Professor Nicola Spurrier named The Advertiser Woman of the Year; Six other winners announced

Professor Nicola Spurrier is among seven trailblazing South Australian women celebrated at the Woman of the Year Awards. See the full list here and watch a replay of the awards here.

United Nations advocate Natasha Stott Despoja has a message for South Australians: Now is the time to celebrate the women around you.

Her call comes as the state’s chief public health officer, Nicola Spurrier, was on Thursday night named The Advertiser and Sunday Mail’s Woman of the Year. Ms Stott Despoja, a global campaigner for gender equality, also urged young women not to give up on a career in politics following a “frustrating and depressing” few weeks. “My message to young women is don’t give up on politics, just because politics seems to have given up on us,” she said.

“Despite some of the setbacks in recent times, I feel the momentum is growing. This is part of a new movement of people calling out bad behaviour and appalling double standards, and that is to be celebrated.”

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier was named The Advertiser and Sunday Mail’s woman of the year. Picture: Matt Turner

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Monday, the Woman of the Year Awards recognised seven of the state’s most inspiring women for their leadership, innovation and community service.

Prof Spurrier, as well as claiming the night’s overall award, was recognised in the OCPSE Leader of the Year category.

“I was thrilled,” Prof Spurrier said. “But I represent a big team, and not only that, the whole of South Australia has done a fantastic job with COVID.”

“I think it’s fantastic to have women as role models. When I was young, that didn’t happen. I didn’t know any female surgeons, and now, there are many women in those roles, so it means for young people they can absolutely see this as a possibility for themselves.”

She said it’s important for women to be recognised, particularly after such a challenging week in Parliament when multiple allegations of rape and sexual harassment were brought to light.

“Quite honestly, to tell you the truth, I had my fair share of having my bum pinched and having unusual things said to me, and when I was young it was almost accepted,” she said.

“But now, I am really proud that we don’t accept it and that we don’t just ignore it... I think it’s fantastic that people speak out, and I really want to support women that do speak out, and do say something about it.”

Social entrepreneurs Isobel Marshall and Eloise Hall took out the Girl About Town Rising Star accolade. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Young social entrepreneurs Isobel Marshall and Eloise Hall took out the Girl About Town Rising Star accolade.

Ms Hall said she hopes the story of how she and Ms Marshall started their organisation inspires young women.

They began conversations about creating the organisation to break down stigma around period poverty while they were in high school.

“I really hope that our story is inspiring in some ways for young people to really just run with the ideas that they have and give it a crack because there’s nothing to lose at that age,” Ms Hall said.

Charity founder Rikki Cooke was named Most Inspirational, Kangaroo Island campaigner Sabrina Davis was awarded Community Champion, chef Emma Mc­Cas­kill took out the SkyCity Hospitiality Hero honour and epidemiologist Associate Professor Maria Inacio topped the Innovation category.

Woman of the Year 2021 award winners: Emma McCaskill, Nicola Spurrier, Eloise Hall, Sabrina Davis, Rikki Cooke and Maria Inacio. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Ms Davis, who lost her home in last year’s Kangaroo Island bushfires and championed community spirit in a challenging time, broke down in tears when she won the award.

“I think I was so shocked,” Ms Davis said.

“I feel really grateful, coming here I had no expectations, I was feeling really honored that I was even nominated, and now I’ve won it I’m so excited to take it home and show my kids.”

She said it is important to inspire future generations of women.

“I think it’s really important for future generations that we stand up for what we believe in, I think that was my biggest learning thing after the fires.”

Natasha Stott Despoja: “Let’s not underestimate the impact women’s leadership can have in our community.” Picture: NCA NewsWire /Gary Ramage

Ms Stott Despoja, who will on Friday morning address a virtual breakfast event celebrating International Wom­en’s Day, said it was a “bitter­sweet” moment “because of the environment” in the nation’s capital.

Allegations of rape against a former staff member in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ office have prompted a review of the workplace culture inside Parliament House, while Attorney-General Chris­tian Porter this week called a press conference to refute separate historical rape allegations made against him.

A report into the South Australian parliament also uncovered claims of indecent exposure, physical assault and sexually suggestive comments. Ms Stott Despoja, a former Australian Democrats leader, said it was important – now more than ever – to recognise the achievements of women.

“And I don’t just mean a pat on the back … (but) with proper salaries, with job security, with respect, with safe working conditions,” she said.

“Let’s not underestimate the impact women’s leadership can have in our community. I like to think that the time for women’s contributions, be they current or historic, is now. Let’s make up for lost history. Let’s celebrate wom­en now.”

Woman of the Year host Jessica Adamson said the timing of the awards could not be better.

“We’ve all been saddened and sickened by the allegations and accusations coming out of Canberra in recent days as well as the sexual-harassment allegations in the SA parliament, and the awards are a breath of fresh air,” she said.

Adelaide Fringe director and nominee Heather Croall said shining a spotlight on the achievements of women in leadership was important.

“Ceremonies such as these can help raise awareness of women in leadership roles who are working to make a difference and those who are committed to bringing other women up with them,” she said.

After recently opening the first assisted-living restaurant to offer an a la carte menu, chef Bethany Finn said she felt privileged to be nominated for an award. She encouraged all women to push the boundaries in areas that needed change.

“Aged care is a big one to try and take a bite out of, and change the direction of it, and it’s a bit like trying to move the Titanic,” Ms Finn said.

“I think you just need to be brave and give it a shot. If you’ve got good ideas and plenty of energy, and you are very committed to making a difference, it’s very achievable.”

The Woman of the Year Awards were held at SkyCity’s new Ballroom on the facility’s dedicated level two events floor.