Women of Achievement Award 

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NOMINATIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR 2026

2026 Nomination Form

The Zonta Club of Bendigo Women of Achievement Award – Emergency Services & First Responders - recognises and celebrates women who demonstrate outstanding leadership, professionalism, and service within emergency response and frontline protection roles. The award highlights the critical contributions women make to the safety, resilience, and well-being of our communities, often under challenging, high-pressure circumstances.

This award honours women who are employed or volunteer in emergency services and first responder roles, including but not limited to Ambulance services, Police, Country Fire Authority (CFA), State Emergency Service (SES), Red Cross, FMG, defence emergency response units, emergency healthcare, disaster response, and related frontline and support services.

Nominees will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Demonstrated excellence and commitment as a woman in an emergency service or first responder role
• Leadership, initiative, or innovation that positively supports women and their colleagues, service delivery, or community outcomes
• Courage, resilience, and professionalism in responding to emergencies or critical incidents
• Contribution to improving safety, preparedness, inclusion, or well-being within their organisation or the broader community
• Alignment with Zonta’s values of advancing the status of women, gender equity and promoting service and advocacy

Eligibility
Nominees must be women who live and/or work within the Greater Bendigo region and who are currently serving, or have recently served, as an employee or volunteer in an emergency service or first responder capacity within any recognised Victorian service such as CFA, SES, FRV, Police, Ambulance or other.

Recognition
The recipient will be formally recognised by the Zonta Club of Bendigo at their International Women’s Day Dinner and acknowledged for her exceptional contribution to emergency response and community safety. ​

For further information contact:
Rosalind Deacon: 0409978127 or Jan Buckland: 0402252494

Email Application to: [email protected]          
Closing Date February 20th, 2026

Selection
Shortlisting of candidates will occur after the closing date and an informal interview will be arranged. The successful candidate will be presented with the Achievement Award at the International Women's Day Dinner. 

Award Presentation
The winner(s) of the Achievement Award will be announced at the Zonta Club of Bendigo International Women’s Day Dinner, held on the 1st Tuesday of March each year. 

Shortlisted candidates will be notified and they may purchase a ticket to attend the dinner.​

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Past Winners

2025 Winner - Annette

2024 Winner - Lydia

2023 Woman of Achievement Joint Winners: Amanda & Tracey

2022 Woman of Achievement Winner : Dianne

2021 Woman of Achievement Winner: Colleen

2020 Women of Achievement Winner: Nicole

2019 Women of Achievement Recipients: Margaret & ​Julie

​Past Recipients and Nominees
2000 - Willi C (special Women of Achievement Award recipient in celebration of our club's 20th year)
2016 - Recipients: Karen R, Val C & Gayle M
2017 - Recipients: Katherine L, Kaye G & Margaret K
2018 - Recipients: Sei Sei T, Cathy S
2019 - Recipients: Julie O & Margaret S
​2020 - Recipient: Nicole F.
2021 - Recipient: Colleen C
2022 - Recipient: Dianne
2023 - Recipients: Amanda & Tracey
2024 - Recipient: Lydia F
​2025 - Recipient: Annette D
            

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