The GSWCAC annual Women’s Award recognises an individual who has made a difference to women and the community. The Women’s Award is about acknowledging an individual whose actions impact upon women within the Greater Shepparton area in a positive way.
Nominations were judged using the following criteria:
- How the nominee made a difference to the community, particularly within the Greater Shepparton area
- How the nominee has acknowledged and embraced diversity
- How the nominee has inspired and encouraged women
Thelma was chosen as the recipient of the 2020 Women’s Award due to her outstanding commitment to the community.
Thelma makes a difference by responding to the basic needs of those most vulnerable, being a strong advocate for gender equality and the prevention of family violence. Thelma is an admirable role model who inspires and encourages women from all backgrounds to be generous, charitable and caring.
Some of Thelma’s contributions include:
- Chair of the Greater Shepparton Family Violence Prevention Network
- 28 years of service with Victoria Police across the Greater Shepparton community
- Being a key driver for community awareness through the 16 days of Activism and Gender Equity and social inclusive initiative
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah, congratulated Thelma on her award.
“Thelma typifies what the Women’s Award is all about. She has given so much of her time and energy to improve the lives of women in our region, and she is a very deserving winner of the Women’s Award in 2020,” Cr Abdullah said.
GSWCAC Charter Champion, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, was pleased to be able to witness Thelma accept the award at the GSWCAC International Women’s Day evening.
“The selection of this year’s Women’s Award recipient was extremely difficult, as the calibre of the nominees was very high,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Though the selection panel’s task was difficult, it is very pleasing to see that there are so many people and organisations contributing to their community and making a difference to the lives of women. Congratulations to a deserving recipient in Thelma.”
The Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee (GSWCAAC) is a community advisory committee of the Greater Shepparton City Council, and is part of a broader network of Local Government Area (LGA) advisory committees across the state that are guided and informed by the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.
The GSWCAAC is made up of volunteers and, with Council support, aims to increase women’s participation in key decision making forums in the community and in democratic governance. The GSWCAAC supports three main principles: Gender Equity, Diversity, and Active Citizenship. For more information about the GSWCAAC see: http://greatershepparton.com.au/community/neighbourhoods/wcaac
