First Nations Woman in Community Life Award
Ms COUZENS (Geelong) (14:17): Over the past few years I have been very pleased to provide the International Women’s Day First Nations Woman in Community Life Award in Geelong. This award is a great opportunity to acknowledge the great work that First Nations women are doing in the Geelong community. This First Nations award acknowledges women elders of the past who have not received the recognition that they deserve—the beautiful women warriors of the past. This award becomes a record of the history of First Nations women in our great city, something that has been sadly lacking not just in Geelong but across this country. I thank the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee for organising this annual event where we can recognise and pay tribute to the many great women in our community.
It was a great honour to announce the 2020 winner as Marsha Uppill. Marsha has worked tirelessly for many years, raising awareness and understanding about Aboriginal culture. Marsha has recently ventured into her own business and continues her passions for gender equality, mentoring young women, leadership and democracy. Marsha has been focused on closing the gap and on gender inequality. Her work in the field has been done with overarching humility, generosity and a personal sense of giving back.