International Women’s Day: celebrating Victorian women making the world a better place
A raft of women including small business owners, teachers, doctors, mayors and real estate agents are reaching new heights and breaking glass ceilings as they go.
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Women across Victoria are also working tirelessly to achieve amazing things, leading their communities to a better future.
To celebrate International Women’s Day the Leader team has reached out into our communities to highlight some of the most influential and inspiring women doing the important work every day.
Monica Raizada, Wyndham
Monica Raizada has played a pivotal role in empowering women in Melbourne’s west.
She is the founder and president of Women of Wyndham which provides a platform for local women to engage with community leaders.
Ms Raizada is also a strong advocate for multiculturalism in western suburbs and a leader in local and statewide programs which tackle issues such as domestic violence.
Edwina Ricci, Maroondah
Edwina has been a driving force in fostering positive psychology and learning methods in schools and the wider community.
She is the project manager of Maroondah’s Positive Education Network, which aims to increase students’ wellbeing and education outcomes in local schools through targeted initiatives, events and programs.
She is also the deputy chairwoman of the Maroondah-based Communities Of Wellbeing organisation, a not-for-profit health promotion organisation which aims to build capability and connectedness in others, so that people and communities flourish.
In 2018, she won Federal Liberal MP Michael Sukkar’s Deakin Community Award for her work in the sector and involvement in a variety of community organisations.
Jennifer Brosnan, Blackburn
In early 2015, Jennifer founded the Women in Whitehorse Business and Social Network, which has become a popular networking group within the local community.
She has since evolved its offerings to be an established promotion platform for small businesses in the area – including a loyalty app with discounts, an online directory, and a Facebook group to advertise for new staff members and to connect with like-minded business owners.
The group – which is open to and attracts members from all over Melbourne – meets monthly for events, workshops, guest speakers and social gatherings.
“I’ve always been a social person, a connector, organiser and traveller,” Ms Brosnan said on the group’s website. “When others say ‘wouldn’t it be good to’, I just do it.”
Marcia Griffin, Stonnington
Marcia was a trailblazing entrepreneur, and has established two high profile cosmetics businesses – Japan-based Pola Cosmetics and online chain GriffinandRow.
She is involved in The CEO Institute as the chair of two groups, is a founding member of the Dr Viktor Frankl Institute, and has written two books – High Heeled Success and Finding New Meaning In Life.
Ms Griffin is a former winner of the Telstra Victorian businesswoman of the year, and has been a past board member for the Melbourne Storm, Carpet Court and Peninsula Hot Springs.
These days, she draws on her business experiences to mentor others across different industries, and advocates for local businesses and the community as a Stonnington councillor.
Julie Williams, Darebin
Julie Williams has been a resident of Darebin nearly all her life, raising her family there and working as a councillor since 2012.
She is currently serving her first term as mayor of Darebin. In her role, she is an advocate for culturally diverse communities and a supporter of the Preston Market.
As the representative for the North Ward of Darebin, she has also been vocal in her plans to ensure investment in the municipality benefit future generations with improvements in infrastructure, safety and more.
Debra Bourne, Bundoora
Debra Bourne is the chief operating officer of Northern Health, which encompasses Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre.
She started her career as a nurse, working in metro health services within intensive care departments and then in rural health, before becoming a midwife.
She then became a nurse unit manager and following that, she was one of the first rural and remote nurse practitioners in Victoria.
Ms Bourne spent eight years working in a variety of rural and remote settings, before progressing into operational management roles and joining Northern Health in 2016.
Özge Sevindik-Alkan, City of Hume
Özge Sevindik-Alkan is a Hume librarian, writer and director of the Australian Muslim Writers Festival.
She co-founded The Right Pen Collective for Muslim Australian Writers in 2021 and co-authored the two Hijabi Girl junior fiction book series.
Ms Sevindik-Alkan holds an honours degree in Journalism and a Masters of Information Studies and works as the submission co-ordinator for a literary agency.
Bobby Lama, Whittlesea
Bobby Lama is originally from Nepal, coming to Australia in 2007 in search of a better life and education.
Along with a group of friends, she created the Band of Women in Action group, aimed at helping young mothers, women and girls from a Nepalese background.
The group provides information, activities, connection and support for women in the northern suburbs.
She also works as a family and domestic violence project co-ordinator at Whittlesea Community Connections.
Florence Shinanduku, Wyndham
Not only is Florence Shinanduku one of western Melbourne’s brightest performers but also a local trailblazer.
Florence is an African dancer from the Democratic Republic of Congo and specialises in Mutuashi dancing.
In 2020 she also released her original song ‘Strong Woman’.
Away from the stage she founded Wyndham Women’s magazine, which empowers local women of all backgrounds in Melbourne’s multicultural epicentre.
Susan McIntyre, Wyndham
Since migrating to Australia in 2011, Susan McIntyre has not looked back.
Her contributions in the last ten years to her new found Wyndham and Point Cook community as a resident and local councillor and have been significant.
She has been involved in community programs like Ladies that lunch, neighbourhood watch and several Point Cook action groups including one with an anti-graffiti focus.
In November last year Ms McIntyre was elected Mayor of Wyndham City Council for 2022/23.
Jodie Gillett, Ballarat
Commerce Ballarat was born in 2002 and now purports to have more than 650 members to whom it provides resources and for whom it regularly hosts business forums.
Presently the go-to body for all things related to the business industry, Commerce Ballarat’s board consists of representatives from the legal, hospitality, accounting, urban design, sports, local government, real estate, and tertiary education sectors.
For about 15 years, Jodie Gillett has been at its core, helping the organisation grow exponentially and advocating for local business owners as CEO.
Lynne McLennan, Ballarat
Lynne McLennan was the chief executive of UFS Dispensaries for 21 years until her retirement in mid-2022.
During her tenure, the organisation grew from seven pharmacies to 22, plus several other medical centres and Covid vaccination clinics.
Ms McLennan is now chair of the Ballarat Art Gallery.
Karen Heap, Ballarat
Karen Heap has been the chief executive of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative since 2004, during which time the organisation has tripled its staff.
Under Ms Heap‘s leadership, BADAC has increased its advocacy work for the benefit of Indigenous people in the Ballarat region.
Michelle Payne, Ballarat
Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne grew up in Miners Rest before her 2015 success on Prince of Penzance, which made her the first female jockey to win the annual competition.
Since then, she has become licensed as a trainer and set up shop at her stable in Ballarat called Nottingham Farm.
Leticia Laing, Bass Coast
Leticia Laing is the ex-deputy mayor and current councillor with Bass Coast Council for the Bunurong Ward.
She has lived in the Bass Coast Shire with her husband and three young children for the past five years.
She has been vocal about her belief in women and other minorities having fair and equal access to spaces where decisions are made, like council.
Mrs Laing recently spoke up about the discrimination she faced for using her council allowance for childcare, which she is entitled to do.
Carol Blair, Bass Coast
Carol Blair was the Bass Coast 2022 Citizen of the year.
She was awarded the award for her extensive volunteering efforts and commitment changing the community for the better.
She has held numerous volunteer roles within the Bass Coast community including Chair of the Bass Coast Community Foundation, President of the Bass Coast Community Health Service Committee, involved in Creatively Connecting Communities Bass Coast and President of the San Remo Foreshore Committee.
She has also done lots of work with Women for Change, a working group and sub-charity of the Bass Coast Community Foundation which raises awareness and advocates for women and girls in our community who are facing gender inequality.
Jordan Crugnale, Bass Coast
State Labor member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale has been a champion for change across Bass Coast since she was elected in 2018.
She has advocated for the region to receive funding towards projects like boat ramp upgrades, schools, hospitals and housing.
She was instrumental in the Wonthaggi hospital upgrade which has recently opened its $115 million stage one upgrade, with stage two on the way.
She was re-elected in the most recent state election and promised to continue to push for the best for Bass Coast.
Jan Child, Bass Coast
Jan Child is the Bass Coast Health chief executive and has been a powerful force in advocating for better access to healthcare for Bass Coast residents.
Ms Child is a Registered Nurse with postgraduate qualifications in behavioural sciences, health administration and a Masters in Public Health.
She has more than 30 years experience in public health and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in September 2016 following a six month interim role commencing in March 2016.
She fought for funding for the Wonthaggi Hospital expansion and the Phillip Island Community Hospital which is set to open next year.
Michelle Cassidy, Shepparton
Ms Cassidy owns her own pet business called Unleashed Dog Day Care where she trains dogs and cares for them.
She sees her mum as a role model whom she found inspiration from to run her own business.
Ms Cassidy with the support of her family feels independent and strong running her business in a heavily male dominated industry.
Dr Rebecca Coates, Shepparton
Dr Coates is an established curator, writer and lecturer.
She has been running the Shepparton Art Gallery (SAM) since 2015 and under her leadership SAM has been recognised as one of the leading Galleries in Victoria.
Dr Coates was awarded a PhD in Art History by the University of Melbourne in 2013 and speaks out about contemporary art and theory.
Councillor Seema Abdullah, Shepparton
Councillor Seema Abdullah is on the council for the Greater Shepparton.
She migrated to Australia from Pakistan in 2004 and moved to Shepparton in 2009.
As a council member Councillor Abdullah aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse environment.
Karen Foster, Moyne Shire
Karen Foster is the mayor of the Moyne Shire Council.
Ms Foster believes we all have an “inherent personal power” we can “cultivate” by being clear about our personal values and what we stand for.
“If you view power as something innate and not attached to a title, it feels very different,” Ms Foster said.
“We all have this power, but not all of us choose to step into it.”
“Here in our part of the world, International Women’s Day is our opportunity to pause and celebrate the remarkable women who enrich our community. In Moyne Shire, we will be presenting the Inspiring Women of Moyne awards on International Women’s Day,” she said.
“We ask our residents to nominate a woman who inspires them and this year we received almost 60 nominations. That’s inspiring.”
Noni Langdon, Colac
Although she does not see herself as a “powerful woman”, Colac to Coast real estate sales agent Noni Langdon said she sees herself as a woman on a “journey of challenges, adventures, risks, rewards, failures and successes”.
“All of which I am blessed to share with my beautiful family, friends, work colleagues and community,” Ms Langdon said.
“For me International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate and unite women all over the world, to honour contributions great and small and to recognise women of all ages and abilities as one,” she said.
“My advice is to follow your heart, have courage to change the things you can, be kind to yourself and others and always speak your truth.”
Roma Britnell, Warrnambool
Warrnambool Politician Roma Britnell said International Women's Day is an “important” day to celebrate women’s achievements while also seeking to educate and raise awareness for women’s equality.
“It is a day that unites women from across the political spectrum and reminds us that together we are a strong force for good,” Ms Britnell said.
“The main piece of advice I give to other women is to believe in yourself. You play a role in your destiny, so surround yourself with positive people, think positively and work towards your goals,” she said.
Sally Richardson, The Otways
Small business owner of the Otways Distillery Sally Richardson said she knows “anything is possible”.
“You just need to get the right people to help you do it,” Ms Richardson said.
Ms Richardson thinks most women are so busy doing, living, working and caring.
“This day makes us think about who we are, what we do and how we can support each other more in life,” she said.
“Its empowering and inspiring for all who stop to acknowledge others before us and empower those around us and beyond us.”
“Anything is possible in this life, but you need to do the work to achieve it.”
Jessica Bridgfoot, Bendigo
Jessica Bridgfoot is the gallery direction at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Ms Bridgfoot is in charge of exhibitions which attract international and domestic visitors.
The blockbuster exhibitions held each year contribute economically and culturally to Bendigo.
Jacqueline Hey, Bendigo
Jacqueline Hey is the chairwoman of Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank.
Ms Hey was appointed to the bank’s top job in 2019.
She formerly held positions as CEO of Ericsson in the UK and Australia.
Robyn Lindsay, Echuca
Robyn Lindsay is the chief executive of Echuca Regional Health.
Ms Lindsay provides community leadership to the Loddon Mallee Region through health management and has held board director roles in health, education, business and regional development.
Prior to her appointment in Echuca, she led the clinical planning of the new Bendigo Hospital as chief operating officer.
She sits on the boards of Bendigo and Girton Grammar School and is a qualified physiotherapist.
Lauren Jackson, Albury
Born and raised in Albury, Lauren Jackson is a basketball powerhouse and national treasure.
At just 14, Lauren Jackson made the Australian under-20 team and has made the mark of the greatest Australian basketball player.
The Olympics silver medal winner attended Murray High School and started playing basketball at the Albury Sports Centre when she was four.
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