Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards

About the Awards

Every year PLEDGE presents the Knox Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards.  These awards are given to individuals who have made a significant contribution towards achieving greater gender equality in the City of Knox, whether through a business, organisation, or individually.

PLEDGE are proud to announce that the winner of the  2020/2021 Local Champion for Gender Equality Awards is
Karen Little from the Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club.  

Congratulations to the finalists and the organisations they represent: 

*Alice Garrick from Foothills Care
*Candyce Wright from the Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club.
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2020/2021 Awards

Congratulations to all those who were nominated for the 2020 Awards. Due to interruptions related to COVID restrictions, the 2020 awards were delayed and rolled into 2021. After many delays it was fabulous to finally award our finalists on December 15th 2021. 

Despite the difficulties with COVID members of the Knox community are still doing amazing things for the girls and women of Knox, and for this they should be congratulated. 

Knox City Council Mayor Cr Susan Laukens and the Deputy Mayor, Cr Nicole Seymour presented the  Awards. 

2019 Awards

Congratulations to all those who were nominated for the 2019 Awards and thank you all for the work you do in our community.

The range and quality of nominees in 2019 was impressive, from which five finalists were selected.

Knox City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch presented the Knox Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards on Friday 29th November at the Knox Civic Centre.

2019 Winners

Sarah Hopkins

Eastern Regional Libraries (Corporate Manager)

Sarah recognised that children’s books shape attitudes and strongly influence gender stereotypes. She has played a significant role in the development of ‘Beyond Sparkles and Superheroes’ and ‘Stories Beyond Stereotypes’ to promote books presenting child characters in a way that challenges gender stereotypes. Promoting gender equality and celebrating children’s individuality in books – to Knox families and community members through a partnership between the Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation and other local organisations – Sarah has been instrumental in many children receiving positive messages about girls and gender equality through the enjoyment of reading. Congratulations Sarah.

Dr Mark Glazebrook

Girls Invent (Founder and CEO)

When Mark’s teenage daughter asked why only men were inventors, an idea and ‘Girls Invent’ was born with one simple purpose – to create an unshakable belief amongst girls that they can become innovators and create inventions or products if they so choose.

Now Girls Invent is an extensive schools-based inventing and business development program, working with over 150 Australian schools and having programs internationally. Girls Invent inspires girls to come up with an original invention idea, workshops this with them step by step to bring their idea to market, and teaches the practical skills and tools to start and run their own business. Over 3500 students across Victoria, Australia and three other countries have, through the program, gained confidence and been supported to aspire to a successful career of innovation. Absolutely an example of “from little things, big things grow”. Congratulations Mark.

2019 Finalists

Vanessa Murdoch

Journey Tracks (EACH)

Vanessa is a proud Kullilli woman who wants to see young Aboriginal women succeed and not be constrained by gender stereotypes. Vanessa has worked with local schools to develop the Journey Tracks Cultural Health & Wellbeing Program – building leadership, teaching young people about who they are, connecting them to their indigenous Clan and encouraging them to be strong, proud Aboriginal people. Her work with the Hoodie program for young Aboriginal women focused on the prevention of violence against women.</p

Aaron Kinghorn

Wantirna South Cricket Club

Attending the Eastern Domestic Violence Outreach Service (EDVOS) course ‘The 3Rs, Recognise, Respond and Refer’ opened Aaron’s eyes to advocating for women and children who are currently experiencing or have experienced family violence. Aaron has since been instrumental in putting Family Violence on the club’s agenda and calling out sexist behaviours that marginalise women, not only in a sporting environment, but in the workplace.</p

Adam Wight and Susanne Stokol

Lysterfield Primary School

Adam and Susanne have been instrumental in embedding Respectful Relationships into their educational environment, creating a culture of gender equality and respect, as well as implementing various strategies to promote gender equality in their school.

2018 Awards

Stephanie Disher, Managing Director of Cummins South Pacific, was inspirational as our keynote speaker and a perfect example of a woman in a traditionally man’s world being highly successful. Cummins values include diversity and inclusion, with Stephanie having been instrumental in the company achieving an equal balance of genders in most areas and in establishing a training program specifically to encourage and upskill women technicians. Stephanie presented the 2018 Awards.

2018 Winners

Rod Matta

Linea Hair (Boronia)

Rod recognised that for women fleeing or experiencing family violence a simple thing such as getting a haircut can be difficult, inspiring him to offer free haircuts to anyone in this situation. This gesture, together with a friendly chat, an open ear, a cuppa and some emotional support was appreciated by many. Congratulations Rod.

Fiona Hollis

Knox Skate & BMX Park (Team Leader)

Fiona has only been skateboarding for two years and it’s changed her life. Since beginning to attend the skate park, Fiona realised that just being a female presence at the park allows other females to feel more confident there. Fiona volunteered at the park for six months before being offered employment and has recently taken over as Team Leader. Amongst other programs, Fiona runs Girls only Skate Classes and through her presence the female participation numbers have increased dramatically. Congratulations Fiona.

Make a nomination

Nominate someone for the Knox Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards in 2020.

Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to girls and/or women in the City of Knox? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to nominate them for an Award this year.

The nominee will have contributed to greater gender equality through raising awareness, taking action or demonstrating leadership. This may be through a business, organisation or individually. To be eligible, nominees must live, work or study in the municipality of Knox.

The nomination forms will be posted on this website later in the year. If you would like to join our mailing list to be notified, please send your name and contact details to: lsenior@each.com.au

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