised academic and chair of Respect Victoria, Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, as well as advocate Lutfiye Kavci, a family violence survivor who turned her own experience into creating positive change for others.

“Women across Victoria are changing lives every day – whether in the research lab, the legal system or advocating for change in a range of fields,” Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“This a chance to highlight incredible women from all walks of life.

“If you know a history heroine, emerging leader, local champion, trailblazer or change agent who deserves to be recognised among these remarkable women, nominate them now.”

Nominations close on 20 March.

For more information, or to make a nomination, head to the Victorian Government website.