great women of ballarat
Celebrating Leadership, Service and Community Change
Since 2008, the Great Women of Ballarat program has recognised more than 200 extraordinary women from across the region. These are women who lead with courage, give back without asking for recognition and shape Ballarat through volunteerism, advocacy, innovation and community service.
Each year the program puts a spotlight on women whose work in business, arts, social justice, education, health and grassroots volunteering strengthens the social fabric of our city. By honouring their achievements, we raise visibility of women’s leadership and inspire future generations to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive Ballarat.
Through public nominations, community celebration and ongoing storytelling, Great Women of Ballarat is more than an awards program, it is a living record of the women whose commitment and vision build our community.
great women of Ballarat Honourees 2026
Jill Oliver, Rebacca Jakobi, Sherley Hart, Larelle Kuczer, Cathy Oddie and Wendy Sturgess.
Stewardship and collaboration
The initiative was created by Women's Health Grampians in 2008 and led by the Zonta Club of Ballarat from 2010.
We thank the partners working alongside the Ballarat Foundation for 2026 and beyond: City of Ballarat, Ballarat Businesswomen Network, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Women’s Health Grampians, Commerce Ballarat, 3BA/Power FM, Federation University, Workforce Australia Local Jobs Ballarat, The Ballarat Times and Zonta Club Ballarat. Collaborators provide guidance, advice, community access and advocacy to amplify the impact of the initiative.
Our vision for Great Women of Ballarat
The program’s long-term goal is to secure permanent public recognition of women’s contributions to Ballarat, by advocating to local, state and national representatives for initiatives that reflect aspirations for gender equality and inclusion. This includes increasing the visibility of women as role models in public art, events, exhibitions and civic recognition across Ballarat.
Contact:
Please get in touch if you have questions or feedback.
Nominations have closed for 2026.
We work on Wadawurrung land
The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected and empowered to thrive.