An internationally renowned folk musician turned Federal Court judge, a professor transforming the understanding of genetic diseases and a broadcasting trailblazer are among the 21 women inducted into the 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women, supported by the Allan Labor Government.

On Wednesday, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant congratulated the new inductee from the Bellarine Peninsula, one of 21 women who were inducted. The Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises the achievements and contributions of some of Victoria’s most remarkable women of all ages, experiences, background and fields.

Community heroes have been recognised for their championing of their local communities, including Bellarine local Lyndie Freestone, who is renowned in Geelong for her work with high risk and homeless young people, and Dalal Smiley, who works tirelessly to support women of migrant and refugee backgrounds in Melbourne’s south-east.

Retired Federal Court judge Judy Small is being recognised for her contribution to the arts, as an outstanding singer songwriter in the traditionally male-populated field of folk music, writing about social justice, equality, feminism, peace and LGBTIQA+ lives – her songs are for and about women.

Women making waves in healthcare are well represented among the 2024 inductees.

Professor Jane Gunn is honoured for her transformative impact on women’s health, alongside Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu who established a first-of-its kind telehealth service breaking down barriers for rural and culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians to access healthcare.  

Libbi Gorr, a trailblazer in the arts and in media, has been recognised for her work across television, radio, journalism, teaching and live performance – and her efforts in forging a path for women in the arts and broadcast mediums.

Councillor and former Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter, who sadly passed away earlier this year, is also among the new inductees. She was the first woman to serve as mayor of Maribyrnong three times.

Since 2001 more than 750 women from across the state have been inducted into the Honour Roll for their contributions to fields including science, art, environment, law, social justice, research, health, media and education.

By celebrating women’s achievements and recognising their contributions, the Labor Government is playing a vital role in increasing the representation of women in the public eye and building towards a more gender equal society.

The late Hon Joan Kirner AC, Victoria’s first female Premier, created the Honour Roll to formally acknowledge women for their achievements and to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

A full list of inductees is available at vic.gov.au/victorian-honour-roll-of-women-inductees.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“Recognised for her remarkable leadership and excellence in her work in the mental health field and her commitment to the community, it was wonderful to see Lyndie be recognised and inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.”

 Honorary Ministerial Inductee:

Cr Sarah Carter
Melbourne

Trailblazer Category:
Professor Julie Andrews OAM
Melbourne

Libbi Gorr
Melbourne

Professor Jane Gunn AO
Melbourne

Judy Small AM
Melbourne

Local Champion Category:

Lyndie Freestone
Geelong

Dr Fartun Farah
Melbourne

Aunty Rochelle Linda Patten
Melbourne

Dalal Smiley
Melbourne

Emerging Leader Category:

Keeley Johnson
Ballarat

Aayushi Killian
Melbourne

Dr Belle WX Lim
Melbourne

Change Agent Category:

Kate Austin
Melbourne

Professor Melanie Bahlo AM
Melbourne

Associate Professor Ada Cheung
Melbourne

Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu
Melbourne

Professor Catriona McLean AO
Melbourne

Jennifer Morris
Melbourne

Julie Oberin AM
Bendigo

Adjunct Professor Manjula Datta O’Connor
Melbourne

Associate Professor Jun Yang
Melbourne