Four incredible women inducted to honour roll

Published on 05 March 2026

Last night, four women were inducted to the International Women’s Day Heather Mutimer Women’s Honour Roll at an event in Creswick.

This year we welcomed Pauline Hawker, Betty Rea (posthumous and accepted by Stefan Rea), Erica Higgins and Kate Smith to the honour roll.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that it was a wonderful event that honoured the amazing achievements of our local women.

"A heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable women for their outstanding contributions in their fields. You serve as inspiring role models for the next generation," he said.

This year featured keynote speaker Katrina Baraquiel and her guest Brenda Nakanjakko. Katrina is an advocate for women and gender-diverse people in the Grampians region and spoke about her lived experience and evidence-based research addressing intersectional barriers to access.

The event also showcased presentations from Daylesford College students (Martha, Matilda and Jamie), artworks by Creswick Primary School students, and performer Amie Brûlée.

Image: Erica Higgins, Pauline Hawker, Cr Shirley Cornish, Heather Mutimer, Kate Smith, Stefan Rea accepting for Betty Rea, Cr Lesley Hewitt