Fiori Cruz, Val Wilkinson stand up for gender equality, women’s rights in Warwick community

The tireless efforts of two Warwick women in helping those in need and empowering young women have seen them nominated for a prestigious Queensland award.

Two Warwick women’s work in the community fighting for women’s rights and gender equality has been recognised. Photo: NRM

Two Warwick women’s dedication to helping those in need and leading the way in their chosen fields has seen them nominated for a prestigious statewide award.

Fiori Cruz and Val Wilkinson have been put forward as possible recipients of the Queensland Community Achievement award, recognising their dedication to supporting people and organisations in the region.

Val Wilkinson has been gliding for more than 50 years. Photo: file / News Regional Media

Mrs Wilkinson was nominated for her 50 years of service at Warwick Gliding Club, where she has spent much of that time training young women in aviation and fighting against the stigma around women in sport.

Alongside her wealth of personal flying experience and knowledge, Mrs Wilkinson has received accolades such as the Australian Women Pilots’ Award for Meritorious Flight.

She said decided to become a flight instructor in 1981, an era during which women were usually discouraged from becoming air force cadets, and had since seen many of her pupils go on to enjoy successful careers.

“I thoroughly enjoy what I do, it’s very good to see the cadets and young members doing so well, as many years ago it was frowned upon for women to be flying,” she said.

Val Wilkinson flying the Warwick Gliding Club’s tow plane. Picture: file / News Regional Media

Warwick’s second nominee Ms Cruz is being recognised for her more than 20-year commitment helping vulnerable members of the community get their life back on track.

From farmers affected by drought to women experiencing domestic violence, Ms Cruz has worked tirelessly to help those in need.

Over the last year during Covid, Ms Cruz has assisted Southern Downs women experiencing domestic violence through her work with the Queensland Justice Association.

“I often sit with them in court and comfort them, help them to prepare their applications and explain to them the process of the court proceedings and their rights,” she said.

Fiori Cruz has a passion for working with experiencing domestic violence. Photo: file / News Regional Media

Ms Cruz said she found the volunteer work extremely rewarding and added the women often tell her they think she is easy to talk and can empathise with them.

“I feel good when I know that I was able to help,” she said.

Ms Cruz said she wanted to empower women to be the best they could be and reinforce their self-belief.

“I want it to be an incentive for women to be stronger and show them that they can do this. As long as it come from your heart nothing is impossible,” she said.

Nominations for the Queensland Community Achievement award close on August 5, with the winners to be announced on November 5.