A popular Gardening Australia TV presenter, a long-term advocate for single mothers, a tireless mental health advocate, a passionate construction industry mentor and an inspiring leader for Aboriginal health are among 20 outstanding South Australian women inducted into the SA Women’s Honour Roll today.
Released every two years with a prestigious event at Government House, the SA Women’s Honour Roll shines a light on the many and varied ways that women make a difference in the South Australian community.
Since its introduction in 2008, the Honour Roll has highlighted and celebrated the contribution made by women – especially in areas not always visible or recognised beyond their immediate community and industry.
Eligible women included in the SA Women's Honour Roll may also be nominated for the Australian of the Year Awards to help boost national recognition for the contribution they make to the community.
Quotes
Attributable to Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard
The women honoured exemplify being an inspiration to others – they are passionate activists, tireless volunteers, innovative researchers, and compassionate clinicians who give their time and energy in ways that improve the lives of girls and women, strengthen the fabric of our state and move us toward a more equal future.
All leaders in their diverse range of fields, many may not be known to a broader audience and nor do they seek accolades, but these outstanding women deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
Each of the women included on the roll are remarkable; they have challenged the status quo, excelled in their chosen fields, and given their time and expertise. They have often done so in the face of their own challenges and despite structural barriers that gender inequality may have put in their way, they have persisted.
The Women’s Honour Roll is an important showcase for their outstanding achievements and a way to show South Australians’ gratitude for their contributions to our great state.
2023 Women’s Honour Roll outstanding nominees
*Dr Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Amos – Building intergenerational trauma therapies into social casework to support vulnerable families.
*Hayley Ann Boswell – Passionate advocate for policy change and mental health in the veteran and defence community.
*Stella Braund – Dedicated service and contribution to improving mental health and social services (and 2024 SA Australian of the Year nominee).
*Michaela Cynthia Caird – Steadfast support and service to migrant and refugee communities.
*Dallas Colley – Influence, dedication and contribution to domestic and family violence policy and practice.
*Dr Janet ‘Jan’ Kay Edwards – Advocate for gender equality, disability, social inclusion and civil society engagement.
*Phyllis ‘Terese’ Edwards – Tireless advocacy in support of single mothers.
*Carmen Anne Garcia – Leading social entrepreneur and advocate for migrant, refugee and vulnerable communities.
*Natasha ‘Tash’ Hemmerling – Promoting, supporting and mentoring women in the construction industry.
*Dr Michele Jarldorn – Leader in research impact and integrity, and tireless advocate for criminalised women.
*Judith Lovegrove – Improving service provision and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
*Lisa O’Malley – Steadfast and unwavering advocacy on behalf of foster carers.
*Dr Elizabeth Puddy AM – A lifetime commitment to infant, child and family health and wellbeing.
*Julie Redman – Leader in family law and champion of legal initiatives to support women and children.
*Dr Mary Retallack – A champion of environmental stewardship practices in the winegrape growers’ community.
*Christine Robertson OAM – Inspirational leadership and service to volunteering and animal welfare.
*Kathryn ‘Kate’ Strohm – A leading voice of support for siblings of children and adults with disability.
*Catherine (Kate) Margaret Swetenham – Clinical leadership in palliative and end-of-life care.
*Sophie Thomson – Educating and engaging communities in the health, wellbeing and environmental benefits of gardening.
*Rachael (Rach) Zaltron OAM – Tireless support of children, young people and families who have left their homes due to violence and other hardships (and 2024 SA Local Hero).
For a full biography on each inductee, please visit the Office for Women website at https://officeforwomen.sa.gov.au.
