New era for Great Women honour roll

NOMINATIONS are open for the next round of inductees to the Great Women of Ballarat honour roll.

Formerly delivered by the Zonta Club of Ballarat, the annual initiative celebrates the leadership, achievements, contributions, and advocacy of outstanding local women, and is now under the custodianship of auspice organisation the Ballarat Foundation, with partners.

Alongside the foundation, the awards are being driven by the City of Ballarat, Ballarat Businesswomen Network, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Women’s Health Grampians, Workforce Australia Local Jobs Ballarat, Federation University, Commerce Ballarat, the Zonta Club of Ballarat, 3BA/PowerFM and The Ballarat Times News Group.

“Great Women of Ballarat recognises and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of women across every sector of our community,” said Katrina Baraquiel, board director of the Ballarat Foundation.

“By telling their stories and sharing their leadership, we create powerful role models for future generations and build momentum towards equality and inclusion in Ballarat.”

The Great Women of Ballarat honour roll was first established in 2008 as part of a Women’s Health Grampians project, and has so far recognised more-than 200 women.

The Zonta Club Ballarat delivered the awards alone from 2012 until 2025 when they decided to hand them over to a new custodian.

“Our members are delighted that this important initiative will continue as a collaborative venture by such strong organisations in our city, led by those who share our goal of recognising and creating visibility of the many great women who make an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of our community” said Val Sarah, spokesperson for Zonta Ballarat.

Individuals and organisations can nominate women who demonstrate leadership and impact through their work or contribution, champion others by mentoring, supporting or advocating for women and underrepresented groups, inspire others through their achievements, integrity and example, and have a strong local connection, calling Ballarat and surrounds home at ballaratfoundation.org.au/great-women-of-ballarat.

Nominations close on 10 November, and an independent panel of community leaders will assess nominations, with up to six women to be honoured in 2026.

2025 Great Women of Ballarat honouree, Raven Collective founder and director Natalie Illingworth, said it’s essential to acknowledge women making an impact.

“When I was nominated, I felt such a sense of honour to be recognised,” she said.

“When you’ve got your peers nominating you, telling you that what you’re doing is valued and important, that carries a lot of weight for your own self esteem, confidence and personal growth.

“It also opened up new connections and people to align with, with similar values… It’s opened so many pathways.”

The 2026 Great Women of Ballarat honourees will be celebrated at a community event on Thursday 5 March, ahead of International Women’s Day. All recipients will be profiled and have a chance to share their stories.

The evening will also be a chance to raise money for the foundation’s Ballarat Women’s Fund.