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2024 WA Women’s Hall of Fame: Diverse group of inspiring women inducted

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Emily MoultonThe West Australian
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This diverse group of ceiling-breakers, many of whom spent years — some even decades — forging paths in areas traditionally dominated by men, are this year’s WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductees.
Camera IconThis diverse group of ceiling-breakers, many of whom spent years — some even decades — forging paths in areas traditionally dominated by men, are this year’s WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductees. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

If there is one thing this incredible, inspiring, and forward-thinking group of women all have in common it’s passion.

Passion for what they believe in, passion to succeed and passion for other women’s success.

So, it is fitting this diverse group of ceiling-breakers, many of whom spent years — some even decades — forging paths in areas traditionally dominated by men, are this year’s WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductees.

For more than a decade, the organisation — which initially began as an event to honour local female trailblazers — has highlighted the tremendous and sometimes pioneering efforts of women by adding them to the roll of honour as part of International Women’s Day.

To date, 267 WA women from all regions of the State have been honoured.

And this year 16 more have been added to the list including award-winning conductor Jessica Gethin; respected elder, teacher, international blues and gospel singer-songwriter Kankawa Nagarra; Dress for Success WA co-founder, Racheal Hain; environmental engineer Emeritus Professor Carolyn Oldham; the deputy chair of the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Esme Bowen; businesswoman/changemaker, Dr Sandy Chong and reading expert Lorraine Hammond.

For Ms Bowen, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the nursing, caring, disability, and volunteering sector and who has contributed to the business of for-purpose sectors for the same amount of time, finding out she had been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame came as a complete surprise.

Esme Bowen said finding out she had been inducted was a complete surprise.
Camera IconEsme Bowen said finding out she had been inducted was a complete surprise. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

“Oh, I was stunned,” she told The West Australian. “So, kudos to the person who nominated me and who took the time. I mean, honestly, that was very generous. I feel very humble.”

It was the same for Prof Oldham, whose work in the field of preventing surface and groundwater contamination has earned her numerous national awards.

“I’m quite overawed, actually overwhelmed,” she said. “I look at all the women around me, and I think ‘why did someone nominate me?’.”

Moleculor biologist Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy, who founded the Department of Molecular Ophthalmology at the Lions Eye Institute and was the first in Australia to apply molecular techniques to investigate eye diseases and lead the group that developed the gene therapy treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration, was thrilled to be inducted explaining she hopes to continue promoting the benefits of medical science despite having retired.

Moleculor biologist Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy.
Camera IconMoleculor biologist Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Gooniyandi, Walmajarri Bunaba woman, Kankawa Nagarra told The West Australian she hopes to use her position and music to highlight the fragility of our environment and the need to protect it.

She also said she couldn’t believe she had been honoured for doing something that she sees as her responsibility to “do what was best for the world”.

Gooniyandi, Walmajarri Bunaba woman, Kankawa Nagarra.
Camera IconGooniyandi, Walmajarri Bunaba woman, Kankawa Nagarra. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Recognised for her work to change the way reading is taught in schools and universities and for leading a program teaching disadvantaged children from remote schools to read, Edith Cowan University Associate Professor Lorraine Hammond said she felt humbled.

“Learning to read is a right, not a privilege, and I share this award with the many teachers who have taken up explicit, structured literacy in their classrooms and have changed children’s lives,” she said.

For Ms Hain, being inducted was not only an honour but also a chance to highlight the work her organisation does — to help women get back on their feet and into the workforce.

For Ms Hain, being inducted was not only an honour but also a chance to highlight the work her organisation does.
Camera IconFor Ms Hain, being inducted was not only an honour but also a chance to highlight the work her organisation does. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

“What is the most amazing thing I’ve seen over the years is the transformation of someone … of getting back into the workforce, being able to secure employment and to help their family,” she added.

As a former migrant, Dr Chong, who raises funds annually for the UN Women, UN Association of WA, Special Olympics Australia, RUAH Community Service, and Zonta House Refuge, explained she felt very honoured to be honoured by the country and city she has called home for two decades.

She also offered this advice to other migrants who have chosen to make WA their home and have been struggling to find their way – go volunteer.

“My advice to them is very simple,” she said. “Just think about the things that really drive you. If you believe in quality education, then go and support schools. If you believe in gender equality, there are many women organisations where you can volunteer, like Zonta, the United Nations Association, or even Rotary Club. There are a lot of very good, helpful people around. You just need to reach out and ask.”

2024 WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductees:

Kankawa Nagarra, Artist and Teacher

Esme Bowen, Deputy Chair, Chamber of Commerce, and Industry WA

Jessica Gethin, Conductor, Educator, Presenter & Ambassador

Libby Lyons, Non-Executive Director

Dr. Sandy Chong PhD, Leader, Educator, Businesswoman, Founder, Changemaker

Rachael Hain, Co-founder Dress for Success Western Australia

Di Ryder OAM, Respected Noongar Elder

Sandy Dann, Radio Broadcaster

Rebecca Prince Ruiz OAM, Founder, Executive Director Plastic Free July

Associate Professor Lorraine Hammond AM, Teacher Literacy

Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Rakoczy PhD, Molecular Biologist

Sue Morey OAM, Nurse Practitioner Respiratory Medicine

Celia Waugh, Life Member Surf Lifesaving WA

Colleen Kluwen, Aerobics and Calisthenics Pioneer

Captain Carol Dooley, Foreign-Going Unlimited Ship Master, Pilot and Marine Manager

Emeritus Professor Carolyn Oldham, Teacher Environmental Engineering

Posthumous inductees:

Dr. Judyth Watson OAM, Politician (1940-2023)

Katharine Susannah Prichard, Author (1883-1969)

Mary (Mollie) Louise Skinner, Author (1878-1955)

Dr. Rosemary van den Berg PhD, Nurse, Academic, Author, University Lecturer (1939–2022)

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