Released 07/03/2011

Local Women Recognised in Women's Day Awards

A rugby referee, a community health advocate, a psychologist and a theatre director are among the recipients of this year's International Women's Day Awards for the ACT.

ACT Minister for Women Joy Burch presented the awards at a ceremony this morning, coinciding with this week's International Women's Day celebrations in Canberra.

Tomorrow marks the centenary of International Women's Day, which is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the significant progress made on women's rights and to acknowledge those who have helped achieve this.

"Today we recognised the hard work of some outstanding local women, who come from a diverse range fields but each contribute to the ACT community important ways," Ms Burch said.

"Whether it's for working with refugees and migrant women, such as four of our award winners today - Petronella Wensing, Marluce Silva Peters, Maria Luz Gonzalez, Bea Evants - or for their services to sport, such as ACT Rugby Union volunteer referee Sarah Corrigan, these women are making real differences in our community."

The Women's Centre for Health Matters Inc, a community-based organisation which works in the ACT and surrounding region to improve women's health and wellbeing, took out the group award.

Ms Burch also launched today the ACT Women's Honour Roll, which recognises the contribution made by 100 key women in the ACT, including this year's award winners.

Ms Burch said the Honour Roll was a timely tribute to some of the local women who had been pioneers in their fields, and that Canberra was a better place thanks to their contribution.

"It is important that we recognise, celebrate and say thank you to deserving women as these women act as role models and reinforce the aspirations and ideals of others."

A full list of the winners as well as the Honour Roll, and a schedule of what's on this week for IWD can be found at women.act.gov.au  

Media Contact:Victor Violante victor.violante@act.gov.au
Phone: 6205 0145
Mobile: 0421 846 201