Geelong celebrates women

THE region has celebrated the contributions and leadership of women across the City of Greater Geelong as part of International Women’s Day.

Twenty-two women were nominated in this year’s Women in Community Life Awards, held by the City, in partnership with the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee (WiCLAC).

First held in 2016, the annual awards recognise women’s contributions to the Greater Geelong community, particularly their impact on the promotion and advocacy for gender equality.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the city was thrilled to spotlight the achievements of women in Greater Geelong.

“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to increasing women’s leadership, recognition, participation and advancing gender equality within our workplace and across our community.”

Awards were given out across three categories, Leadership and Advocacy, Human Rights and Strengthening Healthy Communities.

This year’s Women in Community Life Award for Leadership and Advocacy went to 21-year-old Teagan Mitchell, who sits on the board of directors at Read the Play, was a member of the Geelong team for the Victorian Youth Parliament and involved in local environmental advocacy.

Social worker Noor Al-Assafi was awarded the Community Life Award for Human Rights, for her passion in advocacy and leadership in Free Palestine Geelong and Be Tru 2 Uluru.

Azadeh Doosti received the Women in Community Life Award for Strengthening Healthy Communities, recognised for her commitment to empowering refugee and asylum seeker women.

WiCLAC chair Cr Melissa Cadwell said the awards were an important part of International Women’s Day.

“As chair of the committee, I am honoured to be involved in these awards as part of our commitment to advancing women’s participation, representation and leadership.

“Congratulations to all the remarkable women nominated for the 2025 Women in Community Life awards.

“We applaud your achievements and wholeheartedly support your continued efforts.”