Victoria – Outstanding women sought for Honour Roll

· Nominations open for Victorian Honour Roll of Women
· Past inductees have made significant contribution to Victorian society
· Inspiring future generations of young women to make a difference

The search is on for 20 outstanding women to be added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2015.

Minister for Women’s Affairs Heidi Victoria said nominations for the Honour Roll, which recognises and celebrates the great achievements of inspirational women in the community, opened today.

“We are looking for female leaders who have made a significant contribution to Victorian society,” Ms Victoria said. “This year’s inductees will join a long and prestigious roll of women across a wide range of fields such as science, engineering, arts and community services.

“Those on the Honour Roll have contributed to real and lasting changes and reforms that have benefited the community and they have inspired future generations of young women to make a difference.”

A total of 538 women have been inducted into the Honour Roll since the award began in 2001.

“It could be someone you work with, it could be a family member or a good friend, or it may be someone in the community that you hold in high esteem.
If so, this is your opportunity to nominate them for recognition,” Ms Victoria said.

Two inductees from last year’s Honour Roll were Ms Fiona McLeod, Executive Director of the Law Council of Australia, and Dr Sylvia Walton AO, one of Australia’s foremost educators.

“If I see a need, a hurt or an injustice I find it difficult not to respond,” said Ms McLeod, who is highly regarded for her pro bono work in environmental and discrimination cases.

Dr Walton said she could not imagine a more important role in life than influencing young people. “To play a role in the education of our young people, from pre-school through to university level, is one of the greatest privileges possible,” Dr Walton said.