City recognises women’s leadership and contributions

THE extraordinary contributions and leadership roles of Geelong women have been celebrated in this year’s City of Greater Geelong Women in Community Life Awards.

This year, the Women in Community Life for Leadership in Times of Crisis award was included to acknowledge the resilience and leadership shown by women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A special Women in Community Life Leading in Education scholarship to support a recipient’s ongoing education was another new addition.

Now in its seventh year, the awards are run to mark International Women’s Day (March 8) each year.

The 2021 recipients are:

• First Nations Woman in Community Life Award – Kylie Clarke, leader of the Nyarrn-gakgo Mangkie Program in Geelong, which creates opportunities, experiences and connections for First Nations young women who aspire to a career in health
• Women in Community Life for Disability Rights – Kaz McGlynn, who runs Geelong’s art’sKool@Kazworks that provides a safe and supportive space for people from all walks of life, abilities and backgrounds to come and learn new skills
• Women in Community Life for Leadership in Women’s Health – Kiralee Hogema, a qualified Aboriginal health worker who provides 24/7 pre-and-post-natal maternity services to Aboriginal women and babies as part of the Koori Maternity Services team.
• Women in Community Life for Leadership in Times of Crisis – Debbie Fraser, a volunteer within the Geelong Society of Operatic & Dramatic Arts theatre company for 50 years
• Women in Community Life for Human Rights – Robyn Davis, a manager and senior legal counsel working to resolve legal claims involving institutional and historical childhood sexual abuse, and
• Women in Community Life Leading in Education – Tenaya Watts, the workforce development and human resources officer at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative who is dedicated to education and training, understanding its importance in improving health, wellbeing and equity for First Nations communities.

Award recipients across the five categories were announced at a virtual event on March 5, and five of the six winners received their awards in person at City Hall on Friday last week.

Ms Davis was surprised and honoured to receive the award.

“Throughout my working life I have tried to advance the interests of women and children. I am grateful my efforts have been recognised,” she said. “I didn’t expect to receive any award and it was a lovely surprise.”

Ms Clarke said she did not see herself as an individual winner.

“Rather, I feel a sense of pride to be acknowledged along with First Nations women highly regarded in our community,” she said. “And while we and all First Nations women continue to positively influence and impact, I hope that for First Nations young women watching on, they too are inspired and empowered to make a difference.”

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher congratulated the nominees and award recipients on their exceptional contributions to the community.

“Hearing the stories of this year’s nominees and winners has been truly inspiring, and they should all be incredibly proud of the difference they have each made to the community,” she said.