Women’s awards now open for nominations

Geelong councillors Melissa Cadwell, Anthony Aitken, Jim Mason and mayor Trent Sullivan with the 2023 Women in Community Life Awards winners. (Supplied)

Nominations are now open for Geelong’s annual Women in Community Life Awards.

The awards acknowledge the contributions women have made to the Geelong community, in particular the impact they have made toward gender equality.

Nominations can be made across seven categories – economic empowerment, First Nations woman, disability rights, leadership in women’s health, climate action, human rights and education – and are open until 5pm on Monday, February 2024.

The awards will be presented as part of the City’s International Womens Day celebrations on Friday, March 8.

Councillor Melissa Cadwell, Chair of the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee, said the awards provide the opportunity to highlight the work of women who were often unrecognised.

“We want to hear about women you know, from the quiet volunteer to the inspiring leader, who are working for an equal society in our Greater Geelong community,” Councillor Cadwell said.

“Sharing the accomplishments and stories of women allows us to thank them for their contributions and helps to inspire other women and future generations – after all ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see.’”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan expressed similar sentiments, saying the contribution of women in building a generous and supportive community was often underestimated.

“I encourage you to consider women you know who have contributed positively to our community and consider nominating them for an award,” Mayor Sullivan said.

“These awards form part of a number of awards programs hosted by the Council to target under-represented groups to ensure we equitably recognise and celebrate everyone’s contributions.”