Women's Honour Roll

International Women's Day Heather Mutimer Honour Roll

International Women's Day 2025 

We had such a wonderful time celebrating International Women’s Day with a free community event on Wednesday 5 March.  It was all about honoring the amazing achievements of local women.

In 2005, we welcomed five incredible new members to the Honour Roll: Mary Harvey, Jessie Leggatt (Posthumous), Donna Kelly, Mary-Faeth Chenery, and Lynda Poke.

A huge congratulations to these extraordinary women for their amazing contributions in their fields. You are all such inspiring role models for the next generation.

Thank you to Catherine King MP, Aunty Sandra Barber for a wonderful Welcome to Country, and our keynote speaker Shae Graham (wheelchair rugby Paralympian and World Champion) for telling her inspiring story. Heather Mutimer also addressed the event marking the 20th anniversary. We also had some amazing speeches and performances from Daylesford College students (speech by Stevie Rigby(PDF, 971KB) and speech by Hayley Smith(PDF, 51KB)).

Read our media release.

Donna Kelly

Donna-Kelly.jpg

(JPG, 2MB)
Jessie Leggatt Posthumous accepted by Rachel Hewitt

Jessie-Leggatt-Posthumous-accepted-by-Rachel-Hewitt.jpg

(JPG, 2MB)
Lynda Poke accepted by Kate Butler.jpg

Lynda-Poke-accepted-by-Kate-Butler.jpg

(JPG, 2MB)
Mary-Faeth Chenery

Mary-Faeth-Chenery.jpg

(JPG, 4MB)
Mary Harvey

Mary Harvey.jpg

(JPG, 2MB)
IWD 2025 Group

IWD-2025-Group.jpg

(JPG, 5MB)


Background

International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world on 8 March each year. The purpose of the day is to recognise women and their achievements.

In 2005, the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll was established to pay tribute to the women in the Hepburn Shire whose contributions, courage and examples have led to significant social change for women.

The roll provides a forum to acknowledge women who have made a difference in our Shire. By acknowledging these women, past and present, they become role models for generations to come.

We encourage you to think about a woman you know who deserves to be recognised.

Nominations will open again on 1 August 2025. 

Past recipients

2025 - 2020 Recipients

2025 Recipients(DOCX, 601KB)

  • Mary-Faeth Chenery
  • Lynda Poke
  • Mary Harvey
  • Jessie Leggatt (posthumous)
  • Donna Kelly

     

2024 Recipients(DOCX, 2MB)

  • Anne Bremner
  • Nikki Marshall
  • Marj Green
  • Michelle Clifford
  • Yvonne Sillett

     

2023 Recipients(DOCX, 720KB)

  • Anneke Deutsch
  • Joyce Orr
  • Tess Brady
  • Joee Aganetti-Fraser
  • Marie Magdalen Lewis (posthumous)

2022 Recipients(DOCX, 199KB)

• Joanne Pegg

2021 Recipients(DOCX, 726KB)

  • Frances Fiddian
  • Betty Johns
  • Verena Doyle

2020 Recipients(DOCX, 382KB)

  • Arlene Geoffrey
  • Dallas Kinnear
  • Loretta Little
  • Sarah Glenny (posthumous)

2019 - 2016 Recipients

2019 Recipients(DOCX, 3MB)

  • Donna Cooper
  • Caelli Greenbank
  • Margret Lockwood
  • Kathleen Morrison
  • Rozanne Moynihan (posthumous)

2018 Recipients(DOCX, 477KB)

  • Annelise (Mara) Macs
  • Rosemary Wilson
  • Maureen Corbett
  • Annie Smithers
  • Bessie Harrison Lee (posthumous)

2017 Recipients(DOCX, 145KB)

  • Kit Manning
  • Jenny Beacham
  • Candy Broad
  • Elsie Miller

2016 Recipients(DOCX, 26KB)

  • Gale Orford
  • Julie Ingleby

2015 - 2010 Recipients

2015 Recipients(DOCX, 270KB)

  • Carol White
  • Tina Banitska
  • Michelle Leishman
  • Alla Wolf-Tasker
  • Catherine (Kit) Trewhella (posthumous)

2014 Recipients(DOCX, 47KB)

  • Elizabeth Hepburn (posthumous)

2013 Recipients(DOCX, 40KB)

  • Susan Dennett (Su)
  • Nettya Tulku-Rose

2012 Recipients(DOCX, 38KB)

  • Susan Maree Waters
  • Valmai Heap (posthumous)

2011 Recipients(DOCX, 55KB)

  • Julieanne Regan
  • Rhonda Smith
  • Margaret Giles

2010 Recipients(DOCX, 227KB)

  • Sally Lea McRae
  • Winifred Marigold Elliot (Meg)

 

2009 - 2005 Recipients

2009 Recipients(DOCX, 27KB)

  • Kathleen Brown
  • Lisa Jane Gervasoni
  • Kathy Elizabeth Watt
  • Margaret Laurus Grenfell (Posthumous)

2008 Recipients(DOCX, 45KB)

  • Patricia Ann Tinetti (Trish)
  • Mary Catherine Walsh
  • Marjorie White
  • Susan Marguerite Gunningham (Posthumous)
  • Deaconess Georgina Marines Harvey (Posthumous)
  • Elizabeth Sewell (Posthumous)

2007 Recipients(DOCX, 36KB)

  • Phyllis Pollard
  • Kathie Hollis
  • Laurice Newman
  • Alice Foley (Posthumous)
  • Maude Glover-Fleay (Posthumous)
  • Rev Jean Dara DeMurashkin (Posthumous)

2006 Recipients(DOCX, 46KB)

  • Elizabeth Palmer Northcott
  • Alice Robertson
  • Pearl Millane (Posthumous)
  • Grace Bremner (Posthumous)
  • Sarah Whiteley (Posthumous)
  • Margaret Cross (Posthumous)
  • Thelma Annear (Posthumous)

2005 Recipients(DOCX, 32KB)

  • Dr Gweneth Wisewould (Posthumous)
  • Jean Elizabeth Peart M.B.E. (Posthumous)
  • May Evelyn Lay B.E.M.
  • Florence Montgomery Brooke

 

 

Nomination process

We call for nominations in August - September each year.

The International Women's Day Honour Roll Advisory Committee makes recommendations to Council on up to five recipients each year. Posthumous nominations can also be submitted. 

Nominations can be submitted under one or more of the following categories:

  • Trailblazer: an inspiring role model who effectively leads the way for women starting out in a field that is traditionally male-dominated and has significant barriers for women
  • Local champion: a dedicated member of their community who has used their skills and expertise in a voluntary or professional capacity
  • Change agent: a woman who has made an enduring commitment in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour that has brought about significant and lasting change
  • Emerging leader: a young woman redefining leadership in their career, field or passion
  • Leading through disaster: a woman has led their organisation or community in disaster preparedness and response at a grassroots, state or global level. 
Back to top