Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today welcomed the inclusion of Rowena Allan to the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll for 2009. Ms Allan is among 20 inspirational women from across Victoria to be added to the 2009 Honour Roll.
As Chief Executive Officer of Uniting Care – Cutting Edge, and through various other roles, Ms Allen has promoted the rights of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (GLBTI) communities, refugees, young people and single parents.
Ms Allen is chair of the Victorian Government Ministerial Advisory Committee on GLBTI Health and Wellbeing, and former chair of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria and Goulburn Regional Youth Affairs Network. She is also the acting chair of the Victorian Skills Commission, working to include marginalised groups in the Victorian Education and Skills Training Framework.
In 2003, Ms Allen received a Centenary Medal for services to youth.
Ms Allen joins Victoria's first female Fire Brigade station officer, Louise Cannon, campaigner on the dangers of solarium use Claire Oliver, champion cricketer Margaret Jennings and community worker Colleen Condliffe by having her name and achievement etched in Victoria’s history.
“Ms Allen is a remarkable woman who has worked to improve the lives of individuals and her community. I congratulate her on behalf of the people of Northern Victoria for her contribution and for her courage and determination,” Ms Broad said.
Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand announced the 2009 Honour Roll inductees at the National Gallery of Victoria recently in the lead-up to International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2009.
Ms Morand said this year’s inductees join 419 women already on the honour roll.
“These women are from across metropolitan and rural and regional areas, their fields range from sport, science, education, and human rights, as well as Indigenous and multicultural organisations.’’ Ms Morand said.
“Each woman has made a major contribution to their field of endeavour. International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to focus on where more work needs to be done.”
“The Honour Roll provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of those being honoured and to encourage other women to pursue their individual goals.”
International Women’s Day will be celebrated in a variety of ways across Victoria. To find a local event, go to www.women.vic.gov.au
Brief biographies of the 2009 Honour Roll inductees are available from www.women.vic.gov.au