Do you know an amazing woman?

NOMINATIONS are now open for two Zonta Club of Bendigo awards recognising the hard work of women across the region.

Applications for the Ann Horrocks STEM Scholarship, and Women of Achievement Award, are open until 16 and 22 February, respectively.

Committee chair Rosalind Deacon said the STEM scholarship was designed to support a woman making strides in the male dominated areas.

“There’s not enough women in the STEM fields and we need to increase the profile of women,” she said.

“It brings everything positive and nothing negative to that area of expertise.”

Named after the dedicated Zontian and former chemical engineer, Ms Deacon said the scholarship recognised more than just academic achievement.

“The girls that get the STEM award aren’t just people who have done well at school, they are girls who have shown initiative throughout their more recent schooling, have been leaders in their area, have got fabulous social consciousness and have an understanding of the international nature of Zonta.”

The scholarship is worth $750 per year for two years of study and eligible nominees need to have been accepted into a STEM degree at an Australian university after completing year 12 at a central Victorian secondary school.

Ms Deacon said the Women of Achievement Award included three categories: visionary leader, community work or volunteer, and mentor.

“What we were wanting to recognise is women who are sometimes flying under the radar who are doing amazing things in their community,” she said.

For more information or to submit an application, visit zontabendigo.org.