WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN WA

• Ten outstanding women inducted in the 2016 WA Women’s Hall of Fame

A deaf rights advocate, a tireless campaigner for reconciliation and a passionate educator in child abuse prevention were among 10 inductees welcomed into the International Women’s Day WA Women’s Hall of Fame last night.

Deputy Premier and Women’s Interests Minister Liza Harvey said the inductees were inspirational and represented a diversity of women’s achievements.

“The WA Women’s Hall of Fame is an event which continues to strengthen the positive profile of Western Australian women,” Mrs Harvey said.

“It gives us an opportunity to celebrate those women who have achieved great things, not only for other women but for Western Australian communities.

“All the women inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame serve as fantastic role models for other women and girls, whether they have an international profile or they are an unsung hero of their local communities.”

Inductees into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame this year are:

• Erica Smyth – trailblazer for women in mining
• Glenda Kickett – social worker who has played a vital role in developing social work practice and policy to benefit various Aboriginal sectors
• Drisana Levitzke-Gray – passionate advocate for the rights and participation of deaf people in society
• Holly-ann Martin – managing director of Safe4Kids.  Ms Martin has developed a whole-of-community focus for child protection education
• Oriel Green – leading Noongar elder and advocate for indigenous rights, participation and reconciliation
• Hon Cheryl Davenport – champion for Western Australian women in politics
• Margaret Seares AO – for the advancement of women in arts and education
• Hon Justice Carmel McLure – supporter of equality in the legal profession
• Annette Knight – for outstanding service to local government and as a volunteer
• Pam Halbert – who overcame a series of challenges to become one of the first female Anglican priests in Australia.

In 2012, a Roll of Honour was created to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of women who have passed away.  Inductees this year include Sister Mary Martin Kelly, who was dedicated to providing support and relief for children and families, and Melvina Alice Rowley for her work with Aboriginal people.

Fact File

• The State Government has been a major supporter of the WA Women’s Hall of Fame since it was established, in the centenary year of International Women’s Day, 2011
• A full list of inductees to the Hall of Fame and Roll of Honour is available athttp://www.powerof100.com.au
• For a calendar of International Women’s Day events, visit https://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au