Inspiring and remarkable women inducted to honour roll

An adventurer, an advocate for cystic fibrosis and an LGBTIQ+ advocate are among 25 trailblazers who have been inducted in the 2019 South Australian Women’s Honour Roll.

Held every second year, the State Government awards recognise and celebrate extraordinary women who make valuable contributions to our community. This year is the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in South Australia.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink congratulated the 25 deserving honour roll inductees for their hard work and dedication to their fields.

“Each and every one of these women deserves recognition for their hard work and I congratulate them for being inducted into the 2019 South Australian Women’s Honour Roll,” said Minister Lensink.

“Their work reflects the many ways women are actively involved in making a difference in the community and this include advocacy for the LGBTIQ+ community, for homeless women and for Aboriginal people, young people and for women escaping domestic violence.

“This year’s honour roll inductees also reflect that women have a place in non-traditional areas such as the STEM sector, the construction industry and as aviators and adventurers.

“It’s essential that we celebrate women’s achievements in our state, so we continue to challenge traditional perceptions about women’s roles.

“In shining a light on women’s achievements, it will continue to change the community’s perceptions of women as capable leaders and change makers.”

The Women’s Honour Roll was established in 2008 by the Office for Women and inductees are decided by a panel of community members

The 2019 South Australian Women’s Honour Roll inductees are:

Laura Adzanku – a respected community leader and advocate for women and multiculturalism.

Associate Professor Barbara Baird – a LGBTIQ+ activist and advocate for abortion law reform.

Mary Barton – a dedicated volunteer supporting the widows and families of veterans.

The late Susan Grace Benny – a trailblazer, Grace, as she was known, was elected to the Brighton Council, now in the City of Holdfast Bay in 1919, becoming the first woman councillor in Australia and opening the door for many more women to serve their communities through local government.

Professor Eva Bezak – a quiet achiever in the male dominated field of medical physics.

Dr Jenni Caruso – a passionate advocate and educator of Aboriginal history.

The late Alice Dixon – Alice was a defender of the rights of Aboriginal people and campaigned against Aboriginal deaths in custody. She is deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jennifer Duncan – a passionate advocate for social change for young people.

Emmah Evans – a tireless Advocate for Cystic Fibrosis. • Jen Frith – a leader in Adelaide’s youth arts community.

Jen Frith – a leader in Adelaide’s youth arts community.

Phuong Ha – a devoted volunteer with the Vietnamese community.

April Hoffmann – a community volunteer and leader in the Nuriootpa community.

Jennifer Howard – a champion of domestic violence survivors and their pets.

The late Viv Maher – Viv was dedicated to bringing about equality for women, young and Indigenous people and her influence on family, friends and the community endures.

Leah Marrone – a champion for social justice.

Marion McCall OAM – an internationally recognised Award-winning aviator.

Robyn Norman – a dedicated volunteer in the Naracoorte community.

Louise Pascale – a campaigner for gender equality, women’s safety and mental health awareness.

Eman Rahim – for her commitment to feeding people in need.

Deb Ranieri – a passionate crusader for women experiencing homelessness.

Ayesha Fariha Safdar – for empowering Pakistani women and championing multiculturalism.

Katie Sarah – an adventurer and the first woman to join the “Seven-Seven” club.

Iris Strobl – a passionate leader dedicated to serving the German community.

The late Amanda Tsoundarou – Amanda is remembered for her compassionate approach and work to end injustice for the most disadvantaged members of our community. She has made a lasting impact on all who knew and worked with her.

Carly Zanini – an advocate for equality in the construction industry.

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