Nominations open for Victorian Honour Roll of Women

THE community is encouraged to help recognise women who have made a significant and lasting contribution in Victoria, as nominations for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women open for another year.

Victorian Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the Honour Roll recognised outstanding and determined women who lead in their fields, are strengthening their communities, or have bright futures ahead of them.

“Whether it’s changing lives in a lab or in their community, the Honour Roll is a chance to highlight incredible women from all walks of life who spend their days making a difference.

“The inductees serve as role models for everyone as we strive towards gender equality.

“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised among these remarkable women, please nominate them now.”

Nominations are encouraged for women from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and age groups, and can be made across four categories.

Geelong’s Lyndie Freestone (left) was inducted to the Honour Roll last year. She is pictured here with Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.

They are:

Change agent, for a woman who has made an enduring commitment in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour that has brought about significant and lasting change.
Emerging leader, for a young woman aged between 16 and 30 refining leadership in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour
Local champion, for a dedicated member of the community whose substantive contributions are deserving of wider recognition, and
Trailblazer, for an inspiring role model who effectively leads the way for women starting out in a field that has been traditionally male-dominated and has significant barriers for women.

Unsung Geelong hero Lyndie Freestone was among the 21 women inducted to the Honour Roll last year, in recognition of her far-reaching contributions in the field of mental health and her commitment to the local community.

She joins several other local Honour Roll inductees, including former Deakin University vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander, former Geelong Regional Library Corporation chief executive officer Patti Manolis and former Committee for Geelong CEO Dr Rebecca Casson.

Since the Honour Roll was established in 2001, more than 750 women have been inducted from a wide range of fields, including social justice, health science, education, law and the arts.

Nominations for the Honour Roll will close on March 16.

For more information or to nominate yourself or someone you know, head to vic.gov.au/honour-roll-women