Local Heroes Shine Bright on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women

Victoria, Australia – In the spirit of celebrating outstanding women from the state of Victoria, the Victorian Honour Roll of Women was established in 2001 during the festivities of Victoria’s Centenary of Federation. Since its inception, it has been a beacon of recognition for remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on their communities, nation, or the world.
Each year, public nominations for the Honour Roll open in the second half of the year. These nominations undergo a meticulous review process conducted by an independent panel of accomplished women. A shortlist of distinguished candidates is then presented to the Victorian Government’s Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins for her thoughtful consideration and final selection.
The Honour Roll is a testament to the wide-ranging and diverse achievements of women in Victoria. It serves as a platform to recognize exceptional women who have excelled in various fields, including science, arts, environment, law, social justice, family violence prevention, research, health, media, and education. These women have made significant and lasting contributions that resonate far beyond the boundaries of Victoria.
Lalisha Thapa: Lalisha, the Vice President of the Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV), has broken down barriers and established the NAV Women’s Forum, fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Her mission is to encourage more Nepalese women to step into leadership roles and create a lasting impact within their communities.
Betul Tuna: During the Shepparton floods, Betul Tuna rose to the occasion, going above and beyond to help her community. Her background in child protection and work at the Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District highlights her commitment to preventing family violence within multicultural and faith communities.
Anne Parton: A volunteer for over six decades, Anne Parton has been a tireless advocate for marginalized women and a champion of women’s issues. Her substantial fundraising efforts have benefited families, social causes, and various communities.
Akuch Kuol Anyieth: A researcher at Latrobe University, Akuch is delving into the impact of family violence intervention orders on South-Sudanese Victorians through her PhD work. She is an advocate, author, and emerging community leader, with a strong focus on social justice for women and addressing challenges faced by African-Australians from refugee backgrounds.
Jana Katerinskaja: As a senior human rights lawyer, Jana supports survivors of family and sexual violence and is a leader in police accountability reform. Her determination is fuelled by a deep desire to make a real difference and prevent others from experiencing the human rights violations she once endured.

These Local Champions represent the epitome of community service, social justice, and empowerment. Their unwavering commitment is a testament to the incredible contributions that women make to Victoria. They serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.

To learn more about this year’s inductees and explore the full list, visit the official Victorian Honour Roll of Women website at vic.gov.au/victorian-honour-roll-of-women.