Monica Hayes community award launched for 2023

BELLARINE residents turned out for the official launch of the 2023 Monica Hayes Award, which celebrates and recognises women making a positive community impact.

The Monica Hayes Award was founded in 2017 by the Northern Bellarine International Women’s Day Commitee and exists to remember close friend and local icon Monica Hayes who made a significant impact in the local community through her leadership and advocacy for women.

After losing her battle to Motor Neuron Disease in 2016, Mrs Hayes is remembered as a feminist, community leader and volunteer who gave her all to help community groups like her local primary school, Bellarine Community Health and Portarlington Community Association.

Monday evening’s event officially opened 2023 award nominations, with both members of the Northern Bellarine Women’s Day Commitee and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville MP in attendance to kick off the search for a community hero.

“Monica was a very valued friend and was an important role model for women and girls in the way that she operated,” North Bellarine IWD committee member Jenni Wills said.

“She was a very inclusive leader which is what led to her having such great success in the community.”

Wills said that the Northern Bellarine International Women’s Day Committee are thoroughly looking forward to having their IWD luncheon back on in 2023, where they will crown the Monica Hayes Award winner.

“We are inviting nominations by the closing date of November 25 from across the Northern Bellarine, and welcome nominations from women of all ages whose endeavours and active community involvement make a difference for others, and in particular for women and girls,” Wills said.

“Such contributions to community wellbeing could be through social, cultural, environmental, or economic activities or in political life through activism and advocacy.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Northern Bellarine IWD Committee couldn’t organise an award this year, but we are thrilled to relaunch it for 2023.”

Nominations are encouraged from women who are involved in a diverse range of local activities that contribute to the overall community wellbeing.

The 2023 Award will be presented on March 7, 2023 at the IWD luncheon hosted by the Portarlington Golf Club.

Nomination forms will be available at the Bendigo Bank in Portarlington, General Store in Indented Head, Community Space at St Leonards and Springdale Neighbourhood House in Drysdale.

Further information can be found by contacting Jenni Wills on 5259 2032.