Pauline Toner prize
Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Employment) (16:07): It was my pleasure to again host my annual Pauline Toner prize, celebrating International Women’s Day and our young female leaders. In its 10th year, with this prize, named after an impressive woman with many firsts – the first female minister in the Parliament of Victoria, the first female MP, mayor and councillor for my area – we celebrate the achievements of local young women active in the areas of social justice, the environment and gender equality, areas important to Pauline Toner. Congratulations to nominees Alexandra Laidlaw, Rachel Aden, Chloe Shaw, Sophie Wang and Gianna Andreoli for their exceptional contributions to our community. I especially congratulate Kris Van Der Kamp on being the recipient of this year’s award. I thank Yuki Williams for her lovely keyboard performance, Sue Dyet, Madeline Toner and Sandra Macneil OAM for their ongoing role on the selection panel, and give heartfelt thanks to Rebecca Thistleton, executive director of the McKell Institute, for her insights as our guest speaker.