2020’s exceptional Canberra women named

Posted on 6 March, 2020

The Canberra community came together at the 2020 ACT Women’s Awards last night to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of ACT women who have improved the status of women and girls in the region.

Cindy Mitchell was named the 2020 ACT Woman of the Year for her outstanding work in empowering girls across Canberra to take control of their future and economic participation, by actively educating them to embrace entrepreneurship and strive for a voice in the business sector.

Cindy founded the Canberra region’s first dedicated social enterprise business development consultancy, Mill House Ventures. She was lauded for actively supporting a network of more than 100 women change makers, entrepreneurs and startups—more than 100 in the last year alone. This has “created a ripple effect where more than 1000 women and girls have indirectly benefited from Cindy’s leadership and passion for economic empowerment.”

Dr Helen Watchirs was named 2020 ACT Senior Woman of the Year, acknowledged as “a strong and practical advocate for the human rights of people experiencing disadvantage, including woman and girls, particularly those in ACT detention facilities”. Her systemic advocacy has influenced ACT Government reforms on gender diversity, mental health, racial and religious vilification, sex work, anti-terrorism and intimate image abuse.

Young advocate Shiralee Sankey was named 2020 ACT Young Woman of the Year and held up as a “leader and mentor for young people. Shiralee is deeply involved in ensuring community facilities and organisations meet the needs of young people.”

Thirty-five women have also been inducted onto the ACT Women’s Honour Roll, and ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan was presented with a commendation award for her immeasurable hard work and effort during the worst bushfire season the ACT, and the country as a whole, has seen.

In 2019, the Canberra Capitals and their supporters were named ACT Citizens of the Year and have been inducted to the 2020 Honour Roll. Following the defeat of the Southside Flyers and taking home the WNBL Championship, the Canberra Capitals have also been presented with a commendation award.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the ACT Government will light up the Kings Avenue Overpass Bridge purple on Sunday 8 March.