Women of Achievement Award 

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NOMINATIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR 2026

2026 Nomination Form

​The purpose of the Women of Achievement Award is to recognise women who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership in their community. As a result of her service, the community is a better place to live.

There are three separate eligibility categories in which a women or girl can be recognised. A person can be put forward as either a:

1. Visionary Leader – A woman who has been a major voice in the concept, design and implementation and/or promotion of a project that has helped to solve an issue or community need; or, she has provided the leadership to implement someone else’s idea.
2. Community Work or Volunteer – A woman who volunteers for more than one activity, but doesn’t take the lead. She devotes hours to getting the "job" accomplished. You can count on her. She is reliable.
3. Mentor – A woman who has mentored other women, built relationships, shared skills and knowledge in a respectful way, based on mutual respect over a number of years. This might be a formally or informally provided – but has made a real difference.

Eligibility

• Members of the Zonta Club of Bendigo are ineligible for the award.
• It is not necessary for a nominee to have had a business or professional career. The individual is being recognised because of her contributions to the community
• The three categories outlined above (Visionary Leader, Community Work or Volunteer, or Mentor) defines the areas of Nomination for the Zonta Club of Bendigo Women of Achievement Awards. A nominee must fit at least one of these criteria but could be considered under more than one criterion.
• The Zonta Club of Bendigo reserves the right to award up to three Women of Achievement Awards but may choose to award less.

Application

​Deadline: Feb 20th 2026
​Submit to: [email protected]
Ensure two referees are listed and consent has been granted. 
Submit the nomination by email by the deadline.

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

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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