Corrina Eccles
2017 First Nations Women in Community Life Award Winner
“In our culture we do it because it’s in our heart, it’s in our
spirituality and it's in our souls to be true leaders and be
connected to our young people…”
Corrina is a proud Wadawurrung Woman, with a deadly, strong and beautiful spirit. Her story is an amazing one of survival and strength, of which she is more then happy to share to teach and empower other young women across our community. Corrina is a mother of 2 wonderful young men, she is a fulltime worker who volunteers her time to the growth, development, empowerment, awareness and education of Aboriginal people, communities and the broader Geelong region.
Corrina is the heart and soul of the young women Deadly Dancers troupe and consistently volunteers her time to ensure these children have opportunities to learn, share and celebrate their culture.
Today we congratulate and honour Corrina.
Christine Couzens MP, Member for Geelong, proudly promoting and supporting the Inaugural First Nations Women in Community Life Award
Deborah Haygarth
2017 Women in Community Life Living with a Disability Award
Winner
“Outstanding contributor to her local community
and to many individuals for over 15 years…”
As Chair, Women with Disabilities Victoria Leadership Network Barwon Hub, Deborah has advocated, impacted and influenced the lives of many people living with disabilities across the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions.
From her role as Secretary, People with MS Victoria, to the establishment and facilitation of a mixed peer support group in Geelong for people with multiple sclerosis, Deborah has ensured connectedness and social interaction across the community.
Deb completed the Enabling Women’s Program, through Surf Coast Shire and, along with a number of other participants, went on to influence the development of a series of activities to celebrate Social Inclusion Week and the International Day for People with a Disability.
Today we congratulate and honour Deborah.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme proudly promoting and supporting the 2017 Women in Community Life Living with a Disability Award
Jan Strauch
2017 Women in Community Life Award Winner
“A remarkable woman who has impacted the lives,
hearts and minds of many…”
For many years Jan has been a long term, instrumental advocate for gender equality through her position as a teacher at Christian College Geelong.
Jan has kept International Women’s Day on the agenda by organizing an annual breakfast for the school community. Each year, Jan invites guest speakers who help promote non-traditional female careers for students as well as preparing valuable information with all Senior Campus staff and students relating to the history and continued relevance of International Women’s Day.
As a VCE Biology teacher, Jan continuously encourages young women to pursue careers in the sciences. Jan is a strong role model for female students and colleagues alike, as demonstrated in her own work, as well as through her compassion for others.
Today we congratulate and honour Jan.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West proudly promoting and supporting the 2017 Women in Community Life Award
Laura Alice Bracken
2017 Women in Community Life for Human Rights
& Gender Equality Award Winner
“Artist. Activist. Humanitarian Leader…”
Geelong based street artist and activist, Laura Alice, facilitates an arts program for young Iraqi Woman who have recently arrived from a place in which art was banned.
Laura Alice has created an atmosphere of support, fun and mentoring all through the artistic expression of freedom.
As a volunteer with Urban Seed program, which provides community connection, a safe place for people and community meals, Laura Alice has been very active in advocating for the rights of asylum seekers through her social action and participation in “Love Makes a Way” and “Christians Seeking Compassion for People Seeking Asylum”.
Laura Alice's’ connective and engaging artwork can be seen across Geelong.
Today we congratulate and honour Laura Alice.
Barwon CASA and Minerva Community Services proudly promoting and supporting the Inaugural Women in Community Life Award for Human Rights and Gender Equality Award