Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Finalist Mijica Lus is the Founder of the Aurosokwo Project.
The 2024 ACT Women’s Awards will be announced on Thursday 7 March.
The awards recognise those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to improving the status and lives of girls and women in the ACT.
They celebrate the achievements of women who are excelling in their field and making a significant impact in helping girls and women achieve their full potential.
The award categories are:
ACT Woman of the Year
Senior Woman of the Year (aged over 60 years)
ACT Young Woman of the Year (aged between 16 and 24 years).
Congratulations to the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards’ finalists:
Dr Lubna Alam – Co-founder, ALO Enlightened Women
Joanne Farrell – Founder and Managing Director, Build Like a Girl
Mijica Lus – Founder, Aurosokwo Project
Philippa Moss – CEO, Meridian ACT
Delfina Shakespear – Football Match Official
Glenda Stevens – Founder, Fearless Women
Prof Dipti Talaulikar – Founder, Sakhi
Selina Walker – Ngunnawal Leader.
Finalist Delfina Shakespear, an elite match official with Capital Football and Football Australia, thinks the annual awards are important.
“It enables women to have a platform to talk about what they do, because as women sometimes we go about our business and don’t really talk about it more broadly,” she said.
Fellow nominee Professor Dipti Talaulikar, a clinical haematologist and professor at the ANU, as well as being the Founder of Sakhi said: “I was very touched with the nomination when I first heard about it. But the journey, the support that the government and the ACT’s Women Office provides is just amazing. The things you get to learn, the other women you get to meet, to hear their stories is just absolutely amazing. So, if you know anyone who is doing good work in the community, please nominate them.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Year 7 student Sara is benefiting from reading sessions with Story Dog Lucky and his owner, Ron.
Year 7 student Sara has never felt comfortable reading in front of her class.
The Lanyon High School student would avoid it at all costs. That is, until her mother discovered the Story Dogs program at Libraries ACT.
The program is ideal for reluctant readers or those facing reading challenges.
It pairs a student with a trained dog and their volunteer owner, creating a relaxed, supportive environment for reading aloud.
Sara attends Tuggeranong Library on Friday afternoons to read to Lucky, a 21-month-old golden retriever.
‘I like the experience and since I don’t generally like reading in front of other people, I like reading in front the dog,” Sara said.
“It makes the experience a bit calmer. I am happy to keep doing this for a while.”
After only two sessions, Sarah’s mum, Rae, has noticed a difference.
“At school she always refused to talk in front of the class, but I have definitely seen a change,” Rae said.
“She finds the dog listens. It doesn’t judge and it’s fun. She might now associate the dog with talking out loud and this has really helped for someone who refuses to stand up and read.”
During her session, Lucky rests by Sara as she makes her way through a pile of story books.
Though concentrating hard, she touches and pats him as she reads.
Lucky’s owner, Ron, a retired public servant, listens but remains quiet.
“It’s great doing this. Last week, we had a little girl come in who is dyslexic and she just sat there on the rug with Lucky and held onto him the whole time. She started off a bit hesitant but after a minute she was right. It really calmed both her and him. Lucky is new to this too, so they were both learning at the same time,” Ron said.
“I used to coach football, so I know the satisfaction of being able to teach kids.”
The Story Dogs program is available for children aged 7–12 at Tuggeranong, Dickson and Gungahlin libraries.
Each child gets 20 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a Story Dog, under the watchful eye of a friendly volunteer like Ron.
Students who feel anxious or stressed during learning activities can find the presence of a furry friend reassuring.
Reading to a Story Dog can:
promote relaxation
lower blood pressure
eliminate fear of judgement
allow children to learn at their own pace.
“It’s wonderful to see the progress and you get as much out of it yourself as for anyone else,” Ron said.
Story Dogs sessions require bookings and are held during school terms at:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Winners Glenda Stevens, Joanne Farrell and Mijica Lus
The recipients of the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards have been announced.
The awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.
Meet the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards winners:
2024 ACT Woman of the Year: Joanne Farrell – Founder and Director, Build Like a Girl
Joanne (Jo) Farrell is a champion for women in the building industry.
In 2020, she founded Build Like a Girl, a not-for-profit program that supports women of all backgrounds and ages to work in trades. Since then, Jo has helped 33 women gain full-time employment. She regularly assists with programs, initiatives and services aimed at improving the participation rate of women in trades, which is currently just 2 per cent.
“I’m really honoured to be nominated and recognised for the work,” Jo said.
“I just turn up every day and try and do the work and promote the industry for other women to work in and try and change the negative cultural behaviour we have across the board.
“For me it is a recognition of that work and hopefully other women feel encouraged to come and work in our industry with us.”
2024 ACT Senior Woman of the Year: Glenda Stevens – CEO, Fearless Women
Glenda is a community leader and expert in a range of social policy areas.
Glenda started Fearless Women, a program that provides girls and young women in the ACT with a support service to help them find their voice. It offers short-term counselling, equips girls and women with the tools and resources they need, and offers longer term mentoring support.
“It’s really exciting to see a young person who was frightened and stressed to be able to feel the exhilaration of achieving something,” Glenda said.
“For her to feel that sense of achievement and satisfaction is really good for her growth, and it’s good for all of us because we’re receiving the benefits of a wonderful young person.”
2024 ACT Young Woman of the Year: Mijica Lus – Founder, Aurosokwo Project
For the last six years, Mijica Lus has volunteered her time and effort with various not-for-profits in the ACT in areas of education, media, health care and human services.
Mijica leads the Aurosokwa Project, which supports multicultural communities through cross collaboration.
“If it’s helping with food pantries, decreasing homelessness, supporting mental health initiatives and youth services as well, that’s what the project is about,” Mijica said.
“I’m really excited to contribute to a city that has given me so much, and this is one way of showing my appreciation.”
2024 ACT Woman of the Year – Special Commendation Award: Delfina Shakespear, football match official
Delfina Shakespear is a National and State-level Football Match Official. She volunteers as a mentor, educator, and administrator, and provides strategic advice to Capital Football.
She is committed to empowering the next generation of female referees.
Delfina fearlessly speaks up against abuse and poor treatment faced by referees. She actively promotes cultural change through media engagement and initiatives like Reduce Abuse.
“Seeing the girls and women that I’ve mentored succeed, strive for their goals and push through all the challenges is the most rewarding thing,” Delfina said.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.
Just over one month into the 2024 school year and the ACT Government has provided more than $1.5 million to eligible Canberra parents and carers through its Future of Education Equity Fund.
The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.
The fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing.
This includes as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.
It supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.
Payments are:
$400 for preschool students
$500 for primary school students
$750 for high school and college students
Having such items and services, that they otherwise might not have, helps students fully engage with their education.
Last year the Fund supported 5000 students, with more than $2.9 million disbursed.
Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November 2024.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Chloe and her husband launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023.
In 2023, Canberran Chloe Hosking made the switch from pro-cyclist touring around Europe to launching her own bike company here in Canberra with the help of an ICON grant.
“I never set out to start a bike company, just like I never intended to become a professional cyclist, I came home with a lot of ideas,” Chloe said.
“With my husband Jack’s experience in start-up software companies and all of my industry connections, we launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023 and had bikes in market by June.
“Most business owners will know that capital raising is often one of the hardest parts of starting a business, so the grant was a huge help,” she said.
Chloe received $30,000 in matched funding last year from the ICON grant program. This enabled her to develop prototypes and help with marketing activities.
ICON grants are currently open and close 16 April 2024.
The ICON grants are delivered by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, like Hosking.
Chloe wanted to create a bike tailored to the needs of women.
“Over the years, I felt I wanted to change the lack of female representation in the industry,” she said.
“When you look at the top five cycle brands, only 13 per cent of the executive and board are women. And a recent study showed that 50 per cent of the women in the industry are thinking about leaving.
“The only way to change that is to have people in the room to change the narrative.”
Wanting to see more women on bikes, Hosking Bikes is one way she’s making it more accessible.
“Cycling has given me so much, and I want women to experience the joy that I got and get from cycling. Even if they don’t go pro.
“Creating a brand like Hosking Bikes that champions getting more women on bikes is the way to do that. We’ve also created a bike that’s half the cost of other bikes and we’re very focused on building an inclusive community to support more women into the sport,” she said.
Chloe has some wise words for any women looking to start a business.
“Believe in yourself 100 per cent. As an athlete you learn that you lose a lot more than win, but you keep working toward success, even if it’s not a race.
“But also, don’t let them doubt you! They will, but ignore them!” she said.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
This International Women’s Day, the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) celebrates the theme: ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’.
The ACTPS is a diverse, progressive public service within which 64.6 per cent of employees identify as female.
Women now comprise 56 per cent of the ACTPS Senior Executive Service.
A record low gender pay gap
This increased representation of women in leadership has driven the Service’s narrowing gender pay gap over the last year.
The ACTPS gender pay gap reached a record low of -0.1 per cent in June 2023. The ACT labour force sits at 10 per cent and the national gender pay gap at 13.3 per cent.
Employee spotlight
The ACTPS encourages an inclusive culture by acknowledging and showcasing the contributions of all staff.
Below, five female employees share their thoughts on International Women’s Day, working for the ACTPS and how they’ve seen the gender landscape change at work throughout their careers.
Rachael Dawes – Senior Director Urban Treescapes
Urban Treescapes Senior Director Rachael Dawes
Senior Director Rachael Dawes manages the Urban Treescapes business unit within City Services. Urban Treescapes is tasked with managing and protecting Canberra’s urban trees.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a woman working in the ACTPS caring for our urban forest, but particularly proud of the positive results of increased gender diversity in the team,” she said.
“When you have an inclusive environment, understanding and supporting each other, we can combine these diverse skills and lived experiences to respond to the changing conditions and needs of our environment”.
“There has been significant advancement in ACT urban forest management in recent years with the release of the Urban Forest Strategy and Urban Forest Act, which could not have happened without the vision and drive of the women in our team,” she said.
A career change led Rachael into forestry, and she urges women beginning their careers to look beyond perceived traditional career options.
“Explore your networks, ask questions, take chances and follow your interests and see what career path they can lead you down,” she said.
Arooj Fatima – Customer Service Operator, Access Canberra Contact Centre
Arooj Fatima of Access Canberra
Every day, Access Canberra Customer Service Officer Arooj Fatima assists Canberrans via phone.
From vehicle registration enquiries to Fix My Street requests, Fatima is the first point of contact on many issues.
First attracted to the role for its flexibility, she brings to it myriad skills including active listening, empathy, patience and problem solving.
“There needs to be an acknowledgement and inclusion of women in all aspects of society. Women need to be fully included, supported, and empowered in all fields to contribute to a more prosperous future for all,” she said.
Arooj says she has seen women make significant progress over the course of her career.
“Women are serving and being valued at all employment levels i.e., manager, team leaders and administrative roles. They are excelling in every field,” she said.
“I feel immensely proud to be a woman working for the ACTPS because of the respect, value, and recognition that I get. I feel so comfortable with the work environment, work life balance and flexibility. I feel included and appreciated for every little progress that I make. I am provided the opportunity to undertake various training and roles for my professional development,” she said.
Katie Smith – Principal, Duffy Primary School
Principal Katie Smith, right, with Deputy Principal Arilia Abell
Principal Katie Smith leads an all-female leadership team at Duffy Primary.
“By setting a strong example of supporting women, Deputy Principal Arilia Abell and I work to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment for future generations. Our presence in the school community showcases the importance of investing in women, inspiring both girls and boys to expect equality and inclusivity in their future workplaces,” she said.
Katie has seen progress in terms of gender equality during her career.
“One notable advancement is the increased representation of women in leadership roles such as principals and executive roles. Efforts to promote gender equality in education have led to greater recognition of female educators’ contributions and capabilities,” she said.
This year’s IWD theme resonates with Katie. “It speaks to our commitment to uplifting and supporting the capabilities of all women in our school community, providing opportunities for growth and success,” she said.
“For young women starting their careers: believe in yourself, set clear goals, seek mentorship, embrace learning, build a supportive network, speak up, prioritise balance, embrace challenges, stay flexible, and stay true to your values and passions.”
Rebecca Power, Project Director, CIT Woden Campus – Women in Construction advocate
Project Director Rebecca Power, third from right
Project Director Rebecca Power works describes her work as “Celebrating gender diversity, equity and inclusion in construction and on Major Projects Canberra construction sites”.
“In an industry where gender inclusion is still challenging, Major Projects Canberra strives towards our social objectives to encourage and enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas, and be leaders in their individual fields and professions within our industry,” she said.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to tell women’s stories in our industry, empower women to achieve and grow their careers while opening up mentoring pathways for women who are just beginning their careers, laying the foundations for a brighter future in infrastructure to inspire real progress. I want to continue to advocate for meaningful change and I am committed to this cause.”
“It provides guidance and leadership while empowering women to achieve their goals and aspirations in the construction industry,” she said.
Janet Zagari, Deputy CEO, Canberra Health Services
Janet Zagari is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Health Services.
With 28 years in the health industry under her belt, her focus is on the service’s strategic direction, looking at cross-government priorities, operational planning and commissioning of new services.
“We know that diversity in the workforce generates better outcomes,” Janet said.
“Acknowledging the well-documented barriers that women face to participating in employment and the under representation of women in some industries and at senior levels, investing in women to create greater opportunities and genuinely believing that there is a value add to doing so is key to moving organisations forward.”
She cites increased representation of women graduating from medical school as a pronounced change in Australia.
“It is useful to stop and look back over the course of your career to think about what has changed, because it is easy to only see how far we still have to go and not to think about how far we have come,” she said.
“There are more women in traditionally male dominated areas of clinical practice, and better recognition of the value that women bring.”
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Nature strips help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.
Nature strips, otherwise known as street verges, help create Canberra’s “garden city” character.
On most streets, nature strips include footpaths for people walking and cycling. Meaning there are certain things a nature strip can and cannot be used for.
Looking after verges is a responsibility shared by the ACT Government and residents, and there are lots of ways Canberrans can use them.
Read up on which plants you can use and avoid spiky plants and any weeds or plants that have been declared pest plants. Natives are a great place to start, especially if you are new to landscaping – but if you prefer an exotic grass, a dryland blend is the go-to in Canberra’s climate.
Remember to keep all plants below 50 centimetres (or 20 centimetres if you live in a bushfire prone area ).
Install compacted gravel
Adding gravel to your nature strip can help capture water runoff and improve the quality of stormwater.
There are some limits on the amount and size of gravel you can use so be sure to do your research.
Use organic mulch
When adding organic mulch like pine bark to your verge, please ensure it is free of stones, soils and other contaminants.
Keep a 50 millimetre clearance from tree trunks and remember to rake it flush with surrounding levels.
Erect temporary protective fencing
If you’ve just planted grass or plants and you want to protect your newly refreshed nature strip, you can erect temporary fencing made of rope or string, supported by stakes.
The fencing can be up for a maximum of 13 weeks. It mustn’t pose a safety hazard to the public.
Install garden edging
You can install garden edging on your verge if it’s made of stone, brick or timber.
The edging can have a maximum height of 150 millimetres, and a depth of 100 millimetres below the surface of the nature strip.
Always remember to contact Before you Dig – 1100, before you start work.
Things you can do to your nature strip that require approval:
erect bollards to prevent parking on the nature strip
modify an existing driveway or construct a new driveway
store landscaping materials for longer than two weeks
store a skip or construction material.
Things that are unlikely to be approved for your nature strip:
ponds
water fountains
permanent fencing
retaining walls
letterboxes
shipping containers
chicken runs
play equipment
boulders
pavers or concrete paths
new trees.
Parking on the nature strip is prohibited and remember that if you live in a heritage precinct – like some areas of Ainslie, Braddon, Reid and parts of the inner south – you may not be able to make changes to the nature strip in front of your home.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 45-year-old male in relation to an arson incident that occurred in Yuendumu yesterday evening.
Around 6:40pm, police received reports of a deliberately lit fire at a house in Yuendumu. Members attended the scene and the fire was extinguished. The kitchen of the residence sustained moderate damage.
No person was inside at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to police.
A 45-year-old male was arrested in relation to the incident and a crime scene has been established.
Investigators from Alice Springs are travelling to Yuendumu to take carriage of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or attend your local police station. Please quote reference P25087963. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault at Casuarina last Friday.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Squad are particularly interested in speaking to a male bystander that intervened and removed the weapon when a disturbance between the female youths broke out at around 2:40pm in the shopping centre.
Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25084989. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.