Released: 05 March 2010

Honouring Local Outstanding Women

An Aboriginal artist and a rape crisis counsellor are among recipients of the ACT’s 2010 International Women’s Day Awards.

Minister for Women Joy Burch today (FRIDAY) announced the winners at a ceremony in Reid.

“International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to unite in celebrating our accomplishments and recognise women’s contributions throughout the world,” Ms Burch said.

“Each year we acknowledge the achievements of local women through the ACT IWD awards.

“The awards give us the opportunity to honour the considerable contributions of women in our community whose efforts continue to make a better world for girls and young women.

“It is also a time to reflect on the outstanding contributions of the women from the past who paved the way for women to reach the highest levels in professional and community life.

“IWD is a time to emphasise the action being taken to promote peace and human rights, and fighting for gender equity and the elimination of discrimination.”

“Congratulations to the remarkable contributions the individual women and the community group make to help our community be better place - for all women.”

Editors note: please find attached a brief biography of each of the 2010 International Women’s Day Award recipients.

Media Contact: Nicole Isaacson nicole.isaacson@act.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6205 0145
Mobile: 0421 746 201

2010 ACT International Women’s Awards recipients

Ruth Christie (Women’s Award)

Ruth Christie is the longest serving specialist in the sexual assault sector in the ACT and has worked tirelessly in this complex field. Ruth has been a pioneer in the field of trauma; working tirelessly to establish and develop many of the first services for women and children affected by sexual and physical violence and ensuring access to services for women and children.

Jenni Kemarre Martiniello(Women’s Award)

Jenni Kemarre Martiniello is an award winning writer, visual artists academic of Arrernte, Chinese and Anglo-Celtic heritage. Jenny has dedicated nearly 30 years to supporting women from low socio-economic backgrounds in the community sector, providing women with the tools to change circumstances.

Through her tireless efforts she continues to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and artists on the agenda for local and federal funding bodies, key art organisations and has consolidated the regional and national profile of ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts.

ACT Indigenous Textiles and Glass Artists Group (Community Awards)

The ACT Indigenous Textiles and Glass Artists Group was established in 2003. It is the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art group in the ACT to create an ongoing positive supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through regular group meetings, exhibitions and skills development projects. The group provides access to shared material resources, tools and equipment, attracts funding for major projects and exhibitions, gives artists a market presence nationally and internationally, mentors emerging artists, assists in professional development and negotiates access for artists into mainstream arts organizations and facilities

Since 2003 the group has held 67 exhibitions in the ACT, regional and metropolitan New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Members have won and/or been shortlisted for major national art prizes and are represented in major public and private collections.