125 Leading Women

Transcription

125 Leading Women

125 Leading Women
leading women
C E L E B R AT I NG O V E R
125
YE AR S
enriching lives
© YWCA Queensland 2013
YWCA Queensland gratefully acknowledges the assistance of its Engagement Working Group, staff and volunteers in the preparation of this publication. The material
presented here has originated from the nominators, the nominees and from publicly accessible sources, and is presented here in good faith; however, extensive checking
of every statement provided has been outside the scope of this project. If inaccuracies are detected, we invite readers to notify us via [email protected] for correction in
any future reprinting.
We also note that, with very few exceptions, we have not included titles, designations or postnominals, and have referred to most women by their first names. This has
been done for consistency and in no way seeks to diminish the distinguished service of any of these women.
YWCA QUEENSLAND’S 125 LEADING WOMEN
It is with the greatest pleasure that YWCA Queensland presents this publication to
commemorate 125 very special women who have been nominated by the Queensland
community as representing leadership in our state.
In 2013, the YWCA celebrates 125 years of continuous work with and for the women of
Queensland, and we hope you will agree that this is a fitting tribute to the thousands of
women who have shaped both this great organisation and this great state over that century
and a quarter. We feel that each of these 125 women represents a facet of what it means
to be a leader. Each has contributed something significant to her community, and at the
same time is the embodiment of one particular type, style or field of leadership. Many of
these names are very well known, while other may be less familiar; exactly as leadership
takes many forms and can be more or less public, even while it is transformative for those
who enjoy its influence. Our list includes women who are well-known public figures, as
well as many quiet achievers and previously unsung heroes. Each of them is included for
the same reason: their leadership.
YWCA Queensland expresses its sincere thanks to all who have participated in our 125th
anniversary celebrations: our members and supporters, our Board of Directors, our staff
and volunteers … and to the hundreds of people from around the state who have shared
with us their ideas about women whom they consider have been leaders in their lives and
in their communities.
Congratulations to these 125 women, to the hundreds of others who were nominated,
and indeed to all women who provide – or have provided – leadership in their daily lives.
LEANNE STEVENS, ASM
President & Chair
KATE TULLY
Chief Executive officer
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
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Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin is an advocate for the empowerment of youth and women, a blogger and
essayist. At sixteen, Yassmin founded Youth Without Borders, an organisation focused
on enabling young people to work for positive change in their communities. Moving to
Australia at two, Yassmin has gone on to the be recipient of the 2010 Young Queenslander
of the Year Award and a 2011 finalist for Young Australian of the Year. She works as an
engineering specialist on oil and gas rigs.
Julie Allen
Julie was raised as a ‘hidden Aboriginal child’ in an urban community and has worked
in the health sector for most of her professional life. She currently works for Winnam
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation managing their aged care program in
Morningside, Brisbane. Julie walks confidently in ‘two worlds’ and provides leadership
and guidance by engaging with women in culturally safe environments and settings.
“
“
A leader is someone who creates a place where
all people feel equal, valued and can share
in creating things together.
Helen Braewood
Julieanne Alroe
Julieanne is a board member and current CEO of Brisbane Airport Corporation, as well
as a board member of Australia Trade Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, Urban
Futures Queensland and Queensland Theatre Company, and Chapter Chair of Creative
Partnership Australia. She has been a driving force behind sponsorships for Brisbane’s
cultural community, including Queensland Theatre Company and Brisbane Powerhouse.
Diane Ames
Diane is the dedicated wife of Matthew, who had all of his limbs removed after toxic shock sent him into a
coma and onto life support. He was just 39. For Diane, the weight of the decision to remove his limbs was
enormous. In the end, she knew it was what he would want, to be there for their four children. The strength
of the Ames family and the love that exists between this brave woman and her husband is what has made
this new life manageable.
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Fleur Anderson
Fleur works across the mining, agriculture and not-for-profit sectors, specifically in roles looking at
sustaining rural communities. Fleur’s contribution to agribusiness was recognised in 2011 when she won
the Australian Cotton Industry Young Achiever award. She is on the Board of Directors for Cotton Australia
as well as Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network. Fleur studied at Toowoomba’s
Fairholme College and is currently undertaking her Masters degree in Community Relations at University
of Queensland.
Janelle Andrews
Janelle is an Acting Senior Sargeant of the Queensland Police Service, and has been
a police officer for 23 years. Janelle has served in various roles including Criminal
Investigations, Special Operations Task Force and in her current role as Crime Prevention
Coordinator for South Brisbane. Her services saw her recently being awarded the Crime
Stoppers Queensland Outstanding Contribution Award 2013.
Christine Anu
Christine is arguably Australia’s most successful indigenous performer and one of Australia’s most popular
recording artists, backed by an award-winning repertoire spanning music, theatre, dance, film, television and
children’s entertainment. 16 ARIA Music Award nominations later, Christine has formed Stylin Up Entertainment,
a collective focused on developing and producing new media brands that are proudly Australian. Christine is
currently the Patron for Buk bilong Pikinini, and is actively involved with other charities including The Cathy
Freeman Foundation.
Sallyanne Atkinson
Sallyanne is Brisbane’s first (and to date, only) female Lord Mayor. She has made an outstanding contribution
over a 40 year period to the spheres of government, business, sport, the arts and the community in her home
state of Queensland. She has an extraordinary and enduring record of service to the public and business
community, and her achievements have been recognized with Honorary Doctorates from The University of
Queensland, Australian Catholic University and Griffith University; the Australian Sports Medal; and the
Centenary Medal. Sallyanne was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1993.
Katrina Beutel
Katrina is the founder and coordinator of the Redlands Centre for Women, a not-for-profit charity based
in Cleveland. Through the centre, Katrina has established a range of significant programs and services,
including an annual expo for all Redlands women, a program to support and educate young mothers, an
annual International Women’s Day High Tea, weekly wellbeing programs, the distribution of Pink Pamper
Packs to disadvantaged women and regular consultations with the community on issues that affect women
in the Redlands area.
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Anne-Marie Birkill
Anne-Marie is a partner in OneVentures, a $40 million venture capital fund that backs
innovative companies with global relevance in CleanTech, IT&T and Life Sciences.
Anne-Marie has consistently made a contribution to the broader innovation community,
including serving on many national and state boards and committees focused on
improving the rate of participation of women in the technology industries and as
entrepreneurs. She is currently a Director of Charmhealth, TheBestDay, Paloma Mobile,
Peak3 and women’s technology incubator, Springboard Enterprises.
Anna Bligh
Anna was the 37th Premier of Queensland, the first woman to be appointed to the role and - in 2009 - the first
woman elected in her own right as an Australian State Premier. Anna’s finest hour as Premier was probably
in her handling of the natural disaster that struck her State in 2011. Her ability to brief the population about
what was happening and later to rally them won her plaudits around the country. Anna retired from politics
in 2012. It was announced in early 2013 that she was seeking treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After
treatment, she is now resolved to spread the message of early detection. In true brave form, Anna will take
on the role of CEO of YWCA NSW in 2014.
“
“
Be honourable in principles,
intentions and actions.
Joan Harris
Kate Birchall
Kate has held senior roles at leading financial institutions and consulting firms in Australia and the UK. She
is a co-author of two financial markets text books, published in Asia Risk, quoted in the Wall Street Journal
and speaks regularly at conferences. Kate was a finalist in the Women in The City Future Leaders Award
2011, holds a mathematics degree from the University of Queensland and an MBA from London Business
School.
Isabella Bliss
Isabella was the 2010 winner of Junior Masterchef Australia when she was just 12 years old. She plans to
open a restaurant with her twin sister, Sofia, with the prize money won from the competition.The twins have
published a cookbook together in 2011 named ‘A little bit of this, a little bit of that’, and laughingly claim to
lead a ‘double life’ by juggling a host of media commitments along with the day-to-day ones of school life.
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Bette Bonney
Bette has spent countless hours as a coordinator of volunteers for the region of
Warwick. Her commitment was put to the test during the summer floods of 2010-2011
and subsequent recovery period, when she coordinated over 200 volunteers. Bette
voluntarily chairs the Domestic Violence Strategy Group and is a member of the steering
committee that manages Warwick Safe Haven Domestic Violence Shelter. Last year she
was named Warwick’s Citizen of the Year.
Sharon Boyce
Sharon was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis at 11 and was confined
to a wheelchair. She has since devoted her life and her talents to promoting a true
understanding of disability and diversity. Sharon helped design the Discovering Disability
and Diversity program, now being implemented in schools, and is currently finishing a
book on dyslexia. Sharon was recognised with a Human Rights Award for Individual
Service to Community, won the Premier’s Award for Disability Action Week, and has
been a keynote speaker for National Disability Services Annual Conference.
Helen Braewood
Helen is a dedicated, resourceful and innovative youth worker in the Logan district
of Education Queensland. Her strengths lie in her innate ability to form meaningful
relationships and networks within her community. Throughout her years of service in
Education Queensland, she has pioneered effective youth programs, such as the ‘Students
as Active Volunteers Initiative’, which sees students engaged in projects such as the
Brisbane City Council Homeless Connect Day, the Talbarra Retirement Village ‘Sensory
Garden’, Marsden High School Memorial Gardens and the Brisbane Jazz Club restoration.
Quentin Bryce
In 2008, Quentin Bryce was the first woman to be appointed Governor-General of Australia; this followed five
years of service as Governor of Queensland. Her Excellency joined the National Women’s Advisory Council in
1978, and subsequently held a number of key positions including first Director of the Queensland Women’s
Information Service, Queensland Director of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, and Federal
Sex Discrimination Commissioner. Her services to the community have been officially honoured on a number
of occasions, most recently in 2011 when she was invested as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
Jonty Bush
Following the homicides of her sister and father, Jonty directed her business knowledge
towards victims’ advocacy and support, becoming the CEO of a state-wide victims
charity, and pioneering the One Punch Can Kill anti-violence campaign. In 2009, Jonty
was named Young Australian of the Year for her work.
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Chris Cameron
Chris is a Director of Rockcote, a leading manufacturer of innovative building products. In 25 years she
has grown Rockcote into a multi-million dollar, multi-award winning national company. Chris is regarded
as having made the building and manufacturing industry a more ‘female friendly’ place. She continues to
educate the business and broader community about encouraging women into the construction workforce;
mentors other women; insists on gender balance in senior management and board roles; and ‘walks the
talk’ regarding business sustainability and leadership.
Claire Christian
Claire is director and co-producer of the Projects Company, and a valuable supporter of the Empire Theatre
in Toowoomba. She has experience in the education sector, working as a high school teacher both in
London and Australia. Her work with Empire Youth Arts includes the semester-long pieces performed by the
IMPACT ensemble plus regional classes in Toowoomba, Dalby, Crows Nest and the Lockyer Valley. Claire
is a role model to the young people with whom she works, leading by example and modelling how to lead
a group of peers.
Sarah-Jane Clarke
Sarah-Jane, a former accountant, founded the eminent fashion label Sass & Bide with Heidi Middleton in
the late 1990s. Their designs started out in London’s Portobello Road Market, and within two years they
had a seasonal ready-to-wear collection, evolving from an underground phenomenon in Australia to the
runways of New York and London Fashion Week. Sass & Bide has since been featured in the famous TV
series, ‘Sex and the City’, and worn by international celebrities including Madonna and Beyoncé.
Lorna Jane Clarkson
Lorna Jane began her first designs of fashionable activewear whilst working as a dental hygienist in Cairns.
In 1993, she opened her first storefront in Brisbane’s CBD and has since built a multi-million dollar brand
with close to 150 store locations in Australia and overseas. Through her vested interests in and commitment
to creativity, growth and self-belief, Lorna Jane advocates a philosophy that inspires all women to live
healthy and active lives.
Deborah Conway
Deborah has is an ARIA-winning singer-songwriter who was anointed Rolling Stone
Singer of The Year and has been a significant and eloquent contributor in many capacities
to Australian music for over 30 years. Her first solo album String of Pearls achieved
platinum sales and she has continued to release albums that consistently attract critical
acclaim from reviewers. Deborah has collaborated with many female artists to tour
Australia as part of the Broad Festival, a project she organised.
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Kara Cook
Kara has worked in large, small, regional and metropolitan law firms and also spent time as a Judges
Associate in the District Court of Queensland. She is currently the A/Principal Solicitor at Women’s Legal
Service, a community legal centre run for women by women practising in Family Law and Domestic Violence.
Kara has a history of advocating for women both professionally and in her own time through volunteering
with Caxton Legal Centre, women’s domestic violence refuges and women’s domestic violence prevention
centres. Kara also mentors young female lawyers.
Keri Craig
Since the launch of the Keri Craig label, and as a tribute to her creativity and understanding of fashion,
Keri has received more than 40 fashion design awards. In 1981 Keri won the first Supreme Award at the
inaugural RAQ Fashion Design Awards, repeating this achievement the following year and once again in
1986, before being heralded as the first designer to enter the RAQ Hall of Fame in 1987. She also became
the first Queensland designer to become a finalist in the prestigious Australian Fashion Awards.
“
“
A leader should lead by example, be prepared
to get their hands dirty and be involved in
all aspects of their work.
Stephanie Wilson
Anne Therese Cross
Anne is the CEO of UnitingCare Queensland, the health and community services arm of the Uniting Church.
Anne has served on numerous government and non-government boards, councils and committees during
her 30 years in health and community services. Anne has overseen the merger and growth of the Church’s
services into an integrated organisation and UnitingCare Queensland is now the largest not-for-profit in
Queensland and one of the largest in Australia. Anne is passionate about the role of not-for-profits in the
community, and the contribution and sustainability of health and community services.
June Dally-Watkins
June has had a distinguished career as a successful businesswoman and fashion
model. In 1950, she started the southern hemisphere’s first personal development
school to train young women in etiquette and deportment. A year later, she started
Australia’s first model agency and modelling school and later established a Business
Finishing College. June remains a well-known expert in etiquette and elocution and is
frequently asked for commentary in the media.
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Carol Dickenson
Carol, as Deputy Vice Chancellor, is responsible for leadership of the six Queensland
University of Technology faculties, the primary service delivery and student development
activities of the university. In this role she has focused the university on its real-world
strength, building links with industry and the professions for the benefit of students,
and with local, national and international universities and corporate and government
organisations.
Ruth Don
Ruth was elected the first female president of the Queensland Teachers’ Union in 1951,
where she campaigned tirelessly for equal pay for teachers after her own distinguished
teaching career. Ruth spent a lifetime fighting to raise the status of women, and oversaw
the formation of the Queensland Women’s Forum Club in 1941. Ruth then saw the Forum
Clubs expand into many regional towns, giving rural women a platform for their voices
to be heard. Ruth lived to be 101 and is remembered for her lively mind, quick wit, and
the abilities and skills she developed over a lifetime devoted to Queensland women.
Dimity Dornan
Dimity is the founder of Hear & Say, where she has helped thousands of deaf children
across six Queensland centres and through a regional outreach program. Dimity was
the first Queensland woman to graduate in speech pathology. Her work has earned her
recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998, the winner of the Australian
of the Year Queensland in 2003, and the Ernst & Young Australian Social Entrepreneur
of the Year in 2005. She mentors and encourages people to find their own passion in life
and has a reputation for putting other people’s needs ahead of her own.
Bronwen Edwards
Bronwen is the Founder and CEO of Roses in the Ocean, a suicide prevention organisation,
as well as an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia and a committee member of
National Lived Experience. Bronwen owns a personal training and life coaching business
in Brisbane, where she lives with her husband and two young children.
Kate Eggar
Wife, mother, cancer survivor and black belt, Kate has taught grassroots taekwondo
for more than 17 years and, having held various committee positions, she managed the
incorporation of Taekwondo Queensland in 2000. As Administrator/Operations Manager,
Kate has taken the organisation from an ‘event to event’ body to be on a sound financial
and governance footing with a solid strategic plan.
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“
Don’t settle for being what you used to
be or have been. Keep reaching for what
you can yet become!
“
Carole Lyons
Diane Elsden
Diane opened an art gallery and retail shop in regional Queensland in the midst of the
global financial crisis; many told her it was impossible and would fail. In 2013, the gallery
won the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Award
for Retail. The gallery supports and represents isolated women artists from regional
Queensland and Indigenous communities.
Tanya Falagan
Tanya was born into the Ashton Circus dynasty, and her destiny was to perform. She
performed in Monte Carlo at the International Circus Festival in 1978, and in 1992 won a
silver medal at the Sarasota Circus Festival in Florida, USA. Her international touring took
her to places as diverse as Japan and New Caledonia. Last year Tanya formed a community
circus school in Laidley charging only a gold coin fee for participants to learn circus skills.
She also teaches circus skills at theGrid, a hybrid arts collective in Toowoomba.
Jayne Fenton Keane
Jayne is the founding Director of National Poetry Week, and in her role as Manager
of Inspiring Australia she has designed and is implementing a statewide science
engagement strategy. She helped the Queensland Poetry Festival consolidate its position
as one of the country’s premiere festivals. Jayne has also had an enormous influence in
developing systems for improving the care of psychiatric patients by establishing shared
care models between GPs, communities and hospitals.
Heidi Flint
Heidi has been a strong advocate for the educational needs of isolated rural children in Queensland. As
past Vice-President of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) and leader of the Lone Member
Branch, Heidi has been instrumental in connecting boarding schools with parents in the bush. Her
empathetic leadership has motivated educators throughout Queensland in achieving significant gains for
regional children.
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Gwen Fox
In 1972 when she became administrator of her sons’ local football club in Rockhampton, Gwen witnessed
the limited opportunities to progress and develop in the sport, particularly for women. Today, under
Gwen’s leadership, two generations have experienced opportunities and success in regional and national
competition. Gwen introduced the women’s league and women’s pathways to sports administration,
coaching, officiating and high playing opportunities, and has served on the Womens Soccer Queensland
board for 16 years.
Cathy Freeman
Cathy is a former Australian sprinter. She was the first ever Aboriginal Commonwealth Games gold medalist
at age 16 in 1990, and became Olympic champion for the women’s 400 metres at the 2000 Summer
Olympics, at which she lit the Olympic Flame. In 2007 she started the Cathy Freeman Foundation as a way
of using her name and story for positive change. The Foundation provides educational programs to over 600
children each year living on Palm Island, one of the largest remote Indigenous communities in Australia.The
Foundation was acknowledged in the Federal Government’s latest Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s Report
for successfully engaging Indigenous children in school.
Kay Ganley
Kay is the Chief Executive Officer of Charlton Brown, a Queensland family-run training organisation and
employment agency in the community services field. Kay’s leadership, and tireless representation of
Queensland as a quality education destination, has received recognition in the form of the 2013 Zonta
Brisbane Woman of Achievement Award.
To be a leader is a privilege and a responsibility.
To be in a position to assist in
Noela O’Donnell
empowering women is an honour.
“
“
Laura Geitz
Laura is captain of the Australian Netball Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds, and a true leader on and off
the court. She was selected for the 2008 Australian national team and has won a silver medal at the 2010
Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Laura is keen to give back to young Australians, offering tuition to aspiring
netballers through her nation-wide netball clinics.
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Jessie Groom
At the inaugural meeting of the Forum Club in 1941, Jessie took on role of Secretary/Treasurer, and was
later President of the Association of Women’s Forum Clubs from 1963–1965. Jessie remained an active
part of Forum into her later life, campaigning successfully to obtain Downey Park for use for women’s
sport. Her work as Lady Mayoress of Brisbane was recognised with an OBE Award in 1958.
Joan Harris
Joan is the indispensable president of the Diggers Dozen and is a dedicated volunteer
with over 16 years’ service. Through her leadership and fundraising for the Gallipoli
Medial Research Foundation at Greenslopes Hospital, this quiet achiever inspires
people of all ages. Joan continually brings out the best in her team raising over
$206,000 to ensure the continuation of vital research into the health of veterans,
including a recent study on PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.
Shirley Hayles
Shirley was a long-serving President of the YWCA of Townsville, where her dedicated service to the
association and its members over many years is still fondly remembered. Shirley’s contributions to the
YWCA movement in Australia were significant, especially the leadership demonstrated through her
instigation of the redevelopment of the property in Denham Street, Townsville into community housing,
and the amalgamation that created YWCA Queensland.
Elyse Henderson
Elyse is a well-respected senior leader within the financial services industry. In addition to her
leadership role with National Australia Bank, Elyse leads a number of community initiatives and has
represented NAB in the USA at the Young Leadership Dialogue. The way she balances her personal and
professional life makes her a leadership model to women within the organisation and in the broader
business community.
Thora ‘Toots’ Holzheimer
Thora, affectionately called ‘Toots’, was a vivacious truckie who battled the sexist norm
of her day, as well as nature’s own fury to keep the lifeline to Cape York Peninsula open.
Nothing raised Toots’ ire more than being told ‘You are a woman, you can’t do that’.
Attitude was what mattered to Toots, not gender. Toots is remembered in Slim Dusty’s
song ‘The Lady is a Truckie’.
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Felicia Hopkins
Founding the first YWCA in Queensland, Felicia worked tirelessly in her local community to improve
conditions for women and children.She pioneered the Queensland temperance movement, established the
Rockhampton Benevolent Society to care for orphan children, aided the cause of South Sea Islanders to stay
in Australia, and founded a branch of the Women’s Peace Army in 1916, which distributed peace literature
and worked to support the cause of peace.
Gitie House
In 2001, Gitie left her successful career in IT to concentrate her efforts on a variety of
projects aimed at creating peace and harmony in a diverse world based on principles
of inclusion and welfare. Gitie was a founding member of Toowoomba International
Multicultural Society, and has been re-elected as President annually. In recognition for
her work, this year Gitie was named Queensland Cultural Diversity Ambassador.
Margaret Howard
Margaret has given Ascot School and the Ascot community a rich cultural heritage through the excellent
instrumental and choral program she has established. There are three concert bands at Ascot and the premier
Senior Band has won many awards over the years. There has always been a choral tradition at Ascot also
supported by Margaret and she has accompanied the choirs for many years. During her 40 years as Head of the
Music Department, Margaret has given the gift of music to thousands of children with her ‘magic touch’! That
continuity in a school is priceless.
Lindy Hume
As Artistic Director of Opera Queensland, Lindy is one of Australia’s leading directors, acknowledged
internationally for fresh interpretations of a wide variety of repertoire, and for progressive artistic leadership
of a number of Australian arts organisations, including Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival.
She is currently Chair of South East Arts and the recipient of an Australia Council Theatre Board Fellowship.
Lindy relishes the challenge of her current role, claiming there is opportunity in Queensland to create opera
that exists nowhere else in Australia.
Noeline Ikin
Noeline was the CEO of the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group before she decided to run in the
seat of Kennedy for the Liberal National Party. Noeline is passionate about unlocking North Queensland’s
vast potential to create a strong, prosperous economy that will provide real opportunities for local families.
The mother of three wants to use her fresh ideas and real solutions to get things done locally – to help
tackle the rising cost of living, create more local jobs, and deliver better roads, highways, and health and
hospital services.
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Bindi Irwin
Bindi is an Australian activist, actor, television presenter, and daughter of The Crocodile Hunter star Steve
Irwin and wildlife activist Terri Irwin. She has authored a book series ‘Bindi’s Wildlife Adventures’ and
focused on several projects involving the animals at - and expansion of - Australia Zoo. Bindi has upheld
her family’s legacy of wildlife activism and education, and is very involved in the Irwins’ foundation,
Wildlife Warriors.
Elissa Jenkins
Elissa has been the Queensland Representative on the Australian Greens Global Issues
Group since June 2007. She has participated in Global Greens, Asia Pacific Greens
Network and Global Young Greens conferences and performed a mentorship role to
many. She has also supported refugees in her local community and a youth group living
in Africa’s biggest slum. She is a United Nations Global Parent and a Sea Guardian for
the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
“
A leader is someone who would put
themself in a situation of being very open,
honest and true to you as a person.
“
Gail Mabo
Hetty Johnston
Hetty is dedicated to the cause of child protection, establishing Bravehearts in 1997 in
an effort to make Australia the safest place in the world to be a child. In 2006, she was
announced as a finalist of the Australian of the Year Award, and was recently awarded
Ernst & Young’s 2013 Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Northern Region Award, as well
as being named in Westpac & Financial Review’s Top 100 Women of Influence.
Caroline Jones
Caroline is an Australian televison journalist and social commentator. She was the first female
commentator on This Day Tonight, as well as a presenter for Four Corners and Australian Story. In 1988
she worked alongside Aboriginal broadcasters in Alice Springs as they produced their first cultural and
current affairs program for television. She has won numerous media awards, including a Logie, and was
made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988. Caroline was a foundation member of the Australian
Council for the Arts, as well as a foundation member of the National Films Board of Review.
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Elizabeth Kenny
Elizabeth was a Queensland bush nurse and pioneering physical therapist who saved thousands of children
worldwide from the crippling effects of polio. In treating polio patients, Elizabeth used an innovative
approach involving hydrotherapy and remedial exercises and in 1937, as a polio epidemic was ravaging
Australia, she published a textbook outlining her techniques. In 1940, she travelled to the United States and
established a training school for physical therapists.
Helena Kidd
At age 15, Helena was selected as the flag bearer for Australian team at the World CP
Games. She was the first person accepted in Queensland mainstream sport who was
wheelchair-bound, with nil speech and limited movement. Helena has won numerous
awards in sport and education, and is determined to achieve her goals in sport, studying
and learning new skills. Helena has cerebral palsy.
Chris Knight
In her professional career, and as a member of Soroptimist International, Chris has
served on many international, national and state organisations to improve life skills and
career opportunities for women and girls in Queensland and around the world. Chris
received an Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award from the Caboolture Shire Council
in 2008 and a Woman of Substance Award from Guides Queensland in recognition of
her contributions to women and girls in the community.
“
Women can succeed in non-traditional areas, but it
often takes more determination just to have your right to
be there acknowledged and accepted. Lilian Lever
“
Jackie Landers
Jackie is an Aboriginal woman from the Mandandanji tribe in Roma. She has long been
involved in the Aboriginal legal service where she advocated for indigenous clients. Jackie
has encouraged local employers to engage in the Work for the Dole program, mentoring
potential employees and providing work skills for a highly disadvantaged group of jobseekers.
Jackie has been a mentor to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and shows genuine
leadership in working effectively and tirelessly to close the gap in her community.
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Julianne Schultz
“
“
There is a lot to be learned from those
who have blazed the trail - the value of
respect and bravery, the importance of the
support of other women, and the
enduring benefits of kindness and courage.
Linda Lavarch
Linda was a member of the Queensland Parliament from 1997 to 2009. In 2005, Linda
was appointed Queensland’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice—the first female
Attorney-General in Queensland and still the only woman to have held this position. Linda
pursued an active reform agenda as Attorney-General, particularly focusing on community
justice initiatives and the treatment of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system.
More recently, Linda has been actively involved in leading reforms in the not-for-profit sector.
Jennette Lavis
Jennette has led the charge for early childhood education and the protection of children for many years
through state and national committees and as an advisor to government and child safety agencies. In 1999,
she was awarded the Australian Early Childhood Association Advocacy Award for being a ‘voice for young
children’ and in 2001 she received an Order of Australia. Jennette was instrumental in advocating for a
system of accreditation of child care centres. Most recently, her Child Watch Committee has been involved
in a range of community projects.
Dianne Leggo
Dianne has organised Zonta clubs in Bowen, Mackay, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Mount Isa, Emerald,
Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gladstone and Longreach, and fostered them throughout their early years. She
has encouraged clubs to become involved with local women’s shelters, helping with funding and amenities.
Dianne has been instrumental in promoting the assembly of birthing kits, which are sent to developing
countries for distribution.
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“
To be a true leader is to have the ability to unite people
to work towards a common purpose and vision. It is not
about self but about those you serve.
“
Sharon Orapeleng
Jackie Leleu
Jackie is the highest officiating woman in Australian sport. She has refereed at several Soccer World Cups
and sits on the international FIFA board of referees. Through her love of sport, and determination to achieve
her own dreams, she has inspired countless other women and girls to take up refereeing. Jackie inspires
other women and girls to aim high and achieve the highest level of performance.
Lilian Lever
Lillian is the joint Owner/Manager of Koorana Crocodile Farm, which has won national
and state awards for business and tourism. As a farmer, tourist operator, manufacturer
and exporter, Lillian has always been active in the promotion of women’s role in
agriculture. In 2007, Lilian was the recipient of the Queensland Government Regional &
Communities Award for Business Enterprise.
Carole Lyons
Carole was the first female Deputy Mayor in Crows Nest Shire Council. In 1992 Carole was awarded the
Lions 75th Anniversary Community Service Award in recognition of outstanding service through an active
interest in the civic, cultural social and moral welfare of the community. Although Carole retired from
local government eight years ago, she is still passionate about benefitting the local community in any
way she can. Carole’s drive to improve the lifestyle and future of the community never wanes and she
continues to strive hard to achieve what is best for the area. In 2013 Carole was awarded the Australia
Day Award – Citizen of the Year Highfields District in recognition of outstanding community service.
Gail Mabo
Gail was born and raised in Townsville with her family originating from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait.
She is the daughter of celebrated land rights activist, Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo and a successful contemporary visual
artist and dancer working with talent such as Jimmy Chi and Tracey Moffatt. In 2008 Gail joined the board
of the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association and has since taken an active role in the
development of the school with new facilities opening this year. She is also a board member of the Black Armband
Company, the Patron for Smugglers of Light foundation and considered a cultural advisor to today’s youth.
18
Lori Mackay
After attending a food and wine festival, Lori decided to put together ‘Gourmet in Gundy’, a festival she has
been leading for 15 years. The awarded event has multiplied the numbers of visitors to Goondiwindi and
has benefitted the local community in many ways. Lori’s love for her community is also witnessed in her
role as Councillor at the Goondiwindi Regional Council and as Chairperson of the Community Consultative
Advisory Committee for Goondiwindi Health Service.
Jean Madden
Jean is the founder of Street Swags and the 2010 Queensland Young Australian of the Year. She is the
first Australian winner of the INDEX award for inventing the Street Swags: a carry bag by day, and a
comfortable bed and shelter by night.
Deborah Mailman
Deborah is the first Aboriginal actress to win the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress in a Leading
Role. She was born in Queensland and is very well known for having played the character ‘Kelly’ in the Australian
TV series ‘ The Secret Life of Us’, as well as Cherie in ‘Offspring’ and Gail in the critically acclaimed play and
film, ‘The Sapphires’. She is an inspiring mentor and role model for young actors.
Tania Major
Tania is the youngest person ever elected to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. In 2007,
she won the title of Young Australian of the Year, recognising her efforts to promote youth leadership and
to fight domestic violence in her community. She is a role model not only for Indigenous youth, but also for
all young Australians.
Leanne Matthewson
Leanne was a management committee member and twice President of YWCA Downs
& South West Qld, and the foundation President of YWCA Queensland. She is also
a formidable business leader, demonstrated by her recent appointment as a director
in the Toowoomba-based law firm Murdoch Lawyers. Leanne’s leadership during the
amalgamation and subsequent foundation of YWCA Queensland was pivotal to the
transition.
19
“
Surround yourself with smart,
capable people and then give them
adequate resources to excel.
“
Michelle Trute
Helen McAllister
Helen founded Playschemes, a program that has helped thousands of sick children at the
Mater Children’s Hospital, as well as in caravan parks, migrant hostels and 12 regional
hospitals for the Australian Red Cross Society. In 2011, Helen, as LNP Women’s President,
led a Queensland-wide team of women to assist in flood recovery through collection and
distribution of goods to families and communities in need of help.
Wendy McCarthy
Wendy has a long history as an advocate, educator and change agent in Australia and internationally.
She currently chairs headspace (Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation), Circus Oz,
McGrath Estate Agents and Pacific Friends of the Global Fund. Wendy has held many significant
leadership roles including Deputy Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1989 she
was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding contributions to community
affairs, women’s affairs and the Bicentennial celebrations. In March 2013 she was inducted into
the Women’s Agenda Hall of Fame for her contribution to the lives of Australian women.
Yvonne McComb-King
As a 22-year-old denied enlistment in the regular Royal Australian Air Force due to illness, Yvonne
assisted Nancy Bird Walton in establishing the Women’s Air Training Corps, which prepared
young women for their training in the WAAAF. This experience led her to be active in assisting in
many political and charitable areas, for which she was awarded an AM and OBE and the Queen’s
Silver Jubilee Award. Yvonne was the first woman President of the Queensland Liberal Party and
was the only woman on many of its boards. A personal friend of three prime ministers, Yvonne
was very influential in Queensland affairs and active for her entire life in fundraising for charities.
Katie McConnel
Katie has established a strong reputation and research background in local heritage and regional
history. She is a passionate advocate for the history and heritage sectors and endeavours to make
history engaging for the community. She is an active board member of Queensland’s key heritage
and historical societies/organisations. This year, Katie was an award recipient at the National
Trust of Queensland Heritage Awards. Through her exhibitions, writing, tours and public talks,
Katie makes Queensland history, the history of Old Government House and the remarkable lives of
key 19th century vice-regal women more broadly accessible and captivating for visitors of all ages.
20
Kay McGrath
Kay is an award winning journalist who is currently a presenter for Seven News Brisbane. She has reported
a series of documentaries on local social issues, and is an active campaigner against child abuse, being
an ambassador for The Abused Child Trust and Protect All Children Today. Kay is also a Vice-Patron of the
Breast Cancer Association of Queensland.
Judith McLean
Judith has built a career working as an educator, director, and company director. She
was the first female Chair of the Queensland Theatre Company, and the inaugural Chair
of the Brisbane Festival. In her role as a cultural leader, she mentors woman of all ages
assisting them to reach their potential using arts-based approaches.
Alex McTavish
Alex is a social entrepreneur and agent of change. As creative producer of the Anywhere
Theatre Festival, one of the ’top nine international festivals you must see’ (Qantas
Travel Insider), she is dedicated to connecting people with place through performance,
anywhere. Alex believes that communities have the power to change the world.
Donna Meiklejon
Donna is an award winning journalist who has had a long, high profile career in news and
current affairs journalism as a presenter, writer and producer in the commercial and public
media. Donna started work in country radio in the 1970s when the industry was dominated
heavily by men and went on to become the first woman appointed by an Australian commercial
television network to an overseas posting. She is best known for her roles as presenter of the
national ABC viewers’ forum Backchat, and the flagship current affairs program Nationwide.
She is currently lecturing at the University of Queensland, nurturing the journalists of the future.
“
“
Be excellent in everything you do, be strategic and
connect with your communities.
Judith Mc Lean
21
Davida Melksham
Davida provides leadership in her paid work, the rural sector and in her own community. She coordinates
more than 1300 volunteers through Outback Links, providing assistance to rural and remote families
nationally. Last year she won the Strong Women Leadership Award for her advocacy and integrity in the
rural sector.
Heidi Middleton
Heidi, founded the eminent fashion label Sass & Bide with Sarah-Jane Clarke in the late 1990s.
Their designs started out in London’s Portobello Road Market, and within two years they had a seasonal
ready-to-wear collection, evolving from an underground phenomena in Australia to the runways of New
York and London Fashion Week. Sass & Bide has since been featured in the famous TV series, ‘Sex and the
City’, and worn by international celebrities including Madonna and Beyoncé.
Cathy Miller
Cathy has helped to establish new legislative, government and community responses
in relation to violence against women, social exclusion, health, employment, industrial
relations and pay inequity. She has supported women and girls through agencies such
as Windana Women’s Shelter, Domestic Violence Resource Centre, Logan Women’s
Health Centre, Logan Sexual Assault Service and the Queensland Government’s Private
Sector Industrial Relations Unit. Cathy is a former Director of the Queensland Office for
Women and a former Chairperson, Premier’s Council for Women (Queensland).
“
“
Believe in yourself and with hard work
you can achieve anything.
Deborah O’Reilly
Sarah Moles
Sarah has been involved in community-based natural resource management for 20 years. She has been the
Queensland representative on the Murray Darling Basin Commission’s Community Advisory Committee,
a Director of the Queensland Murray Darling Committee, and the author of ‘The Dying Darling’, which
highlighted the state of the Darling River. Sarah is currently a member of the Murray Darling Basin
Authority’s Northern Basin Advisory Committee and a board member of Lock the Gate Alliance.
22
Act as if the world is watching you at all times.
Make decisions that you can justify to both
yourself and a cast of thousands. Jonty Bush
“
“
Claire Moore
Claire has been Senator for Queensland since 2002. She has been Shadow Minister
for women, carers and communities, and Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate.
Claire is a founding member of the Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre and Emily’s List.
In 1995, she became the first female secretary of the Community Public Sector Union,
Queensland Branch. From 1996-2001, she was Vice-president and Chair of the Women’s
Committee and Chair of the Arts Committee of the Queensland Council of Unions.
Noela O’Donnell
Noela has been an active volunteer and committee member for all her adult life, including
for LifeLine, St Vincents, Queensland Cancer Council, Relay for Life and Zonta. Her work
earned her the title of Cairns Woman of the Year 2001. Noela is the current president of
the National Council of Women of Queensland, and a delegate of the Queensland Rural,
Regional and Remote Women’s Network. Noela feels strongly about diversity, inclusion,
and the empowerment of women through education.
Deborah O’Reilly
Debbie showed selfless leadership in her cooking for Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley flood
victims in 2011. The first weekend, Debbie with her mother and daughter cooked, packaged
and delivered 255 home-cooked meals to Grantham. From here the project exploded: local
businesses donated ingredients and the USQ Refectory offered use of its kitchen. Debbie’s
leadership not only had a huge impact on the hundreds of recipients of the meals, but allowed
others in the community to play their part, either by volunteering or donating money or supplies.
Sharon Orapeleng
Under Sharon’s leadership as the President of the Queensland African Communities Council,
the organisation won the 2013 Queensland Multicultural Award. Sharon was also recognised
for her work with the award as a 2013 Community Leader of the Year by Celebrate African
Australia. Sharon has been a member of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Committee,
currently sits in the Ministerial Cultural Diversity Roundtable, and has also been appointed
as the 2013 Multicultural Community Ambassador for the Australian Football League (AFL).
23
Sally Pearson
A leading Australian athlete, Sally was the 2011 World champion and 2012 Olympic champion in the
100 metres hurdles. She also won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2008 Summer Olympics
and the 2013 World Championships. In November 2011, the International Association of Athletics
Federations (IAAF) awarded Sally the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first Australian to
receive this award.
Sylvia Pesch
Sylvia was disappointed in the lack of post-school options available to her daughter, Tanya, who has
an intellectual disability. She hoped to find a service to teach skills to young women who are working
towards independence. In 2009, Sylvia took matters into her own hands and established MIRAA House, a
life skills learning centre for young women with an intellectual disability.
Sue Peters
Sue is the National Director of Australian Baptist Women and the State Director for
Queensland Baptist Women. Sue is also the founder and producer of the ‘She is…’
events in Queensland, where she engages with women all over the state, and has
raised over $25,000 to support the work of Freeset in Kolkata, India.
Hetty Johnston
“
“
Three words: integrity, loyalty, trust.
Marjorie Puregger
Marjorie was a leader in community affairs and a well-known journalist for the Sunday Mail. Marjorie
gained a great knowledge of public and political life, which she used as Vice-President of the National
Council of Women and as co-founder of the Women’s Forum Club. Her expertise in parliamentary meeting
procedure was instrumental in training so many others to take on decision-making roles in Forum and
other organisations.
24
Annabelle Rankin
Annabelle was elected as only the second woman to the Australian Senate in 1946. She was the first
Queensland woman to sit in the Federal Parliament, the first Australian woman to have a federal portfolio
and to be appointed head of a foreign mission. She was well known in her community through her
involvement with the YWCA, CWA, Guides Australia and Red Cross. In 1957 she was appointed a Dame
Commander of the Order of the British Empire for political and public services. The electoral division of
Rankin was named in her honour in 1984.
“
“
Lead by example, to conduct yourself with dignity
and integrity in your everyday action.
Mary Wagner
Coral Rizzalli
When Coral gave birth to her severely disabled son, John, in 1971, she found that there
was no help available anywhere in north Queensland. She set about changing that
and, with other parents, formed Ingham Parents Support Group. Ingham now has some
of the very best services for children and adults with a disability of any town in North
Queensland. Since 1993, Coral has also served on many Health Consumer groups and
has presented rural and remote health issues on many committees.
Dominique Rizzo
As a chef, author and presenter, Dominique’s aim is to inspire people to cook with
fresh, seasonal and local produce. Dominique’s television appearances include a longstanding current role on Channel 10’s ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’, and more recently hosting
a new food show on Channel 10, ‘Yes Chef’. Dominique’s first cook book, ‘My Taste of
Sicily’ highlights her passion for fresh, healthy cooking and her Sicilian heritage.
Kylie Robinson
Kylie has given herself completely to the service of others: from her military service at the Royal Australian
Air Force and as a Military Police Woman, to her tireless service with the Goondiwindi community.
She currently works for LEAD childcare and is an active member of the Goondiwindi SES, the primary
response agency for storm and flood emergencies in Queensland. Kylie provides a strong role model for her
community, particulary for many of the adolescents who refer to her as ‘Mum’.
25
Sarina Russo
Sarina leads a global business that has been at the forefront of transforming people’s lives
through education, training and employment for the last 34 years. Sarina’s business ventures
have touched over 150,000 individuals, supporting them to achieve their goals. Sarina’s own
journey is one of personal transformation having moved to Australia from Italy as a small child
unable to speak English. Sarina has been a member of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs
World Advisory Board since 2006, and has created her own Foundation that actively supports
numerous charitable endeavours including the Clinton Global Initiative and Same Sky.
“
“
Celebrate often – even small successes
– and always with Champagne.
Anne-Marie Birkill
Julianne Schultz
Julianne is an Australian academic, journalist and author of more than thirty books, as well as the
founding editor of the Griffith REVIEW. She is currently a professor in the Centre for Public Culture and
Ideas at Griffith University and has written extensively about the media in works such as ‘Reviving the
Fourth Estate: Democracy, Accountability and the Media’ (1998).
Cindy Shannon
Cindy is a descendant from the Ngugi people from Moreton Island. She plays a key role in the Institute for
Urban Indigenous Health in South-East Queensland. She was director of the Centre of Indigenous Health
at the University of Queensland, guiding Australia’s first degree level program that specifically targeted
Aboriginal health workers.
Bronwyn Sheehan
Bronwyn founded The Pyjama Foundation in 2004 when she became alarmed by the
statistics highlighting the poor literacy and numeracy levels of children in foster care.
The Foundation, together with her Love of Learning Program, has inspired more than
1000 volunteers who read books aloud to young children each week. Bronwyn is
a registered nurse and midwife, a 2008 Telstra Business Women’s Awards National
Finalist and the 2009 Queensland Australian of the Year.
26
Letitia Shelton
Eight years ago Letitia started City Women Toowoomba, a not-for-profit organisation that exists to
make Toowoomba a better place for women and girls. City Women and its 21 associated organisations
reach around 8,000 women each year. Letitia works tirelessly to raise awareness on key issues, and to
gather people to work together for positive change. Her vision has inspired City Women Brisbane, whose
establishment she has supported.
“
Be prepared to ‘drip filter’; acknowledging and
implementing YOUR good idea may require that you allow
others time to ‘own’ the idea and join you on the journey.
“
Vivienne Tippett
Ann Sherry
Ann is a former First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women, in which
capacity she advised the Prime Minister on issues affecting Australian women. From
this role she moved to Westpac, where she was instrumental in improving the working
conditions and career pathways for women in the bank. Ann is now CEO of Carnival
Australia, which owns P&O Cruises and others. She has also served as a Director and Chair
of several leading organisations, including the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.
Fiona Simpson
In 2012, Fiona became the Queensland Parliament’s first female Speaker. Previously
an award-winning journalist, Fiona has now won the seat of Maroochydore eight
times. She has served in several shadow ministerial positions, including health and
transport. As Deputy Opposition Leader and Deputy Nationals Leader, Fiona voluntarily
relinquished these roles to the former Liberal leader to help facilitate the LNP merger
in 2008, which she believed was vital to win Government. Fiona holds post-graduate
business qualifications, and is passionate about leadership development.
Olive Smith
Olive was a pioneer in nursing, leaving a secure hospital job to test an untried,
unfinanced venture in the community. She showed fearlessness and unprecedented
outreach as the first Blue Care nurse in Queensland. After some time away to raise
her family with husband Edward, she returned to Blue Care in Ipswich as a Service
Manager. She and her husband now live in a Blue Care retirement village and still
regularly volunteer with a range of charities.
27
Georgie Somerset
Georgie is a founder and current President of Queensland Rural, Regional & Remote
Women’s Network (QRRRWN). She currently sits as a Director on the QRRA, Children’s
Health Queensland and several community and industry organisations. She is also
the founder of Red Earth Community Foundation and a former RIRDC Rural Woman
of the Year. Georgie is actively involved in a family-owned beef property in southern
Queensland and a mother of three.
Rebecca Sparrow
Rebecca is a well-know children’s author. Her first novel ‘The Girl Most Likely’ spent 16 consecutive week
in the Queensland Top Ten, while her second, ‘The Year Nick McGowan Came To Stay’ was premiered as a
stage play at La Boite Theatre in Brisbane. Her latest book, released in September 2013, is ‘Find Your Feet:
The 8 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Left High School’. Rebecca is a Contributing Editor at MamaMia,
and an ambassador for The Pyjama Foundation.
Debbie Spillane
Debbie was, in 1984, the first full-time female broadcaster hired by ABC Sport. She worked as a sideline
reporter on ABC TV’s rugby league coverage, was the first woman to do cricket commentary on ABC radio
and went to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. Debbie
returned fulltime to the ABC in 2002 when she joined the broadcasting team at ABC NewsRadio. Debbie
chronicled her experiences as one of the first women sports journalists in Australia in her book ‘Where Do
You Think You’re Going Lady? (The Adventures of a Sports Mad Redhead).’
“
I think humanity is going to make it. I think we’ll find a
way to live on this planet that doesn’t destroy it, or each
other. I think that despite the fact we’re right on the edge
of a global environmental crisis, we’ll pull together and
we’ll somehow make a better future for ourselves and this
Earth. For it’s not just love that conquers all, it’s hope.
Larissa Waters
28
“
“
Leadership is energising and exciting
when you engage with people who
are all seeking the same goal. Sharing the passion
and fun of new ideas and new partnerships
can change you in ways you
could never imagine.
“
Wendy McCarthy
Donna Stewart
Donna is the longest serving female mayor in Queensland, presently serving as the mayor
of the Balonne Shire Council, a position she has held for the last six years. Donna became
widely recognisable during the floods of 2010 and 2012 when record flooding of the
Balonne River saw the inundation of the towns of Bollon and St George. Donna made
the difficult decision to evacuate the entire town of St George with a population of 2,500
people. At the time it was the largest evacuation in the history of Queensland.
Laura Stokes
In 2012, Laura was granted a license to host a TEDxWomen event, a significant achievement in the highly
selective world of TED. Having been granted a license, Laura brought a team together, and secured a
venue, sponsorship, supporters and speakers – all in her own time. The inaugural event, held last year in
December, literally changed the lives of participants and speakers alike. Laura made it happen; her spirit,
positivity and light are shaping the Queensland of tomorrow.
Samantha Stosur
Samantha is an Australian professional tennis player, currently ranked No. 11 by the World Tennis
Association. Her famously powerful serve is among the best in women’s tennis. She was only 13 when she
took off to the World Youth Cup in Jakarta, her first taste of life as a tennis champion. Samantha has won
the 2011 U.S. Open, four Grand Slams and the 2010 French Open. At least as significantly, Samantha has
managed to defeat her worst competitor yet, Lyme disease, with her extraordinary strength and courage.
29
Anne Stuart
Anne is a Life Member of YWCA Queensland, a former President of YWCA Downs &
South-West Qld and former Board Member of YWCA Australia. In these pivotal roles,
Anne demonstrated passionate leadership in the face of adversity. Anne’s commitment
to social justice - particularly issues affecting women, children with disabilities and the
victims of forced adoptions - was a major force in shaping the work of the YWCA with
its strong focus on improving the lives of disadvantaged Queenslanders.
Jan Thomas
Jan is Vice-Chancellor at the University of Southern Queensland and was Deputy ViceChancellor at the University of Notre Dame in WA and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch
University. In addition to her extensive organisational leadership, Jan has an international
reputation in her own academic background in veterinary and biomedical sciences. Jan is
a strong advocate for social justice, national productivity and regional development. She
is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member, and vice chair
of governing body for the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Dianne Thorley
From Stanthorpe where she was born and grew up, Dianne trod the hard path to become Major of
Toowoomba. She was elected as a Councillor on Toowoomba City Council in 1997, became Mayor in 2000
and returned to office for a second term in 2004. Dianne confirmed that she would not seek re-election in
2008, preferring instead to spend time with her family. In her time as Mayor, she was passionate about
seeing Toowoomba realise its full potential, and was particularly concerned about the issues facing the
city’s youth.
“
“
Remember that being recognised as
a leader is a privilege.
Christine Cameron
Merle Thornton
In 1965 Merle, together with Rosalie Bogner, chained herself to the Regatta Hotel bar
rail to protest for women’s rights in bars. Their action became the starting point for
women’s liberation in Brisbane and is recognised as one of the defining moments of the
feminist movement in Australia. Merle went on to establish the Equal Opportunities for
Women Association and pioneered the teaching of women’s studies in Australia.
30
Vivienne Tippett
Vivienne is the first female full Professor of Paramedic Science in Australia. As
immediate past Director of the Australian Centre for Pre-hospital Research, she has
made an invaluable contribution to the evidence base for emergency pre-hospital
practice over the last decade. In 2011, her service to the Queensland Ambulance
Service was recognised with a Distinguished Services Medal.
“
The best advice I’ve ever received is to lead from
the front, to write down your goals and date them!
Janelle Andrews
You are then accountable to yourself.
“
Michelle Trute
Michelle has championed the cause of diabetes all her career, and now holds the
position of CEO at Diabetes Queensland. Her peers have recognised her professional
achievements through AIM Management Excellence and Telstra Business Women
awards. Most recently, she was invited to Harvard Business School, and has graduated
as a KPI Professional.
Mary Wagner
Mary has been involved in Wagners through its expansion from a local family-owned
concrete business to a successful international business; the company has recently obtained
permission to build an airport that will connect Toowoomba to major capital cities. Mary has
also been tireless in her work in the local community, including as Chairperson of Cobb and
Co’s National Carriage Factory Campaign Committee and through her continued support
of Family Week. Mary has also sponsored two Sudanese families in her local community.
Kath Walker
Oodgeroo Noonuccal – born Kath Walker – was a prominent political activist and a very successful writer.
She was Queensland’s State Secretary for the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) and a key figure in the campaign for the reform of the Australian Constitution to
allow Aboriginal people full citizenship. She embraced the idea of poetry as ‘propaganda’, to convey pride
in her Aboriginality and to popularise equality and Aboriginal rights.
31
Larissa Waters
Larissa is the Australian Greens Senator for Queensland. She works to improve federal
laws to better protect the Great Barrier Reef, promote renewable energy and protect our
agricultural land from incompatible land uses. Larissa is passionate about protecting
the future of our environment, so that her young daughter and her generation can enjoy
a healthy and happy future in a sustainable society.
Jessica Watson
Jessica is the youngest person to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world, for which she was
recognised as the 2001 Young Australian of the Year. She departed from Sydney on 18 October 2009,
heading eastbound over the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean and returned to Sydney
on 15 May 2010. Ella’s Pink Lady, Jessica’s boat, is now displayed at the Queensland Maritime Museum
in Brisbane.
“
Leadership is listening to good advice,
considering the options, being a person of
action and encouraging others to do the same.
The only way this works is to be true to yourself, trust
good instincts and be the best role model you can by
living what you talk about.
“
Kate Eggar
Liz Wilkes
Liz has been an activist for improved maternity reform and birth rights with the Maternity
Coalition, and wrote the midwifery degree program for Griffith University. Liz set up her
own private midwifery practice, My Midwives, in Toowoomba, which now has several
practices around the state. Liz has been instrumental in improving midwife-led maternity
care in Queensland. Her unwavering determination saw Toowoomba Hospital as the first
centre in Australia to have collaborative arrangements with private midwives.
32
“
Be yourself and be the best person that
you can be. Use your head while following your heart.
Be respectful of other people’s work,
skills, aptitudes, experience and contribution.
Don’t get carried away in a wave
of self-righteousness.
“
Gitie House
Stephanie Wilson
Stephanie is the first Oral Health Therapist to open her own dental practice in
Queensland. After working for 22 years with children, Stephanie loves her role as a
‘tooth fairy’ and prides herself on making dental visits fun. She delivers an educational
program throughout south-east Queensland, and was a finalist of the Telstra Business
Women’s Awards in 2013.
Nerolie Withnall
Nerolie has built her Brisbane corporate career from the ashes of Cyclone Tracey, which devastated her
hometown Darwin in 1974. In Brisbane, she embarked on a career that would over three decades see her
emerge as a leading company director in a male-dominated environment. Nerolie has served as a Director
of many ASX listed companies including ALS Limited, Computershare Limited, Alchemia Limited, RedCape
Property Fund Limited and PanAust.
Beth Woods
Beth was the first female Rhodes Scholar in Queensland. She is now Deputy Director at the
Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and President of the ACIAR
Policy Advisory Council. Internationally know as ‘the Queen of Rice’ for her appointment as
the World Chair of the International Rice Research Institute, Liz’s previous leadership roles
include Manager of Farming Systems at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries,
Board member of CSIRO, Chair of the Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation, and Chair of the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research.
33
“
To be able to influence another
human being is a gift that should not be abused.
Listen to the opinions and perspectives of
others with an open mind. Building their trust
and bringing their self confidence to the
surface leads to positive outcomes.
“
Tanya Falagan
Mary Woods
Mary delivers support for regional communities through her Tie Up The Black Dog
Committee. A recipient of the Queensland Mental Health Award for Service to Mental
Health Awareness, she recently completed the development of the Glovebox Guide to
Mental Health. Her current passion is awakening communities’ knowledge of mental
health issues. She believes we can do nothing more important than helping others.
Mary is also a former Chair of the Queensland Murray Darling Committee.
Robina Xavier
Robina is the Executive Dean of QUT Business School. She has received state and national
awards for her work in public relations practice and research, and has published in
national and international journals. Robina has sat on a number of government advisory
groups, is a former National President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and
is a former chair of the National Education Committee, which oversees accreditation of
Australian university programs.
Barbara Zaloumis
Barbara is a film director and writer, as well as a QUT alumnus and Learning Potential Fund Ambassador.
After moving to Brisbane to escape domestic violence, Barbara graduated and founded Moving Women
Forward, an organisation that helps victims of domestic violence. She is currently working on a documentary
on Hanworth House, Brisbane’s heritage home.
34
YWCA Queensland would like to sincerely thank
our sponsors for supporting our investment in
the women and girls of Queensland.
AmandaBloxsomPhotography
Capture the moment!
m:0404 464 250
e:[email protected]
www.amandabloxsomphotography.com.au
Engage. Connect. Empower.
…women and girls of Queensland
147 Wharf Street Brisbane Qld 4000
TEL 07 3230 3400
FAX 07 3839 4335
FACEBOOK facebook.com/ywcaqld
TWITTER twitter.com/ywcaqld
EMAIL [email protected]
www.yq.org.au

125 Leading Women

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