First Nations women lauded

The second edition of the Djilang First Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) Awards had even more to celebrate, with the number of plaudits leaping from two to nine.

Geelong’s First Nation community, allies and supporters gathered at Murran in central Geelong on Friday last week for the presentation of the awards, which drew a record 22 nominations.

To be eligible, nominees needed to identify as a First Nations woman, reside on Wadawurrung Country, be actively involved and recognised within the community, and demonstrate leadership or a positive impact through their contributions.

This year’s panel, Ilona Rose, Meagan Howell and Jasmine Kildea, were so impressed by the quality of entries that they decided to expand the number of awards given in 2025.

Geelong MP, Christine Couzens, said International Women’s Day – officially observed on 8 March – was about recognising the extraordinary achievements of women across Victoria and the world.

“But especially, we honour First Nations women – matriarchs, our advocates, our knowledge holders and future leaders,” she said.

Couzens said the awards ceremony was not only about the challenge suggested by this year’s IWD theme “Balance the scales” but also the achievements of First Nations women leading the way here in the Geelong region.

“Women who are healing Country through land management and cultural knowledge. Women strengthening community services, shaping policy, raising strong families, running businesses, standing up for justice, and keeping languages and stories alive. Their achievements remind us that when First Nations women thrive, communities thrive. When we invest in their leadership, we invest in a stronger, safer, more equal community,” she said.

The winners of this year’s awards were:

First Nations Woman Elder: Generational Legacy in Education & Health Award – Aunty May Owen

First Nations Woman Elder: Women’s Health and Wellbeing Award – Tania Dalton

First Nations Young Woman: Community Leader Award – Bri Apma-Hayes

First Nations Young Woman: Emerging Leader Award – Riverlea Uppill

First Nations Young Woman: Generational Legacy Award – Education Talarah Owen

First Nations Community Woman Award – Ebony Hickey

First Nations Community Woman: Community Engagement and Connection Award – Jasmine Knox

First Nations Community Woman: Culture and Community Award – Kristi Watts, and

First Nations Community Woman: Inspirational Trailblazer award – Jodie Sizer.

Friday’s event also featured speeches by event MC Corrina Eccles and Strong Brother Strong Sister founder Cormach Evans, and performances by local First Nations singers and musicians.