The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to equality and celebrating the achievements and the many untold stories of Tasmanian women who make an exceptional contribution to our community.
Today, I was delighted as Minister for Women to formally induct a diverse group of 24 individuals and two organisations onto the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women at a ceremony in Launceston.
Coming from different walks of life and from right across the State, what these women and women’s organisations share is that they have all made an outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian community.
The Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women was established in 2005 to publicly recognise and celebrate the contributions of Tasmanian women, and to preserve their stories and achievements as historical records.
Inductees this year include a coastguard radio operator, a herpetologist, a nurse who served in World War I, an athletics coach, artists and social justice campaigners.
Some are being honoured posthumously, while others continue to be active in our community today.
Many are quiet achievers and the backbone of their local communities, without whom many programs and events would simply not occur.
On behalf of the Government, and all Tasmanians, I congratulate the inductees and their families on both their recognition and their contribution to Tasmanian life.
A full list of the 26 inductees and their respective fields is below, while biographies on each are available at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/community
South
* Wendy Andrew, long-term volunteer for cultural and natural heritage projects, author and advisory roles to local government.
* Rosemary Coleman, Athletics Tasmania Board Member, athletics coach and volunteer.
* Dr Margaret Davies OAM, a retired academic who discovered and named 35 species of frogs and authored/co-authored/edited over 120 publications.
* Ros Cornish, Chief Executive Officer, Lady Gowrie Tasmania, who has made an invaluable contribution to Early Childhood Education and Care.
* Elizabeth Eden, contribution to the arts through choral music and theatre.
* Ros Goodsell, long-term volunteer for language tutoring, migrant education, interfaith support, and horticulture and land care.
* Roslyn Madsen, State Manager of Australian Education Union.
* Audrey Moore, peace activist.
* Dr Julie Rimes, contribution to education, training and the professional development of teachers and education administrators.
* Janet Symons, contribution to the Huon community by serving on a range of committees.
* Multipurpose Health Centre Auxiliary, Oatlands.
North
* Linda Clark, freelance conservator, collection manager and author.
* Lola Greeno AM, Tasmanian Aboriginal artist, curator and program officer.
* Margot Smart OAM, former Launceston City Council Alderman, businesswoman and member of the thoroughbred racing industry.
* Dr Marita Bardenhagen (1961-2012), Launceston historian.
* Elsie Cumming (nee Tranter) (1885–1968), World War One nurse.
* Rhyllis Furmage (1914–2009), who was an active volunteer and life member of a number of committees and groups in Deloraine.
* Julie Miller (1950-2014), creating opportunities for young women through involvement with Girl Guides Australia.
* Ellen Payne (nee Field) (1865-1962), a pioneer of the Tasmanian arts and crafts movement.
* Loris Russell (1903-1999), a Launceston teacher who was a leader in the fight for justice for women teachers and the first president of the Tasmanian Teachers’ Federation.
North-West
* Sue Smith, the first female Mayor of the Central Coast Council, former president of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Member of the Legislative Council (1997-2013), and first female President of the Legislative Council.
* Rosemary Clarke, Chaplaincy Coordinator at Mersey Community Hospital.
* Mary Kay, who has run the Coastguard Smithton Radio for 17-18 years as a volunteer.
* Mavis Burgess AM (1938–2013), a King Island nurse.
* Ann Smith (1934-1998), a geologist who was instrumental in establishing the Tasmanian branch of the Nursing Mothers’ Association.
* Soroptimist International, Circular Head.