Ballarat women honoured for broad advocacy

THREE extraordinary women who’ve empowered many and have called Ballarat home, were acknowledged last week by the city’s Zonta Club.

Part of the Zonta Centennial Anniversary Recognition Awards, Dr Misty Jenkins PhD, and posthumous honourees Dr Fanny Reading MBE and Joan Rosanove QC were all celebrated for their outstanding contributions to medicine and law.

Heading an immunology lab at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Dr Jenkins is currently developing new ways to treat brain cancer in paediatric and adult patients.

Dr Reading founded Sydney’s first women’s general practice, and the Australian Jewish Women’s Organisation before she died in 1974 at almost 90 years old.

The first woman to sign the Victorian Bar Roll, Joan Rosanove QC took silk in 1967 and was an advocate for women across the world through legal reform and advocacy before her death in 1974, almost 78.

As a “Ballarat girl, through and through,” Dr Jenkins said she’ll always have a strong connection to the city, so it’s “special” to be awarded.

“I’m grateful, honoured and privileged,” she said. “Growing up in Ballarat, and particularly as a woman, it’s very hard to be what you can’t see.

“Ballarat has produced very few scientists, but also women in leadership positions, and I think I’ve held some substantial leadership positions, both at the state and national level.

“It’s really nice to be able to represent my hometown on those various platforms and contribute to the community, not just locally, but also at a national level, advocating for women in leadership, women in science, indigenous health and education,” Dr Jenkins said.

She encourages all young people, especially women, to pursue what they love and stay grounded.

“If you want to be a hairdresser… If you want to be a doctor, plumber, lawyer… Whatever it is, find your passion and your voice, but never lose your connection to place because that’s very special,” Dr Jenkins said.

Architect, Wendy Jacobs put Ms Rosanove’s name forward for the award, now living in the house the QC grew up in.

“She practiced for 50 years and really did an enormous amount for women, especially with divorce laws, as a ground breaker and a very positive role model,” Ms Jacobs said.