LEADERS PIONEERS itra oorrl fwmnwomen of roll honour victorian COURAGEOUS VISIONARY ACHIEVERS ROLE MODELS INFLUENTIAL STRONG DETERMINED

2006 PASSIONATE REMARKABLE WOMEN COMPASSIONATE EMPOWERING ADVOCATES DYNAMIC INSPIRATIONAL OUTSTANDING ENTERPRISING 

Mary Delahunty MP Minister Affairs for Women’s Foreword of womenof will benefit. In these pages, share we their personal stories success, of hearing about their journeys, what motivates them, their insights and achievements. Each these of women has an extraordinary story tell. to They have made an indelible impression on their communities in a range areas of including sport, education, the arts, health and social justice. The Victorian Honour Roll allows publicly us to recognise women who have made outstanding contributions our to communities. I am proud honour to and acknowledge these remarkable women and hope you willtoo, celebrate their successes. It gives me great pleasure present to the inspiring stories women the of who 24 have been added the Victorian to Honour Roll Women of in 2006. As Melbourne prepares host to the greatest sporting and community event, the Commonwealth Games, it is fitting thatwe pay special tributeto what women have achieved and can achieve, both on and off the sporting field. These women are remarkable role models who have shown great determination in their quest make positive to changes, from which current and future generations

OBE CMG OBE

Professor Marilyn Lake Marilyn Professor OAM Livingstone Nicole Meehan Effie OAM Melzer Jean AO Neave Marcia Professor Price Joyce Lady AM Sarah Val OAM Watson Betty Messages Elleni Bereded-Samuel Elleni (1925-1999) Butcher Betty Canty Elaine OAM Cheshire Jean Ellis Liz OAM Hadfield Molly Hocking Barbara Hughes Sian Dr AM Kehoe Marie Sister King Donna (1906-1999) CBE King Ethleen OAM Koskelainen Margo Manning Kerryn Foreword Foreword Alloush Leila Ayse Köksüz Köksüz Ayse Linda Beilharz Linda

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advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising outstanding inspirational dynamic advocates Leila Alloush

remarkable women compassionate empowering empowering compassionate women remarkable

role models influential strong determined passionate passionate determined strong influential models role

achievers visionary courageous pioneers leaders “Women are taking on the responsibility of leadership with their own families, within within families, own their with of leadership responsibility the on taking are “Women me encouraged and ethnicity and religion of my culture, accepting were “They 19-year-old who could not speak English, she knew some challenges would lie ahead. As a founding member of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria, a of Victoria, Women’s Council Welfare Islamic of the member afounding As diverse backgrounds, encouraged and run leadership training, focused on social social on focused training, leadership run and encouraged backgrounds, diverse opportunities and create a brighter economic future. future. economic abrighter create and opportunities service. the for support and funding to secure level roots grass the at groups of inclusion. Professional Arabic Victorian of the part Service, Social Arabic the at volunteer When Leila Alloush first arrived on Australian shores from Lebanon as a young as a young Lebanon from shores Australian on arrived first Alloush Leila When skills while studying social sciences at university. university. at sciences social studying while skills She has researched training methods for women from culturally and linguistically linguistically and culturally from women for methods training researched has She cultural different from of women mix by aremarkable surrounded herself found She women regardless of their race, culture, religion or colour,” or said. Leila religion culture, race, of their regardless women their communities and beyond very seriously. They’re doing a lot of excellent work,” of excellent alot They’re doing seriously. very beyond and communities their other for same to the me do inspired They well. as Australian being to celebrate Inspired byourcommunity’s diversity Leila said. Leila women to help cultures many across worked has Leila 21 than years, more For community with working North, the Women’s in Health establish helped also Leila community. the in voice agreater women give helped Leila’s has work Diversity, English her refined and land new to her to succeed adetermination brought Leila But what she received from the group – friendship, help and support – changed Leila’s Network and a member of Ministerial Advisory Council for Cultural and Linguistic Linguistic and Cultural for Council Advisory of Ministerial amember and Network justice for all ethnic groups including the disadvantaged and promoted a culture aculture promoted and disadvantaged the including groups ethnic all for justice improve their health and well being, improve their learning and educational educational and learning their improve being, well and health their improve life and became her inspiration to help other women in similar and difficult circumstances. backgrounds – Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, Greek, Russian and Chinese. and Russian Greek, Turkish, Italian, –Vietnamese, backgrounds

Linda Beilharz “You need to know your own limitations and what you are capable of. hard, was It capable are you what and limitations own your “You to know need “They made it sound do-able, rather than an impossible task. I thought I could do that.” what because we think, than opportunities We that. like more have is women for “Life to do, supposed are they what of women, stereotypes the challenges journey “My Although she faced danger and hardship the vastness and beauty of Antarctica’s beauty and vastness the hardship and danger faced she Although women’s British of five astory was it enthusiast, outdoor and bushwalker avid an As A bravepersonaljourney, aninspirationforallwomen driest place on earth to reach the South Pole on New Year’s New on Pole South Eve the 2004. to reach earth on place driest vast white landscape. white vast the across her pushed which belief, self adogged and drive courage, great with off 1200 some kilometres. equipment and what they actually do,” said. actually Linda they what and was she ice-cap, Antarctica the across journey epic her on out set Linda When setting out to prove to herself that she could do it. do could she that to to prove out herself setting She never contemplated what it would mean to be the first Australian woman to woman Australian first to the be mean would it what contemplated never She of adventure biggest the on to embark friends and family of her comfort the left She would present, or the role model she would become for other women. women. other for become would she model role the or present, would to go out and face the challenges and achieve them. achieve and challenges the face and to out go pristine wilderness left an indelible impression on her. on impression indelible an left wilderness pristine recognition public the opportunities the realise she did nor Pole, South the reach Linda hopes her story will inspire women to set their own goals, have the courage courage the have goals, own to their set women inspire will story her hopes Linda For 56 days Bendigo’s Linda Beilharz, 45, walked and skied the windiest, coldest, coldest, windiest, the skied and 45, walked Beilharz, Bendigo’s days 56 Linda For Many people didn’t take Linda’s plans seriously until she said her goodbyes and set set and goodbyes her said she until seriously didn’t Linda’s take plans people Many journey to the Pole that gave her the inspiration to try herself. to try inspiration the her gave that to Pole the journey is perceived to be available and what actually is available are two different things.” different two are available is actually what and to available be perceived is but no more difficult than I expected.” than difficult more no but her life, hauling hauling life, her 75 kilograms of food, fuel, camping, communications and navigation navigation and communications camping, fuel, of food, 75 kilograms

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her father who was an RSL cricketer and a member the of Melbourne Cricket Club. became friends,” Sue said. for, the International Women’s Cricket Council. At theAt time her of death in 1999, Council. Cricket Women’s International the for, Bettyheld many positions in the cricketing world including Victorian Women’s Club. Cricket Ladies Hawthorn the and Association the of President both was Betty Betty Butcher lived life like every day was an adventure. And it is philosophy a Learning score to before she went school, to Betty started her 50-year passion for my life like that too,” she said. lifemy like that too,” to Indiato as manager team. the of Australian women’s under-25 that her daughter Sue Montesano has adopted. She was the association’s delegate the Australian to Cricket Council Women’s Sue said one her of proudest memories her of mother was when she travelled Sue said her mother was always supportive and involved inher sporting career she encouraged women and girls play to in sport. and received a life membership in 1970. She was also a delegate to, and secretary secretary and to, delegate a also and receivedwas a life membership She in 1970. and the pair played cricket together. cricket playing games with boys living in the street. Cricket Association President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. A life-long champion of women’s cricket of women’s A life-long champion At 10 she joined 10 At her firstteam.20 At she was a squad member. Andfor years40 The only she way knew she had visited was because the neighbours told her.” The Betty late Butcher and was developed born in 1925 an interest in cricket from “She met Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who was supportive the of tour and they “When Mrs Gandhi came Australia, to she came visit to mum, but mum was out! “She loved young people and encouraged them do she their to said. best,” “She lived every moment her of lifeand had no regrets, and I have tried live to (1925–1999) Betty Butcher Betty Butcher

happening in Africa because the of government, not the she people,” said. including the Inner Western Migrant Resource Centre, the Victorian Immigrant for women from the Horn Africa. of full potential. Elleni, 38, has since been the driving force behind several community projects Elleni was born in Ethiopia and arrived in Australia withher husband and seven- Distressed the by fighting in her homeland, shewanted to bring Africanstogether Horn Africa of refugees living in the western suburbs for Maribyrnong City Council. Elleni Bereded-Samuel is passionate about empowering migrantsreach to their under one roof in a peaceful project. Her first projectwas compiling stories from providing the State Government with independent advice about the needs and month-old After baby in 1996. receiving permanent residence as a political refugee, Inspired by her work, Victoria University asked Elleni to establish a bridging program program bridging a establish to Elleni Universityasked Victoria work, her by Inspired In September 2005 she was appointed a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner to education,to training and employment for people diverse of cultural backgrounds. she immediately began working with migrants from the Horn Africa. of and it was very successful.” and Refugee Coalition, Women’s and the Horn Africa of Communities Network. views culturally Victoria’s of diverse communities. Building bridges of understanding Building bridges As the Community Partnerships Officerfor Victoria University she promotes access “The only way we can assist the community is to empower the community,” she said. she community,” the empower to is community the assist can we way only “The “It Elleni, is something St of Albans, do,” I love to said. “People were not talking each to other in Australia and I believed that things were “So with the story-tellingproject, I took the challenge bring to women together

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising

Elleni Bereded-Samuel  03 

bringing them together again.” became involved through playing the organ at Pentridge Prison for the men’s inspired her but who rarely received recognition. For 56 years she has taught religious education and for the past 46 years has been a been has years 46 past the for and education religious taught has she years 56 For But it is her work with prisoners that has brought her great rewards. She first people’s livespeople’s possible,” Jean said. mainstay at the Hurlingham Aged Care Home. She is a past president and committee and president past a is She Home. Care Aged Hurlingham the at mainstay residents. service for worship fortnightly the at organ the plays and member It is Jean’s love people of It is Jean’s and her willingness help to that has led numerous to to call me,” Jean call said.to me,” Sunday afternoon service. years. the over supported she women the of many from letters receive to continues She When the Women’s CorrectionalWhen the Women’s Centre in Deer Park opened Jean in 1996 started awards and recognition work. for She her was life’s awarded the Medal the of Order and she has led by example. by led has she and volunteering and continued visit to the women two days a week until 2005. Australiaof (OAM) for service women, to particularly through the National Council Womenof Victoria. of community and makes a difference lives.” in people’s Offering love and affection Offering An avid writer she writes two letters encouragement of a week people to who Jean Cheshire’s faith has taught her the importance of offering love and support to all, all, support to and love offering importance of the her taught has faith Cheshire’s Jean “Everyone knew there that they could get a hug from me, or ‘Grandma’ as they used they as ‘Grandma’ or me, from hug a get could they that there knew “Everyone “The women confided in workme. My at the prisonwas often with the families – “Everything I have ever done has been done for never Jean love, for payment,” said. “I do not feel this is honour my – it is the honour everyone of who contributes the to “There are so many wonderful women who do so much for people and make other Jean Cheshire OAM Cheshire Jean

hospital policy. Elaine admires both women for being strong, selfless and doing jobs that influence Dr Catherine Hamlin who works in Ethiopia providing free reconstructive surgery to Be brave – step out your of comfort zoneand take a risk. Elaine has a long list achievements of which of she can be justifiably proud. She Her busy schedule is testament her to admission that she finds it “hard to say no”. Elaine Cantyoffers somesage advice. nations. right place and just needs she said. a bit help,” of to sitto on the AFL Tribunal. women with fistulas and the Greek Minister for Sport, former actress Melina Mercouri. Melina actress former Sport, for Minister Greek the and fistulas with women was the first female sports broadcaster on ABC radio television,and first woman to She has beenstrong a and purposeful health advocate for women’s for many years and her profileto help many organisations. Chairwoman the As VicHealth. and Hospital Women’s Royal the of boards the on and anchor a national Olympic Games coverage for and ABC, the first and onlywoman comes with dedication,” she said. of theof hospital’s Community Advisory Committee shehas played a leading role in career decisions have been “calculated risks” as she likes call to them. Easy as ABC Apart from her ground-breaking work in sports media, she has also used her skills sheAlong has crossed the way, paths with some inspirational women, including The Hawthorn woman has taken up many opportunities and some her of major “I admire people who have passion, whether dramatic passion, or the passion that “I am a sucker for a person who is dedicated and passionate, whose heart is in the “I’m not foolhardy,” she said. not foolhardy,” “I’m “But be you have courageous.” to

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering

Elaine Canty advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising  03 

group in Chelsea Heights in 50 and 50 Over Get Up and Go husband, she became involved in the Progress Association. her beliefs that she has made a real difference to the lives of so many in the community. the in many so of lives the to difference real a made has she that beliefs her inspired she said. me,” justice. Among her many achievements, Molly is particularly proud helping of create Molly established the Molly Hadfield laughs as she recalls how her familywould tease her that she “was Mary Catherine “Molly” Doyle was born and grew up in Corowa, NSW in 1922, In between raising a family and working full time, and with the support her of to workingto for peace. thisto planet that live we on.” with Housing for the Aged Action Group and the Older Persons Action Centre. was delighted be chosen to as the face the of 2005 Victorian Seniors Festival. She has also been a member the of Union Australian of Women for 45 years and surrounded “inspirational by Her grandmother, mother women”. and aunts were and while I can she do said. it I will,” all champions rights. for women’s young children. vaccinated with a gramophone But it needle”. is through talking and standing up for Speaking up for women’s rights women’s Speaking up for As a volunteer, sheAs a volunteer, became an activist campaign to rights for and women’s social Preston, of 83, is Molly, At winding down her commitments but is still dedicated 1987 to help to women isolated1987 in their home, and became a committee member ‘a community’‘a in Chelsea, where she moved in the with 1960s her husband and two “I never thought I would be a poster she girl laughed. age,” at my “I will never give up demonstrating for peace and for low-cost housing for women something contribute all should we think I community. our in involved be to need “We “They wereall doing something in their own at that way time, and that is what

OAM Molly Hadfield Hadfield Molly

her friends,” Liz said. international business networking and outcomes around the Commonwealth Games. Commonwealth the around outcomes and networking business international Liz is also fostering young talent getting by involved in the Melbourne 2006 Her outstanding achievement in Australian sport has made her a role model for Despite this, Liz believes community recognition women of in sport has improved netball games. It’s great to think I have made at least one person interested in sport.” in interested person one least at made have I think to great It’s games. netball many young women. to be a professionalto netball player. the senior Australian squad in 1992. went to. Shewent remembered to. that were we very patient signing autographs for her and Swifts since 2000, Liz Ellis has been a fixture in Australian netball since she joined She has also represented Australia at both national championships and the since she first started playing in the 1990s.early sportswomen. sports, Liz Ellis smiles quietly herself to when young women tell her that they want CommonwealthGames. CommonwealthGames Future Athletes Clinics. Captain the of Australian Netball since 2004 Team and Captain the of Sydney An Australian champion An Australian As an ambassador for Business Club Australia: Melbourne 2006, Liz has assisted And it shows in the faces the of young fans one most of Australia’s of successful As someone keenly aware the of economic imbalance between men and women’s “It was the first sporting event she had ever gone to and now she continues to go to go to continues she now and to gone ever had she event sporting first the was “It “To know that young“To girls look you up and to what Liz, 33, said. you do is huge,” “I went shopping recently and the assistant recognised me froma netball game she “I think – if only I could be a professional netballer too.”

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate Liz Ellis remarkable women compassionate empowering

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instil in her children Sam, Rosie and Matilda the joy helping of others. for the past eight years. Her areayears. eight expertise of past the for is community child health and she Her long-term plan establish is to a program send to young Australians Sri to Lanka Hyperactivity Disorder, autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. years sheFor 13 has travelled from her home in Elwood a private to practice at more aware people of in third world countries,” she said. planning another visit in June 2006 disperse to medical and school supplies. to workto in orphanages or teach English inspire to the next generation continue to to the tsunami that devastated much Asia of hit. the injured, working non-stop for more than three days organising evacuations and treating the injured. Since then, her work for Sri Lanka has continued as a member works with children who have behavioural problems such as Attention Deficit Sian returned Sri to Lanka in July 2005 conduct to clinics and distribute aid, and is Service Health Mental Adolescent and Child Health Eastern at working been has She Sian, who says she is inspired her by Heselev, husband says she hopes Tony to Sian Hughes and her family spent Boxing Day 2005 contemplating the fateful day and her family were holidayingSian, 47, in the village Unawatuna, of Sri Lanka, when Sian, a paediatrician, immediately began collecting tourists’ medical kits and treating support people in developing nations. Inspired what by she describes as Australians’ sense social of equity, Sian moved from the UK in 1988. of theof Australia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team. Coolaroo, where all her of patients are bulk billed. Setting a path for the future Setting a path 12 months before, which12 changed their lives. “Although it was a horrendous experience, on another level has it… made us much “It is rewarding really to get involved in caring for other she people,” said. Dr Sian Hughes

by Felix by Cohen focussing on Native American native title. had been confident outcome.of the case’s interested in native title. But for Barbara it was a concept that resonated. Melbourne University. One the of legal text books recommended for reading was Barbara, now 77, of Toorak, first Toorak, of learnedBarbara, about now 77, native title while studying law at not only educating to the public, but also changing to the law native of title. In 1981 she was the firstIn 1981 barrister briefedto advise on the Mabo case. By the time then started pushing for native title in Australia. With a small but passionate group that native titles existed.” the historic case concluded its namesake in 1992, Eddie Mabo had died but he be involvedto in setting something right that was wrong in the law but it was also wrong ethically. why don’t we have we thatwhy here? don’t This was in the and 1960s hardly anyone in the white She had found her calling and would dedicate 30 years her of professional career So she read some more, researched the issue in Canada and New Zealand and When Barbara Hocking first read about native title shewas astonished. committed their to cause, she set about changing the course history. of community had heardit of in Australia,” Barbara said. Putting the law right for all Australians Putting the law At firstAt glance wasit foreign a concept. No-onewas talking about, let alone The Legal Conscience “I was pleased that the law was put right and put right for all Australians.” “We had to change the law,” she said.“We had change to the law,” “We had convince to the High Court that the legal system had made a mistake and “He felt, as I did, that it would succeed. Barbara And it did,” said. “I gained a great deal satisfaction of from the case, not only was it very rewarding “A lot of the work he did was for the recognition of Native American land and I thought thought I and land American Native of recognition the for was did he work the of lot “A

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising

Barbara Hocking Barbara 10 12

Sister Marie Kehoe

advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising outstanding inspirational dynamic advocates

remarkable women compassionate empowering empowering compassionate women remarkable role models influential strong determined passionate passionate determined strong influential models role

AM

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers achievers visionary courageous pioneers leaders

“I believe community attitudes develop as we mature and I wanted to teach people people to teach Iwanted and we mature as develop attitudes community believe “I educating through community asafer creating in apart play Icould realised “I You might say then that it was in Sister Marie Kehoe’s nature to help others. Kehoe’s others. to help nature Marie Sister in was it that You then say might As a member of the Council for more than 16 years, she helped develop and and develop helped 16 she than more years, for Council of the amember As Creating asafercommunity compassion for victims. victims. for compassion system. justice by the treated are of crime victims said. people,” she young University, Catholic Australian at Director the became Marie Sister education, rights. their defend and understand people way of helping one was education about the social impact of violence. impact social the about Violence. Against Council Community Victorian of the member a foundation 20 years. for held she a position minds. their speak and opinion an Sister Marie’s work within the Council was also influential in changing the way the changing in influential also was Council the Marie’swithin work Sister tertiary in then and Melbourne inner across schools in ateacher as Starting to form confidence to the have others encouraging for apassion had has She Underpinning all of her work has been her faith in respect for people and and people for respect in faith her been has work of her all Underpinning In response to the 1987 shootings in Hoddle and Queen streets, she became became she streets, Queen and to Hoddle 1987 in the response shootings In heirloom an is fairness and of justice importance the in abelief families some In passed down through generations. through down passed respect for one another and respect for other people’s rights in the community.” the in people’s rights other for respect and another one for respect Reform that recognises the importance of factors other than the judicial process process judicial the than other of factors importance the recognises that Reform in acareer decided 73, of Essendon, her, Marie, before Sister mother her Like in someone’s return to well being. to well someone’s return in awareness community build and programs prevention violence new implement

Donna King “Last July I was fortunate to go to Italy and give a paper to the International Women in worthwhile.” 17 is journey “He -it’s this now. made huge was That looking came he when Ithought and years many for seen not Ihad who achild had “I to community the back giving Iam and to hurt, Iused who people hurting not am “I doing,” said. Iam she what doing and here being achievement an is “It rest the spend system through go who Lots it. of women make people many “Not said. it’s she amazing,” think do certainly “I Justice Conference on what works with women offenders,” she said. Unlocking abrighterfuture of their lives in prison, or they die. It’s hard to break the cycle.” the It’s die. to they break or hard prison, in lives of their and its Bridging the Gap program – helping women pre and post release assimilate assimilate release post and pre women –helping program Gap the Bridging its and feel me makes it and avoice have not do women Those women. to other and since he was seven. was he since behalf.” their on talk Ican that special prisoners, and former prisoners, and helps the women themselves. women the helps and prisoners, former and prisoners, But her greatest achievement is living outside a cell and she says “It’s great to be free.” program. mentoring of Offenders’ Resettlement Turning Point with doing was she work of the proud particularly is she said Donna Her resolve and determined effort was rewarded when he contacted her in October 2005. seen not had she whom son, her was to changes make incentive areal said Donna women about community the educates now She around. life her turned has Ponds, 44, of Moonee King, Donna support and determination perseverance, through But Eight years ago Donna King was serving time in jail. Today she is helping women women Today jail. helping in is time she serving was King Donna ago years Eight for me, I didn’t want him to find me back in prison or dead,”or said. she prison in back me to find him Ididn’t me, for want bars. prison of the side other the from into the community. She also worked with the Victorian Association for the Care and and Care the for Association Victorian the with worked also She community. into the

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in a safe and supportive environment. in the north-west Melbourne of and the wider to Victorian community. Her education classes have covered sensitive community issues, including family Her work has also helped encourage the employment staff of with the language But for years, the past who Ayse, 10 lives in Meadow Heights, has devoted herself AssociationHeights Women’s Turkish Mothers and the Young Association. Turkish community Church Services,Uniting a Family Orana with work voluntary Her north-west Melbourne. ranging from exercise and education classes computer to skills and stress management training. make their own contribution their to community. In addition organising to home visits and social activities, she has linked families It also includes the many opportunities she has helped create to for others to she hasIn made this way, a major contribution, the both lives to people of living to developingto and improving services for her community. She has been involved with the Victorian Turkish Women’s Association, the Meadow Meadow the Association, Women’s Turkish Victorian the with involved been has She service hasagency, helped many isolated young women and families in skills deliver to services that provide support for families, children and individuals. started workin Melbourne’s manufacturing industries. and individuals with existing support services and development opportunities, violence, and given Turkish-speaking women a chance raise to and discuss issues Orana credits her community leadership style with having helped encourage new achievements. personal own many her in found just not is accomplishments her of Building bridges between communities Building bridges Ayse Köksüz’s commitment to community development means the true measure measure true the means communitydevelopment to commitment Köksüz’s Ayse Ayse Köksüz, 52, came to Australia more than 20 years ago and, like many migrants, migrants, many like and, ago years 20 than more Australia to came 52, Köksüz, Ayse Turkish-speaking volunteers at both Orana and other local community agencies. Ayse Köksüz Ayse

her legal skills help to form new organisations provide to help those to in need. in Victoria. for Children with Impaired Hearing in 1968. Ethleen also recognised the damage caused economic by and legaldiscrimination Ethleen also became the firstwoman appointedTrobe to the first University La Ethleen continued her interest in pre-school education also by helping form to Ethleen King spent more than 40 years helping build to community organisations, received a fairer division assets of acquired during marriage. the Lady Gowrie Child Care Centre in North Carlton. the 65 years Centre is later, the Free Kindergarten Union, the Victorian Branch the of Australian Pre-School women andchildren well the into 1980s. widely recognised as one leadersVictoria’s of in childcareservices. which have substantially improved the lives women, of young people and children She helped establish Book the Children’s Council Victoria of which in 1953, She again contributed her legal skills the establishment to the of Advisory Council She also assisted the Council in advocating for law reform ensure to that women She helped draft the Constitution one earliest of Victoria’s of pre-school providers against her legal women. skills In 1952, helped the National Council Women of to applied reduce to the female 60 pay to of per rate cent the of male basic wage. areas high of need and think to long-term. continues organise to activities and events that promote reading for children. contribute the Basic to Wage and Standard Hours Inquiry in which employers had Council in 1967. Organisation builder Awarded a CBE for her in 1969 wide range contributions of welfare to services in Australia, Ethleen continued her life-long commitment improving to services for After qualifying as Ethleen a lawyer began in 1929, a lifelong interest in using Association and the National Pre-School Association. The organisation’s durability testifiesto her extraordinary abilityto recognise

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering

(1906–1999) (1906–1999) advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising

Ethleen King CBE CBE King Ethleen 14 03 17

for harness racing. Kerryn is a positive and enthusiastic role model for women. far as I did. I was just happy get to a ride.” features about races 70 a year. Kerryn is tireless in her support for young women trying break to the into industry. Kerryn said. Kerryn is a big supporter the of pony circuit trot for children which aged six 15, to Kerryn said the go-get-them attitude Gaita of Pullicino inspired her keep to at it Hemisphere who has driven 300 horses a win to in a season. She is also the Kerryn has been driving horses professionally since and she is an was official 16 never been a problem for Kerryn. the world record for the most wins a female by driver. work hard and expect many late nights. Working in a male-dominated industry has She said those wanting do well to in the industry, needed patience, be prepared to She is known as ‘the face harness of racing’. she Kerryn did was great,” said. and do herbest. ambassador for her sport having been involved in several marketingcampaigns over from the men one day.” youngest Australasian harness racing driver reach to 2000 career wins and holds Winning attitude the key to success Winning attitude A humble champion who prefers let to her racetrack performances do the talking, At 29, Kerryn 29, At Manning, Great of Western, is the only person in the Southern “I guess I am proud achievements,” my of Kerryn said. “I never expected get to as lot more women“A are getting It has been it into now. great the past few years,” “The circuit is a great get to more way women involved in Kerryn sport,” said. “She used beat to me all the time and I just thought her attitude towards everything “Hopefully more women will get involved in harness racing – maybe can we take Kerryn Manning Kerryn

her sport, and encouraged other women chase to their sporting dreams. been a trail blazer sport. for women’s is important she said. you,” to in 2000 and being elected the International to Softball Hall Fame of in 2003. include being the first female umpire-in-chief,world a championship,awarded life Margo took up the sport when she was 12. Living in Shepparton, Margo has overcome the tyrannies distance of excel at to proposals she withdrawn,” said. membership Softball of Australia a Medal in 1993, the of OrderAustralia of (OAM) Initially a player, she found the game “addictive,” which led her to becoming an umpire. an becoming to her led which “addictive,” game the found she player, a Initially Umpiring has been a part life for 35 years. Margo’s of Her many achievements that some the of proposals would change the game There totally. were proposed would be a good sport And been I’ve for play. me she to at it ever said. since,” She says that one her proudest moments came at the international softball She is softly spoken, but Margo Koskelainen has a will steel. of so many the of fundamentals had been left were out. effective We in having the a closeness that she is unique,” said. congress in Puerto Rico in 1995. rewrite the in but rules, running base and batting pitching, the of bulk the to changes Batting for women’s sport Batting for women’s As a softball umpire she has faced many challenges, but overcome them all and “I never dreamt for one minute that I would represent country. my “But I want contribute to sport my to because it has given she me said. so much,” “Australia managed“Australia convince to the delegates the of playing rules commission “I think if you want do talk you it, have to to your to family and let them know that it “A friend a neighbour,“A mother’s, said my of she was involved and thought softball “What I like about it now is the camaraderie umpires. of Umpires world wide have

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OAM role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising

Margo Koskelainen Koskelainen Margo 16 03 19

her sister Karen pay tribute to their to mother through the formation the of National heroes are people saving lives and making a difference other lives.” to people’s hopes teach to her children what her mother taught her be nice – to people and brought her great rewards. Nicole’s careerNicole’s achievements include competing at three Olympic Games and three Nicole is now a mother herself twins to – Ella and Josh who are years. 3½ She Nicole Livingstone has inspired a nation with her swimming. But for Nicole, her 34, Elsie Livingstone passed from away ovarian cancer motivating Nicole in 2001, and picture,” she said.picture,” that,” she said. she that,” television sports program. But she said it was work with the network that had try make a difference. to She gains great satisfaction from knowing the organisation had made a real difference. real a made had organisation the knowing from satisfaction great gains She a social conscience. cancer and then empower them do Nicole something,” to said. greatest inspiration is her outlook late mother’s on life. Ovarian Cancer Network. womanof whowould get things done.” CommonwealthGames and being the only female host for Wide World Sports of Inspiring her nation Australian women a year. The not-for-profit networkThe not-for-profit aimsto raise awareness of the disease that kills 800 The children sponsor twins in Ethiopia through World Vision, helping them form “The goal make is women to aware theirof ovaries and the symptoms ovarian of “For mum me, my was a strong role model Nicole in life,” my said. “She was the kind “We know that we have saved lives, because we have received letters from women saying saying women from letters received have we because lives, saved have we that know “We only realise“You when you lose someone close that sport is just sport, the true “We just want them be the to best people they can be, and think the of bigger

OAM Nicole Livingstone Livingstone Nicole

Getting Equal: the History of Australian , the prize-winning biography one of most Australia’s Faith (1999) and historythe of labour movement. important political activists, Faith Bandler (2003). in newspapers, and has been a regular contributor public to discussions on issues including work-family equal balance, pay, constitutional change, racism and the Marilyn work for more Lake’s than years. 20 Reassessing contribution women’s the story to the of nation has been historian has writtenProfessor on a range Lake, subjects 57, of in the academic press and Federation, women have been active participants in the creation and development university. Her academic leadership has helped create new generations students of universities, museums and schools. men’s relationsmen’s with women.” In arguing for a more comprehensive and sophisticated understanding the of past, In 1988, ProfessorIn 1988, Lake was the Foundation Studies Director Women’s at of La In the 150 plusIn years the 150 Victorian of self-government and plus the 100 years since Feminism to men,to (and) neither history can men’s be properly written without reference to who have increased our understanding contribution women’s of Australian to history. She is the author several of books including she has written history that: “Women’s cannot be fruitfully written without reference at Stockholm University in Sweden, Visiting Professor at the University of Sydney and and Sydney of University the at Professor Visiting Sweden, in University. University Stockholm National at Australian the at Centre Research Humanities the at Professor adjunct of Victoria.of citizens but their stories are not always prominent. Chair of Australian Studies at Harvard University in the United States, Visiting Fellow Fellow Visiting States, United the in University Harvard at Studies Australian of Chair Campaigns such as the struggle for universal suffrage empowered women be to Women and stories of the Nation Women As one leading Australia’s historians, she has helped Studies develop Women’s at Trobe UniversityTrobe and since she has 1994 held a Personal Chair in History at the as appointments her in reflected is standing academic Marilyn’s of significance The

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering Professor Professor

Marilyn Lake Marilyn advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising 18 03 21

being 71 U3Asbeing across 71 the state. been involved in long-term planning prevent to further degradation the of local life long education really means”. increasing opportunities for life-long learning in local communities. fellow members. More than senior 18,000 Victorians are members the of University the of Third Age Now 80, she has actively pursued interests in protecting the environment and Her work in developing and supporting new U3As has contributed there to now Her particular interest has been the development adult of education, employment In 1981, after seven years representing of In 1981, Victoria and as one a handful of women of In 2004, in recognition her of work, she was awarded boththe Medal (OAM) the of In it she said that when she looked at women around Australia “they are on the move”. the on are “they Australia around women at looked she when that said she it In their grandchildren – but also about literature, politics, arts and science. what That’s Senators, Jean Melzer made her valedictory address the Senate. to she has helped older Victorians extend their education. and use the low-cost educational and recreationalactivities voluntarily provided by and recreation opportunities for people living south-east on Victoria’s coast. a moment. environment. As President the of Cape Paterson Progress Association, she has coastal environment from pollution, salinity and increasing tourism. Order Australia of and the Victorian Premier’s Senior Achiever Award. continue be on to the move. Encouraging lifelong education Encouraging lifelong As the current President the of University the of Third Age (U3A) Network in Victoria, Jean’s interest inJean’s people has been matched her by work protecting the natural Twenty-five years Twenty-five after she left the Senate, she says thewomen she sees in U3A True to her to word, on leavingTrue the Senate, Jean, Cape of Paterson, has notrested for “It’s inspirational“It’s see to them, heads shoulders up, back and talking – not just about Jean Melzer OAM Melzer Jean

life even more difficult. Not being able speak to the languagein an English-speaking community is a Effie said. is proudestEffie’s of her work Health Women’s with Service and encouraging Effie Meehan,of St Albans, is helpingovercome those barriers, giving culturally migrant women with a disability have pap to smears. migrants with a disability and helps community members become leaders and advocates. and leaders become members community helps and disability a with migrants than 800 years women over have a pap 10 smear.” themselves,” Effie, said.54, of behalf on advocates Effie years, the over West North Centre Resource Migrant the who found out she had cancer. She then advocates on their behalf for better participation opportunities and services improve to their health and well-being. and linguistically diverse people witha disability a voice in the community. Working with migrants with a disability from different backgrounds, Effie organises groupsmeet to on a regular basis and discuss the issues that are important them. to challenge. But not being able speak to English and having a disability can make Volunteering and working out Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities and at Working from the heart from Working The pap smear kit they put together proved life-saving for one woman in particular “It was caught in the early stages, she survived and is Effie now doing well,” said. “I want more people do things to from the heart rather than for payment.” “I sit on many committees and boards. is good Talking but need we more action,” “It was an issue that was neglected. The project was great because had we more “I encourage people with a disability speak to up for themselves and empower said. Effie people,” help heart to my in is it because bit a communityquite the in work “I

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering

advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising Effie Meehan 20 03 23

help otherpeople and keep she the neverGuide imagined Law’, it was a become role a model and her influence and leadership has helped create greater local Brownies in Caulfield. lifelong commitment. Now 90, she is the only person serve to a double term as Chairman and the only Lady Price travelled extensively with the Guides and stayed with Lady Baden-Powell, During almost 50 years volunteer of service the Guides, to Lady Joyce Price has understanding between women all of nations. She became District Commissioner for the Girl Guides Caulfield of and later She put her Guiding career on hold while she completed a Masters Science of World Association Girl Guides and Girl Scouts where she was responsible for the administration and policies the of Guide Movement countries, in 104 affecting World Chief Guide, when in London and gave the eulogy at her memorial service at Westminster Abbey. awarded the Silver Fish for International Guiding the Award, Silver Kangaroo, an When 13-year-old JoyceWhen Price 13-year-old made her Girl Guide her Promise best, ‘do to eight million members. Stof Michael and St George (CMG) for services the Girl to Guides, she was also degree at the University Adelaide, of but resumed when her daughters joined the Girl Scouts medal for exceptional service the Guides to Association. Victorian State Commissioner. Guiding young women to achieve Guiding young Australian hold the position. Awarded the Officerof the British Empire (OBE) and Companionof the Order Australian Guiding and Award, prestigious World Association Girl Guides and The pinnacle her of whensuccess she was elected was in 1975 Chairman the of The new Guides Victoria headquarters is named in her honour. OBE CMG OBE Lady Joyce Price Lady Joyce

laws that bind and define our community. She has had a particular interest in the in the legal systems the of Victoria, New South Wales and Australia. Marcia’s work was Marcia’s recognised with her appointment as an Officerof the Orderof Law reform is therefore one important element building of a more just and inclusive For more than years 25 Marcia Neave has been involved in shaping changes the to ministerial appointments both State to and Commonwealth Government bodies. proposals, including the removal the of defence provocation of in murder trials, In addition to her published work on prostitution law reform, property law, family law, law, family property law, reform, law prostitution on work published her to addition In In 2000, with the re-establishment the of Victorian Law Reform Commission she In her mind the law can be contradictory. On the one hand, the powerless often look often powerless the hand, one the On contradictory. be can law the mind her In Under her leadership, the Commission has worked on a range significantof trusts and administrative Marcia law, has received a large number statutory of and to the law for a remedy. On the other hand the law has often been an instrument for for instrument an been often has law the hand other the On remedy. a for law the to quo. status the of preservation the and thethe people law, who applied and the the people law, whom to the law was was appointed as the first Chairperson and full-time Commissioner. way theway law affects women, particularly poor or powerless women. society. Professor Neave, 61, hassociety. made Professor a substantial Neave, 61, contribution changes to and American Universities, including a Personal Chair in Law at Monash University. changes the criminal to handling justice system’s rape of and sexual assault cases, and increased access for single women and lesbians IVF to services. generally applied, she said. were men,” Reforming laws and changing societies Reforming laws Australia (AO) in 1999 and her appointment to senior academic positions at Australian Australian at positions academic senior to appointment her and 1999 in (AO) Australia “The law historically reflected theexperiences of men because the people who made

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering Professor Professor advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising

Marcia Neave AO Marcia 22 03 25

basketball and knocked on sports editors’ doors for media coverage. basketball be accepted to the into Olympic Games. basketball now is incredibly high. in the Betty Watson Rookie of the Year award given the WNBL’s best new player. new best WNBL’s the given award Year the of Rookie Watson Betty the in Basketball League (WNBL) with sponsors and international recognition. recognition. international and sponsors with (WNBL) League Basketball During the early days, Betty advertised in local papers for women learn to play to Bettyhelped lead change through coaching, establishing administrative and training Bettywas President the of Victorian Basketball Association Women’s and President programs around the State for referees and officials and lobbying for women’s playing sport.” In less than 50 years, Betty helped change basketball women’s in Australia from to promote basketballto women. to She has seen the sport grow from a strictly amateur competition with an emphasis emphasis an with competition amateur strictly a from grow sport the seen has She silver medals and a bronze. she is often sought out for her advice. about women’s basketball and find interesting women for them to write about,” she said. she about,” write to them for women interesting find and basketball women’s about almost non-existent the Australian to basketball women’s team winning two Olympic on fundraising for survival during the ‘70s, to a semi-professional Women’s National National Women’s semi-professional a to ‘70s, the during survival for fundraising on theof Australian Basketball Council Women’s for years, 20 and although now retired, recognised is basketball women’s to contribution Her leadership. inspirational and vision during the late ‘60s that Betty was determined end. to So she took up the challenge The pioneer of women’s basketball women’s The pioneer of As well as her list of achievements, Betty, 80, of Airey’s Inlet, is admired for her skills, skills, her for admired is Inlet, Airey’s of 80, Betty, achievements, of list her as well As That was all the motivation Betty Watson needed. It was this community attitude “I used to drive them crazy. I’d do my homework and come up with great story ideas ideas story great with up come and homework my do I’d crazy. them drive to used “I produced“We’ve some amazing female talent and the standard women’s of “I think much it’s more interesting she games,” said. than watch to the men’s “Women’s sport“Women’s worth isn’t watching because women as good aren’t as men at Betty Watson OAM Betty Watson

has worked improve to the status women of through practical initiatives in health, be the organisation’s adviser on marketing and sponsorship. Beginning as the CharterPresident the of Zonta Club Val in Ballarat in 1978, Development Fund for Women in Australia and was subsequently invited to Her 14 year on-airHer television 14 career was in itself substantial, but it was just one part Ballarat community. her contributionHowever, has extended well beyond the boundaries Ballarat. of In she 2001 became a national Committee member the of United Nations In 1962 and newlyIn 1962 arrived from England, Sarah Val became the first female the first of 19 Probusthe first clubsof in the area, providing advice and supportto the Ballarat women internationally and her service the Australian to community through cultural, was later appointed International President Zonta of between and 2000. 1998 She is driven the by enormous potential she sees in young women. She has played a central role in building and supporting local organisations, starting social welfare and youth groups. are well disciplined, andthey are our inspiration for the future.” announcer on BTV6 in Ballarat. organisation with a membership 33,000 of women and countries, men in 71 she education, micro-credit, leadership and justice. created the by rapid pace change. of moreof than 40 years work developing for ways women become to involved in the Val was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2001, for her service her to for 2001, in Australia of Order (AM)Memberthe a of appointed was Val Building opportunities in Ballarat and beyond Building opportunities Arts Foundation and developing Ballarat’s Learning City status. The program she produced and presented focused on new opportunities for women women opportunities for new on focused presented and produced she program The Through her involvement with Zonta International, an international service “They have limitless energy explore to what life They has offer. have to talent, they

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering

advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising Val Sarah AM Sarah AM Val 24 03 27

leaders pioneers courageous visionary achievers role models influential strong determined passionate remarkable women compassionate empowering Messages

advocates dynamic inspirational outstanding enterprising 26 Published by the Office of Women’s Policy, Department for Victorian Communities 1 Spring Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Telephone (03) 9208 3333 March 2006 Also published on www.women.vic.gov.au ©Copyright State of Victorian 2006 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provision of Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Department for Victorian Communities Designed by Celsius Design. Printed by RA Printing. 2006