Ipswich women recognised in celebration of International Women’s Day 2022

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, The Queensland Times is paying tribute to Ipswich’s most inspirational women. SEE THE LIST

The city of Ipswich is home to tens of thousands of inspiring women who are excelling in various areas of their lives, setting the bar for others, and paving the way for a bright future.

In honour of International Women’s Day 2022, The Queensland Times has compiled a list of some of the wonderful women who are making a difference in their communities.

From business owners to volunteers, and body positivity influencers to politicians, the following women deserve recognition for the time and energy — and oftentimes money — they invest in serving others.

DANIELLE LENNON

Ipswich dance teacher Danielle Lennon’s passion for education and child safety is an inspiration to people across the region.

Sixteen years ago, she launched her business The Studio of Performing Arts Springfield to give her hearing-impaired daughter access to the very best dance education.

“That dream came true and now I am in my second year of my Bachelor of Secondary Education and I owe it all to her and her businesses The Studio of Performing Arts Springfield, The Studio of Performing Arts OSHC, The Mighty Dancer, and Dance Studio Essentials Australia,” Ms Lennon’s daughter Zoe Lennon said.

“She is more than a dance teacher, she is more than a business owner, she is a leader that people want to look up to!”

Ms Lennon is renowned for fostering safe and inclusive environments for her students, equipping them with skills that will help them thrive into the future.

FINAU SULIANA

Body positivity, lipoedema and endometriosis advocate Finau Suliana.

Body positivity advocate Finau Suliana, 30, is fiercely passionate about spreading awareness for lipoedema and endometriosis.

She has an enormous online fanbase of more than 191,400 TikTok and 26,800 Instagram followers, giving people across the globe an opportunity to feel heard and seen.

The Ipswich woman was diagnosed with lipoedema in July last year and is on a journey toward healing the chronic pain she suffers.

She has been praised by her online followers for her confidence, honesty, and commitment to living a healthy and balanced life.

ASH BARTY

Australian Open hampion Ash Barty. Picture: Michael Klein

She needs no introduction to the chorus of young girls in sport she inspires.

Ash Barty — a pro at both tennis and cricket — has become the pride of the city after reaching phenomenal heights on the court. The 25-year-old currently sits as the world’s number one female tennis player and inspired a nation in January when she claimed our a home-grown Grand Slam title at the Australian Open — just one of an array of accolades.

She lends her support to a variety of causes including supporting Indigenous children across a range of areas including sports, while maintaining a world-class attitude both on and off the court which she has become adored for.

JACQUI MARTIN

Beloved hairdresser and volunteer Jacqui Martin has made a significant impact on the Ipswich community over the years, including in recent times of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Last week, she and a number of other volunteers spent several early mornings at the Ipswich Showgrounds — which is currently serving as emergency accommodation — serving breakfast to those affected by the floods.

Ms Martin was recognised for her contribution to Ipswich this year when she was nominated as a finalist for the Citizen of the Year award.

KAIT MUSSON

Local legend Kait Musson is one of many volunteers who devoted time and money to flood-impacted Ipswich residents in recent weeks.

Ms Musson provided 48 home-cooked meals, two cartons of water, and eight packs of buttered bread rolls to Redbank SES and families.

She said she wanted to “put a little sunlight back into the lives of those that need it the most” after she herself was dealt a blow in the 2011 floods.

Ms Musson is known by her friends and the wider community as being incredibly kind and generous.

KERRYN MIOTTO COSTELLO

As well as operating successful business On Point Media Solutions, Kerryn Miotto Costello helps a number Ipswich residents through Ipswich Hospice and community group Lisa’s Lunches.

“She is a major credit to the female race and such a down to earth woman,” Rissa Newman wrote on Facebook.

“The list doesn’t really stop as to what she does for the Ipswich community.”

Ms Costello has a heart for people and empowers and inspires many local women to pursue their goals — both business and personal.

LINDY WEBSTER

Yamanto nurse and mum-of-four Lindy Webster has played an important role in the lives of countless women who are going through, have gone through, or know someone who is going through breast cancer.

After being diagnosed herself during a routine mammogram about this time last year, Ms Webster took to social media to share her experience.

Her raw and honest documentation of her journey attracted millions of TikTok fans — many of whom had received a diagnosis themselves and said they found her inspiring.

Ms Webster was recently declared ‘cancer-free’ and returned to work in January after 10 months of treatment.

MELISSA PETERS

Melissa Peters, 25, works ‘tirelessly’ as office administrator at support and counselling service Ipswich Assist.

She supports the most vulnerable members of the Ipswich community in this role, and those of the Forest Hill community through Central Church.

“She has been an integral part of the recovery effort of the recent floods, in managing volunteers to feed those in the (evacuation) centre, managing the influx of donated goods, and ensuring they go to those most in need,” Sandie Peters wrote on Facebook last week.

“Even today she is organising hampers to be delivered to people in the Forest Hill community affected by floods.”

Melissa Peters said she was “privileged and thankful” to be in a position to serve and support people within her community.

“I also couldn’t do what I do, the way I do it, as well as I do it without the support network I have,” she said.

“Family, friends, and co-workers play a huge role in equipping and allowing me to do the best I can to support others.”

NATALIE YATES

The ‘mastermind’ behind and creative director of NY Dance Natalie Yates is well respected in the Ipswich community for providing a welcoming dance studio environment for hundreds of families.

She teaches countless classes at her studio, instilling good values and a sense of purpose in many.

“She goes above and beyond in all her business ventures, whilst staying true to her purpose, and that is exactly why she is one of the top business (women) of the Ipswich region,” CT Girvin wrote on Facebook.

Ms Yates’ business took a significant financial hit amid Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, but has since rebounded and is stronger than ever.

“I am passionate about dancing and sharing that with my students but also I have worked hard to create an extended family kind of atmosphere here,” she told The Queensland Times in May last year.

QIM KAUWHATA

A much-loved member of the Ipswich community, Qim Kauwhata has dedicated more than 12 years to serving others through the provision of food, clothing, furniture, and more.

She consistently goes out of her way to help people in need, is an exceptionally hard worker, and is always willing and eager to listen.

Ms Kauwhata is widely regarded as a person who makes everybody she encounters feel as though they have been heard.

TALIA WELLS

Owner of popular mothers group Everyday Mums, Talia Wells is appreciated by women across Ipswich for fostering connections and providing a safe, judgment-free space.

Through her business, Ms Wells empowers and uplifts women as they navigate motherhood, providing them with opportunities to build friendships, learn from each other, and feel supported.

On her website, she stated she decided to establish Everyday Mums because she wanted to create what she could not find.

“That’s where the idea for Everyday Mums came from — feeling isolated, tired, and out of touch, and with two babies under two,” she said.

“In essence, Everyday Mums is what I envisioned, and what I have been searching for: it’s a safe space for mums to connect, gain friendship, knowledge, and support networks.”

Everyday Mums currently has a ‘first time mums’ group, a yoga class for mums and bubs, and a brand new music program — to name a few.

TAMARA TANNOCK

After finding out she had cancer just weeks before her son’s birthday last year in late November, Tamara Tannock began to experience physical, mental, and financial strain.

Yet she continues to put her five children — including a newborn — first and ensure all of their needs are met.

A friend of Ms Tannock’s said she was “one of the most amazing people” who was going through “the roughest time of her life”, handling the diagnosis and treatment with grace and strength.

She continues to inspire her loved ones and the community she has established online, and is determined to spread awareness of and break down the stigma surrounding cervical cancer.

TERESA HARDING

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding during the recent floods. Picture: Mayor Teresa Harding - Ipswich City Council / Facebook

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding has been praised for her strong leadership since commencing in her role, for advocating for her constituents, and for prioritising transparency and accountability.

Recently, as the region dealt with the devastating impacts of heavy rain and flooding, many residents expressed their thanks to her for being ‘on the ground’, participating in clean ups and attending evacuation centres.

Cr Harding was recently awarded the 2021 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for her “demonstrated commitment to transparency and public accountability in political institutions”.

She entered politics in March 2020 after serving as a member of the armed forces.

Do you know an inspirational woman? Add her name below.