Celebrating Canberra’s exceptional women


Released 06/03/2020

The Canberra community came together at the 2020 ACT Women’s Awards last night to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of ACT women who have improved the status of women and girls in the region.

Cindy Mitchell was named the 2020 ACT Woman of the Year for her outstanding work in empowering girls across Canberra to take control of their future and economic participation, by actively educating them to embrace entrepreneurship and strive for a voice in the business sector.

Dr Helen Watchirs was named 2020 ACT Senior Woman of the Year and Shiralee Sankey was named 2020 ACT Young Woman of the Year. 35 women have also been inducted onto the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.

ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has been presented with a commendation award for her immeasurable hard work and effort during the worst bushfire season the ACT, and the country as a whole, has seen.

In 2019, the Canberra Capitals and their supporters were named ACT Citizens of the Year and will now be inducted to 2020 Honour Roll. Following the defeat of the Southside Flyers and taking home the WNBL Championship, the Canberra Capitals have also been presented with a commendation award.

The ACT Government also launched the Equity Together: Second Action Plan 2020-2022, the second stage of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-2026, whichwill guide the government’s focus to improve opportunities for women and girls in the ACT over the next three years.

The Second Action Plan represents the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving Equity Together. This action plan is not only for those who identify as women and girls, it is for everybody in the community.

Everyone has the power to improve gender equity, and to be an agent for change. It is not just the role of government. It is the role of community organisations, schools, businesses and individuals too. This goal can only be realised with engagement and commitment from across the Canberra community.

The Second Action Plan is the result of the generous and valuable contributions made by many members of the ACT community over almost a year of consultation, including a Women’s Summit in October 2019.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the ACT Government will light up the Kings Avenue Overpass Bridge purple on Sunday 8 March.

More information on the Second Action Plan is available at Community Services website.

The finalists, winners and Honour Roll Inductees can be found at Community Services website.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases


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