Released 23/08/2021
There are many women in the ACT who make significant contributions to their community and support their fellow women – and chances are you know one!
Minister for Women Yvette Berry said the 2021 ACT Women's Awards were an opportunity for these women to be publicly celebrated and acknowledged.
"Held annually, the Awards recognise an ACT Woman of the Year, ACT Young Woman of the Year and ACT Senior Woman of the Year who improve the status and lives of women and girls," Minister Berry said.
"I'm encouraging Canberrans to nominate women who have made a significant contribution to their community.
"Previous award winners and nominees have made great positive impacts in the ACT including empowering young women to study STEM, advocating for gender equality in the trade industry, supporting new mothers at risk of homelessness, improving the status of women with disability and supporting female soccer coaches."
2020 ACT Woman of the Year Cindy Mitchell was honoured for her outstanding work in empowering women and girls across Canberra to take control of their future by embracing entrepreneurship.
"Perhaps like a lot of women, I believe that hard work is its own reward. I admit that I felt uncomfortable with being nominated at first with a massive case of 'imposter syndrome'. But, I'm so glad I persisted!" Ms Mitchell said.
"The platform and opportunities as ACT Woman of the Year have been the wind in my sails in an otherwise challenging year. I've had so many women of colour and migrants to Australia especially come up to me and say how much it meant to them that 'we won'. It makes me proud."
If you would like to nominate an exceptional woman in the ACT community, you can do so through the SmartyGrants system at https://dhcs.smartygrants.com.au/2021AWA
For enquiries please contact the ACT Office for Women on 6207 2552.
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 10 February 2021.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases