By YASEMIN TALAT
INSPIRATIONAL women from Hobsons Bay have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at the Hobsons Bay Inspirational Women Awards last week.
The third Inspirational Women Awards celebrated 21 women from the municipality for their positive contribution to the community.
“The awards are about honouring the achievements of women in their local communities, families and their own lives,” Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Sandra Wilson said.
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past and present, while looking toward the work that needs to be done to create a better future.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme was ‘Inspiring Change’, a theme which Cr Wilson said called for vigilance in inspiring positive change, while continuing to challenge the status quo of women’s equality.
The recipients of the 2014 Inspirational Women Awards are: Annaliese Bishop, Anna Bovdis, Ida Bright, Arna Culinas-Donohue, Hue Man Dang, Charmian Gaud, Jacqueline Green, Luba Grigorovitch, Lynne Hewet, Anne Hooker, Anja Pfingstler-Lee, Gorica Micovski, Susan Nolan, Lee Ogden, Jenny Peace, Jennifer Stumpo, Nala Taukilo, Lyn Thomas, Bern Tripodi, Sharon Walsh and Michelle Whittingham.
Cr Wilson also acknowledged the many women across the municipality who had left their mark over the years, including Joan Elizabeth Kirner AC who became the first female Premier of Victoria in 1990.
“Tonight we acknowledge not only the recipients of this year’s award but other local women who are an inspiration to us all,” she said.
“This year’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year are both extraordinary females committed to supporting their community and making Hobsons Bay a better place to live.”
“Congratulations to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and members of the community who have been recognised for the positive contribution that you have made to the lives of others.”
Cr Wilson also launched the council’s Gender Equity Policy Statement which is now open for community comment.
More information and a copy of the policy document is available at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
