Women Hold Up The Sky
The new "Women Hold Up Half The Sky Award" acknowledges the outstanding contribution of women in the community
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2012 AWARD ARE OPEN NOW - Click here to download your nomination form.
NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING WOMAN WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Nominations are now open for the Australia Day Council of South Australia Women Hold Up Half the Sky award.
The award, which recognises an outstanding woman who has made a great contribution to the community, is part of the Australia Day awards and honours and is jointly coordinated by the Office for Women.
Minister for the Status of Women, Gail Gago, says the award is important in ensuring that the valued contribution women make to our community does not go unnoticed.
“The Women Hold Up Half the Sky award will recognise a South Australian woman who acts as role model and has inspired us through her accomplishments,” the Minister said.
“This award is an excellent opportunity to celebrate these achievements.
“Previous nominations were of an exceptionally high calibre, and I look forward to seeing the outstanding women that this round attracts.”
Chair of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, Dr Tony Cocchiaro, says that last year the nominations received for the award outnumbered those received for any other award program that the council conducts.
“The Women Hold Up Half the Sky award is testament to the fact that there are women in the community that deserve acknowledgment,” Dr Cocchiaro said.
“Too many women go unrecognised for the work they undertake in both paid and volunteering capacities.
“This award allows for one woman who has made an exceptional contribution to the community to be publicly recognised for her efforts.”
Last year’s inaugural award was won by Patricia Waria-Read for her role in advocating for the rights of Aboriginal women, as well as the leadership she provided to others in her community.
Ms Waria-Read, a respected Ngadjuri elder, was recognised for her role in the State Aboriginal
Women’s Gathering and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Gathering, as well as her efforts in rehabilitation for Aboriginal offenders and prisoners.
“I felt privileged receiving the Women Hold Up Half the Sky award because it acknowledged the hard work that I, and many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women, have done in our line of work within the community,” Ms Waria-Read said.
“The award has inspired me to continue in my life’s journey to support, assist and mentor our young women to achieve their goals and aspirations.
“I would encourage those people who know of women who have worked tirelessly in their specialist areas, to nominate them for the next Women Hold Up Half the Sky award.
“I am sure we will get some exceptional nominations from women throughout South Australia.”
The Women Hold Up Half the Sky award will be presented at a reception on the lawns of Government House on the eve of Australia Day 2012.
The award has taken its name from well-known artwork by internationally recognised South Australian artist, Ann Newmarch, who is herself a recipient of an Order of Australia for services to art. Nominations for the Women Hold Up Half the Sky award close at 5pm on 9 December 2011.
2011 Recipient for Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award: Patricia Ann Waria-Read
Please contact the Australia Day Council office on (08) 8227 2601 if you have any questions or would like further information.
Women Hold Up The Sky 2012 FINAL (1.55 MB)