Katherine Dine
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
LAST Thursday 20 women from Hobsons Bay were awarded the inaugural Hobsons Bay Inspirational Women Awards.
The awards, which were the initiative of the Women’s Advisory Committee, saw the 20 residents recognised at an International Women’s Day celebration last Thursday evening.
Among the recipients was Altona Meadows resident Mairead Ashcroft.
As reported by Star in February, Mairead was sexually abused as a child by a Catholic Brother and US citizen Bernard Hartman.
Despite suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and psychogenic seizures, Mairead has spent the last 13 years working to have Br Bernard, who is living in the US, brought to justice.
She has also been working to help other victims of child sexual abuse as Victorian Co-ordinator of Survivors Australia.
Mairead said she was excited to be a recipient of the award and hoped it would highlight the issue of child sexual abuse and the work of Survivors Australia.
“The more awareness there is the better,” she said.
Mairead described the inaugural awards as a great idea for women.
“In general women aren’t recognised for what they do, they often put aside their careers for the family … women are out there doing it, as well dropping off the kids and cooking dinner.
“It’s not just about what they do but also what it takes to get the job done.”
Mairead credited her husband and children for their support.
Other recipients included Altona Lion’s Club president Kerry Cook, visual artist Katherine Dine, Gators basketball volunteer coach Kate Coffey and Altona SES volunteer Merridee Hardinge.
