A Bellarine Peninsula GP is among more than 20 women were celebrated at the annual Women in Community Life Awards.
Dr Bianca Forrester was among the women nominated across seven categories for their outstanding achievements in areas including disability rights, women’s health, climate action, education, human rights, and leadership in the community as a First Nations Woman.
This year’s awards were delivered as a virtual event on Thursday, March 10 and featured a question-and-answer session with special guest, ABC journalist Annabel Crabb.
City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan congratulated all the women on their nominations and outstanding achievements.
“There are so many women in the Greater Geelong region who have worked tirelessly and made extraordinary contributions to the community, and these awards provide well-deserved acknowledgement of all their hard work,” Cr Sullivan said.
“All of the women have such inspiring stories and have shown remarkable dedication in both professional and volunteer roles to help others and make our communities a better and more inclusive place for all.”
Dr Bianca Forrester- Women in Community Life for Leadership in Times of Crisis
Bianca Forrester is a GP who has lived and worked in the Geelong community for 15 years. She is a senior lecturer in primary care at the University of Melbourne and is also a lecturer at Deakin’s School of Medicine.
In addition to her clinical work, she runs several communities of practice on issues including COVID care, family violence and youth mental health.
In March 2020, Bianca initiated the development of a COVID-19 pandemic response learning network with the Western Victorian Primary Health Network. The network was instrumental in sharing up-to-date information with health professionals to help them manage COVID-related risks, while also maintaining service access, quality, safety, and continuity for patients in local communities.
The group continues to meet weekly online to discuss how best to turn policy, guidelines, and evidence into practice, with meetings attracting up to 60 GPs, nurses, specialist health professionals and health administrators.
Meagan Howell – First Nations Woman in Community Life
Meagan Howell is a proud Arrernte woman who was born and raised on Wadawurrung Country.
She is a Koori education support officer with the Department of Education and, in her work, prioritises cultural connection for members of the Aboriginal community, engaging both children and their families.
Meagan is passionate about children’s learning, maintaining community connection and encouraging young people in their educational journey.
In her nomination, she was described as having a big heart and someone who goes “above and beyond” her work duties to make sure children are supported not only in their education, but also in their kinship and community connections.
Noreen Nicholson – Women in Community Life for Climate Action – Disaster and Resilience
Noreen Nicholson is a passionate climate activist who is committed to mitigating the effects of climate change and achieving a fast and fair transition to a net-zero carbon future for Geelong.
In her capacity as a lead volunteer with Geelong Sustainability, she has inspired other women to join her event planning and project teams, with some going on to build careers in the sustainability sector. She also led the work to move all Geelong Sustainability events online during the pandemic.
Noreen has shown exemplary leadership, serving on the committee of management for many years, developing and coordinating numerous community engagement programs, and has also led Geelong Sustainability’s support for proper recognition of First Nations people.
Leah Alstin – Women in Community Life for Disability Rights
Leah Alstin is the owner of Ruby Seven, an organisation that sells sustainable, user-friendly coffee mugs and tumblers that are suitable for people with fine motor difficulties.
After being diagnosed as a teenager with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a neuromuscular condition, Leah has organised fundraising events, initiated campaigns and now donates $5 from every cup sold to the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association.
In her nomination, Leah was described as someone who lives her life to the full and an inspiration to all in her commitment to finding a cure to this disease.
As well as raising money, Leah also shares her own experiences through social media to raise awareness, document the discrimination she experiences, and highlight the challenges facing her young family.
Leah Irving – Women in Community Life for Education
Leah Irving is the service learning coordinator at St Joseph’s College Geelong and has been the catalyst for a number of innovative community events and social justice initiatives for the school and wider community.
While acknowledging that women must continue to lead the movement for gender equality, Leah recognises the need to engage boys and young men in this effort.
As an educator, Leah brings a feminist perspective to the classroom, as well as her daily interactions with staff and students. Through her work, she demonstrates that everyone has a part in achieving gender equality, and men and boys have the ability to shift dominant norms and ideas about gender and the patriarchy.
Leah has also been a strong advocate for mental health programs at the college and initiated the Respect Cup, a series of football matches focused on respect for diversity.
Fiona Threlfall – Women in Community Life for Human Rights
Fiona Threlfall has been a volunteer with Share the Dignity since the year it commenced when she became the organisation’s second volunteer in the Barwon South West region in 2015. Share the Dignity collects and then distributes period products to charities supporting women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or otherwise doing it tough.
Her voluntary work involves up to 40 hours of liaising with volunteers, charities, media, schools, and businesses to facilitate the collection and distribution of items.
Fiona’s ability to build trust and confidence, while assuming accountability for what is a complex and often delicate process, has been key to the organisation’s success in helping people locally.
This was further tested during the pandemic, when Fiona’s exceptional dedication helped the organisation adjust to the challenges of fewer donations and volunteers. Despite the adversity, the organisation was able to maintain supply of items to local women.
Renee Owen – Women in Community Life for Leadership in Women’s Health
Renee Owen was born and raised on Wadawurrung Country and is a member of the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung Nations.
She has always been active in her community, but in her role as the manager of Aboriginal programs at Barwon Health has displayed outstanding leadership by showcasing health career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, developing culturally appropriate maternity services at Wathaurong Health Services and advocating for initiatives that address family violence.
She has also co-authored papers, presented at conferences, provided cultural supervision, and filled community advisory roles.
In her nomination, Renee was described as someone who embodies respect for cultural protocol and practice and stands strong in her cultural obligation to the community.
In her vision and drive to improve health outcomes for her people, she has had a profound impact on individuals, families, and the community.
