Geelong women celebrated for their efforts

Back row Left to Right: Councillor Melissa Cadwell, Kate Lockhart, Kylie Skew, Councillor Jim Mason, Jess Robinson and Lana Purcell. Front row Left to Right: Councillor Anthony Aitken, Melinda Kennedy, Issara Saeyim, Jessica Wynn and Mayor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

Women across Geelong have received awards for their extraordinary contributions and leadership roles within the region.

The City of Greater Geelong celebrated women across seven different categories as part of the 2023 Women in Community Life Awards during International Women’s Day last week.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan applauded all the nominees and thanked them for contributing to the region.

“The awards provide well-deserved recognition to the many women in Greater Geelong who have worked selflessly and made outstanding contributions to the community,” he said.

“We have heard inspiring stories about all of our nominees; women who have shown remarkable dedication in both professional and volunteer roles to make Geelong a better place to live.”

The 2023 award recipients included Melinda Kennedy, Jessica Wynn, Jess Robinson, Kylie Skew, Kate Lockhart, Lana Purcell, and Issara Saeyim.

Over 20 women were nominated for an award within the categories; first nations women, innovation for a gender equal future, disability rights, leadership for women’s health, climate action, human rights, and education.

Councillor Belinda Moloney said the awards event celebrated International Women’s Day.

“When you consider the remarkable way in which all of the women nominated have worked to help others, it’s fitting that we applaud them on an international day of celebrating the contributions of women,” she said.

“I hope that hearing the stories of our region’s inspirational women will further inspire community members to make Geelong a vibrant and inclusive place for all to live.”

The awards commenced in 2016 and are hosted by the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee.

The nominees needed to be women, which includes cis and transgender women and non-binary people, who live or work in the Greater Geelong region, to be eligible for the awards.

People can learn more about the award and each recipient online at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/wiclawards.