International Women’s Day: Geelong’s unsung ‘sheroes’
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Addy is recognising the women who are the unsung ‘sheroes’ of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast. SEE THE FULL LIST.
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To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Addy is recognising the women who are the unsung ‘sheroes’ of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast.
From doctors and nurses, to volunteers and business owners, women play many integral roles in keeping the wheels of our community in motion.
Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam
Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam is the only female orthopaedic surgeon at Barwon Health.
She has been training in orthopaedics, a branch of medicine treating musculoskeletal issues, since 2011 and joined the team at Barwon Health in 2018.
“I do a lot of work with adults as well as in pediatrics,” she said.
“I love the culture here in Geelong.
“It’s allowed me to be involved in the pediatric sphere, which is my passion, but also maintain a connection with the medical community in Melbourne.”
Dr Ganeshalingam, 40, is one of the operators of the Mako surgical robot, which is used to improve the precision of hip and knee replacements.
The Highton resident, who was also nominated by Geelong Addy readers as one of our unsung ‘sheroes’, dedicates her time to teaching medical students and young surgeons.
Dr Ganeshalingam is a mother of four children and said it took “a lot of juggling” to balance her professional and personal lives.
“It’s a lot of 50-50 with my husband too,” she said.
“I felt a lot of support from Barwon Health during my maternity leave and as I returned to work after having my baby girl.
“Being able to have flexibility while my kids are still young has been incredible.”
Dr Ganeshalingam said a particular piece of advice from her parents had resonated with her during her career: “No matter how hard things get, never compromise the values that are most important to you.”
“That’s helped me through a lot of ups and downs,” she said.
Linda Carroll
Linda Carroll is the longest serving volunteer at local charity Geelong Mums.
The 71-year-old has been volunteering with the organisation since it was established about 11 years ago.
“I saw an article in the GT magazine about five young mothers who were starting Geelong Mums,” Ms Carroll said.
“They were asking for volunteers and I thought, ‘I’d love to do that.’”
Ms Carroll had retired from her job at VicRoads about 12 months before she started volunteering at the organisation, having previously donated her time in op shops.
She volunteers two days a week at Geelong Mums and loves meeting a variety of people at charity, including support workers and other volunteers.
“When I first started, I was sorting through clothes and donations,” she said.
“My main role now is gift giving so we get the orders ready and packed for the case workers.”
Orders include prams, clothing, formula and nappies.
Ms Carroll said volunteering at the organisation was “very rewarding”.
“The beauty of this organisation is everybody is here because they want to be here,” she said.
Ms Carroll, who has two children and four grandchildren, said it was important for women in all roles and industries to be acknowledged on International Women’s Day, especially stay-at-home carers and volunteers.
“We tend to focus on those working in large corporate jobs and we can forget about the women in our community helping those who need it most,” she said.
“It’s important to recognise them as valuable people in our community because they can sometimes get overlooked.”
Inspector Ilena Pucar
Local area commander (LAC) Inspector Ilena Pucar is the Surf Coast’s top cop.
She joined the force in 1991, one of only four woman in a squad of 26 at the police academy.
Inspector Pucar worked in stations across Melbourne throughout her career before becoming the Surf Coast LAC in August last year.
“I cover a large geographical area including Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Colac and Winchelsea,” she said.
Inspector Pucar, who is a mother to three children, always knew she wanted to be a police officer but went straight from high school to university to study behavioural science.
“I got three and a half years (into the four year degree) but I didn’t end up completing it,” she said.
“Then I went to join the police academy but the failed the physical test.
“I couldn’t get over one of the beams.
“I thought ‘that’s not going to beat me’ so I kept practising, finally got over it and here we are.”
Inspector Pucar said the organisation had “come a long way” to make it easier for women to join the force and progress in their careers.
“About eight years ago, we identified we didn’t have enough women in the organisation,” she said.
“We started to look at things differently, like our recruiting process, through a gender lens.
“Women bring a lot different things to the table in our organisation.”
Inspector Pucar’s proudest achievement was working in the Special Projects Unit for two years, including during the pandemic.
“I worked in intelligence and covert support,” she said.
“We would apply for listening, tracking devices and warrants.
“For the two years I worked there, everything that could go wrong, went wrong.
“It was one of the hardest, most challenging experience of my life.”
Inspector Pucar said she was finally starting to balance work and life.
“As women, we are very hard on ourselves and we tend to over think things,” she said.
“It’s really important when you’re not at work to switch off and make sure your focused on the present.”
Diana Taylor
From the age of 12, Diana Taylor knew she wanted to be a lawyer.
“I wanted to help people find their voice,” she said.
“I’ve been practising for 25 years now and I feel I’ve been able to fulfil what I set out to achieve.
“(Law is) a skill set you can use to help your wider community and that’s what I have tried to do, by branching out of law and being involved in other groups within Geelong.”
Ms Taylor is the Geelong Football Club vice-president, the first woman to hold the position, and Anam Cara House Geelong chair.
She is an author, business owner and was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) earlier this year.
Ms Taylor said she was proud of many achievements throughout her career and work with the community, including establishing her own law and consulting firm and seeing the Geelong Football Club grow from strength to strength.
Ms Taylor is being awarded the Committee for Geelong’s Frank Costa Leadership Award on International Women’s Day this year.
She said she was “humbled and grateful” to receive the award.
“I had the great privilege of working with Frank for many years,” Ms Taylor said.
“He really championed my appointment (to the Geelong Football Club’s board).
“I was only the second woman in the club’s history to be on the board.”
Ms Taylor said Mr Costa taught her how to be a good leader in her community.
“From Frank, I learnt it’s important to know who you are and what you stand for,” she said.
“Frank to me was a superb leader, he was selfless and he had time for everyone.”
Frances Diver
Frances Diver was appointed chief executive of Barwon Health in April 2019.
She has held a number of leadership positions in healthcare across the state for more than 15 years.
Ms Diver said her proudest achievement was leading the region during the pandemic.
“We were in uncharted territory,” she said.
“I am proud that so many of our healthcare workers mobilised and went the extra mile to provide the very best care to our community.”
A piece of advice that has stuck with Ms Diver during her career was “everyday is chance to make a difference and make the world a better place”.
Isla Foy
Leopold mum Isla Foy was 32 weeks pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
The mother of two underwent chemotherapy and single mastectomy.
Ms Foy is documenting her cancer journey online in a bid to help raise awareness and encourage people to get their breasts checked.
“You hear about people going through cancer … but you don’t often know what exactly they are going through,” she said.
Ruby O’Neill
Belmont’s Ruby O’Neill is on a mission to end the stigma around mental health after losing her best friend to suicide in high school.
In March last year, she completed the Great Aussie Hike, a team walking challenge which raised money for Beyond Blue.
On Christmas Day last year, Ms O’Neill ran a half marathon along the Barwon River to raise awareness and funds for Lifeline.
“If that’s hard, then imagine what people are going through who suffer in silence with their mental health,” she said.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Neisha Hall-Sullivan
Neisha Hall-Sullivan is the acting associate director of clinical services at Epworth Geelong and is responsible for patients receiving critical care at the hospital.
Her usual role is the nurse unit manager in the coronary care unit, overseeing the treatment of cardiac patients and those recovering from heart procedures.
The 51-year-old has worked in the healthcare industry since the early 1990s, working in the public sector and with the Department of Health before starting at Epworth Geelong about seven years ago.
Ms Hall-Sullivan said she loved working with her team and caring for her patients.
“I love being able to provide the best outcomes for all patients that come through the hospital,” she said.
“I also love being able to develop and mentor my team and see them reach their potential.”
When she’s not at the hospital, Ms Hall-Sullivan is a mum of three, and grandmother to three grandchildren.
She is also a keen rower and competes with the Corio Bay Rowing Club.
“I’m usually up early to row on the river,” Ms Hall-Sullivan said.
“I fit a lot into my day.”
Ms Hall-Sullivan said International Women’s Day was important to recognise everything women did for their communities.
“It’s important to empower women to know they can have a professional career and balance (their) personal life as well,” she said.
Our unsung ‘sheroes’: Nominated by Geelong Addy readers
Ange Liston-McCaughley
What is her role: Type 1 Foundation founder and chief executive
Why did you nominate her:Ange goes above and beyond for both her local type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, with her outreach now extending Australia-wide. Driven by the diagnosis of her own daughter and the lack of support for families living with T1D, Ange created the Type 1 Foundation which has quickly become Australia’s leading support network for people living with T1D. Alongside a small group of volunteers, Ange creates events to connects the T1D community including large-scale family events, camps and online information sessions. Ange is passionate about what she does and this month will trek (in) Nepal to raise awareness and much needed funds for the foundation.
Bec Connolly
What is her role: Botanicals by Luxe owner
Why did you nominate her: (Bec) always generously gives back to her community by donating products and skincare to the Barwon Health Foundation, Geelong Mums and hospital workers.
Mikaylah East
What is her role: Educator and speaker
What have you nominated her: As a mother of four daughters and the stepmother to a son and daughter (not to mention many nieces and nephews), I know too well the pressures on our young adults in this world. Mikaylah has a natural ability to connect with youth and engage in discussions around consent and healthy relationship education. Having just completed her honours year at Deakin and heading into a masters in social work, I know that this is just the start of some truly fabulous work and a stepping stone to supporting and helping so many more people. I admire her drive, ambition and selfless wish to make this world a little brighter, and be a voice for those that can’t find their own. The Geelong Advertiser interviewed her for an article in 2022 around her work with the Imperative Project and the many organisations she has been able to support with her work – this woman is going places!
Richcy Sigre
What is her role: Entrepreneur
Why did you nominate her:(Richcy) has helped a lot of international students thrive in Australia, by supporting them and giving them jobs.
Karen Feldman
What is her role: Karen Feldman’s Dance School owner
Why did you nominate her:(Karen) promotes inclusion at her dance school.
Lucia Harvey
What is her role: GP, clinical nurse
Why did you nominate her:Lucia has worked within the nursing industry for decades, including the pandemic, across both Melbourne’s west and Corio. These communities have their socio-economic disadvantages and racial diversity, but everyone deserves to be treated well and with respect. From wound management, immunisation care plans among other things. She has been on the frontline and helping to support the community in preventive and medical care, she has also had a role in the PHN’s innovations. She is hardworking and empathetic. Lucia enjoys her line of work because it means helping people. She has continued on, while also serving as the primary carer for her ill mother, Luigia. While Luigia suffered with dementia for 15 years, and she passed away early last year, Lucia continued to be there for her mum from even before the official diagnosis. Luigia’s memories may have been gone, but she will always be mum — that belief is what guided through Lucia through what can otherwise be an isolating journey.
Professor Jane Speight
What is her role: Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes foundation director
Why did you nominate her:She is working to end the stigma around diabetes.
Sharelle Grant
What is her role: Personal trainer and online fitness coach
Why did you nominate her:(Sharelle) runs an online platform and coaching service for women to improve their health, fitness and mindset. She works relentlessly to defy the standards of what ‘fitness’ really means and contributes to supporting women to achieve their health and fitness goals. I’ve witnessed countless women transform their lives with her.
Dr Shu Fen Wong
What is her role: Oncologist at Epworth Geelong
Why did you nominate her:Shu is a gifted specialist in her field of oncology. One who cares deeply about her patients, who also become her friends. She is so compassionate towards her patients, many having to deal with difficult diagnoses and her tender heart and calm, reassuring nature help to ease the outcome and move forward with the best possible treatment options. With cancer being a major cause of illness in Australia, our local community is so lucky to have such experienced oncologists like Shu, readily accessible at Epworth Geelong. Shu is also married and a busy mum of twin boys, enjoying yoga when time permits.
Mikarla Perisic
What is her role: Lawyer
Why did you nominate her:As an accredited specialist in family law and independent children’s lawyer, Mikarla guides her clients through what is often the most difficult time of their life. Mikarla leads her own team of strong, intelligent and compassionate women from the front.
Susanne Womersley
What is her role: Teacher and international archery judge
Why did you nominate her:Susanne started her teaching career in Austria in 1980, and after migrating to Australia taught for 18 years in Werribee, then for another 15 years here in Geelong. She only had a couple of years off after arriving in Australia. Susanne retired at the end of last year after 40 years of teaching. In addition, she has been an international archery judge since 1996 and has officiated at numerous state and national events as well as several world championships and other major international tournaments. She will be a judge at her fourth Olympic Games in Paris later this year.
Wendy Boddington
What is her role: Pink Angels Geelong founder
Why did you nominate her:Through her Pink Angels Geelong Group she founded with a dear friend following her own battle with breast cancer, Wendy has been able through her own stories, to enhance awareness surrounding breast cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Finances raised have helped The McGrath Foundation provide more breast care nurses, as Wendy calls them her own “pink angels”, and also locally in Geelong benefited other patients with the purchasing of post-surgical garments following mastectomy surgery. More awareness around breast cancer is Wendy’s main aim and the support she has both received and given has been a credit to the person she is. Having worked in healthcare administration for a number of years, Wendy has recently taken the plunge to now study nursing with a desire to continue her helping others. She is a loving wife, mother of three and friend to many.
Jules Haddock
What is her role: Art of the Minds founder and president
Why did you nominate her:Jules is the founder of not-for-profit charity Art of the Minds, which aim is to advocate, educate and engage the Surf Coast and wider community to creatively manage mental health and wellbeing. Jules is also a mental health first aid educator having trained individuals all around Australia. She is the author of The Anxious Bird, her story of lived experience. Jules is a celebrated keynote speaker who is entertaining and engaging.
Larissa Taylor
What is her role: Community programs creator and facilitator
Why did you nominate her:Larissa has worked with preschool age children & their families for more than 20 years in Geelong, developing multiple programs delivered in an inclusive manner to all abilities. By bringing children together she also gives mothers and carers the opportunity to connect. Her impact in this community extends passed those children starting school by building friendships and support. Her input in this space is immeasurable, from weekday programs to free concert events, online programs during Covid and even opening her home for women’s dinners to give mums a few hours to connect. Larissa is very dedicated to helping women feel seen at a time when they can very often feel overwhelmed. By entertaining and educating the children there is the bonus that carers also find joy.
Alex Hamilton
What is her role: River’s Gift co-founder and the Compassionate Friends Victoria chief executive
Why did you nominate her:Alex is selfless and supports so many within our community. Having lost her son at four months old, she has forged forward and created so much hope for others who have lost a child. Her grief support she offers combined with her optimism for life now is lifesaving for those newly bereaved.
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Originally published as International Women’s Day: Geelong’s unsung ‘sheroes’
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