Wonder women wanted

APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2018 Monica Hayes Community Award that recognises women striving for gender equality within the community.

Established in 2016, the award open to women residing in Northern Bellarine (St Leonards, Portarlington and Indented Head) honors Ms Hayes, a former Portarlington resident, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in 2016.

Described as a tireless community leader, feminist and activist, Ms Hayes spent a lifetime advocating on behalf of others; this award recognises women within the community whose endeavours and active community involvement make a difference to others, break down barriers to gender equality and promote an increased respect for the role of women and girls within the community.

Vicki Perrett, the recipient of the inaugural award in 2017, is a committed environmentalist who chairs Geelong Sustainability and co-founded Bellarine Belles – a recycling group for women.

The award (a cash prize and unique glass art piece) will be presented at the third Northern Bellarine International Women’s Day (IWD) event hosted by Terindah Estate March 6.

IWD committee member Jenny Wills encouraged the community to nominate women from their group, club, network, neighborhood or workplace that reflects the values and attributes of the award.

Nominations close on Tuesday February 20 with application forms available from the Portarlington Bendigo Bank branch, the general store in Indented Head, and the community space in St Leonards.

For more information, phone Jenny Wills on 5259 2032