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This article was published on Tuesday, 22 July, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Last chance to nominate for the 2025 Greater Shepparton Women’s Award

In Summary

Nominations for the 2025 Greater Shepparton Women’s Award close at 4.00pm on Friday 1 August 2025, with residents encouraged to nominate inspiring local women.
The Award recognises women who demonstrate leadership, promote diversity, and make meaningful contributions toward gender equality in the Greater Shepparton community.
The 2025 Award will be presented on Sunday 14 September 2025, in partnership with Soroptimists International of Shepparton Inc.
The Women’s Charter Advisory Committee encourages community members to reflect on the women who have supported or influenced them and submit a nomination via shepp.city/womensaward.

The Award, an initiative of the Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee, recognises and celebrates women whose stories, contributions and actions have inspired and encouraged others to reach their goals, through embracing diversity and making a difference to gender equality.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged residents to submit their nomination before they close.

“This Award is not just about one moment or achievement, it is to recognise women who consistently uplift others in our community. Your nomination can make a difference to someone and remind them that their efforts are seen and valued,” he said.

“Take a moment to fill out the nomination form before nominations close. It could be a family member, colleague, friend or someone you know in our community who is making a real impact.”

The Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee are a group of passionate women whose guiding principles are gender equity, encouraging diversity in representation and participation and women’s active citizenship.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Sam Spinks, said the Award offers a valuable platform to celebrate women who have made a lasting impact in the region to help drive meaningful change.

“Every day, women are leading, supporting, creating and advocating in ways that strengthen our region and improve the lives around them. This is our opportunity to reflect on that impact and say thank you,” she said.

“By sharing their stories, we not only celebrate their achievements, we inspire others and reinforce the value of diverse leadership and inclusive communities that recognise everyone.

“Nominations are closing soon, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to think about the women who have influenced and supported them and put forward a nomination.”

Chelsea Sofra was named the 2024 Women’s Award recipient in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the community and significant contributions to women across the region, including:

Leading trauma-informed services and managing GVCASA at Goulburn Valley Health, supporting people across Greater Shepparton, Moira, Mitchell, Strathbogie and Murrindindi.
Building and supporting cohesive teams to help vulnerable community members access vital services and counselling.
Serving as the inaugural Chair of the Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVIC) Lead Prevention Practitioners Community of Practice.
Playing a key role in the 2018 and 2019 Cultural Leadership Program for Indigenous students, partnering with headspace, local council, Elders and Rumbalara to co-design, coordinate and evaluate leadership and mentoring opportunities for First Nations young people.
Leading on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for headspace from 2017–2019, and being named a top four finalist for the 2017/18 Victorian Young Achievers Awards.

The 2025 Women’s Award will be presented in partnership with the Soroptimists International of Shepparton Inc at an event on Sunday 14 September 2025.

Nominations close at 4.00pm on Friday 1 August 2025. Nomination forms and further information about the Greater Shepparton Women’s Award can be found by visiting our Women's Award webpage here.