Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA) is an annual event for District 9675. Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC, KC, Governor of NSW, is the Vice Regal Patron of the event.
In keeping with Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self, these awards acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women through their various activities and endeavours. They recognise the work done by women, the ‘quiet achievers’ whose actions inspire others and make a difference to their communities.
RIWA recognises service to the community across all sectors. The awards are directed at the non-Rotary community, and are about commitment, dedication, perseverance and proactivity in improving the lives of others. The awards are open to women across NSW, with separate awards for city and rural nominations.
The four award categories include Rotary Inspirational Woman of the Year (30+) Rural and Urban, Rotary Young Inspirational Woman of the Year (18-30) and Rotary Inspirational Woman of the Year Healthcare Worker.
A panel of independent judges from Rotary districts assessed nominees on three key criteria: Community service which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self; Achievements; and Personal Attributes.
The seventh RIWA annual presentation was held at Rydges World Square Hotel, Sydney, on September 10, 2023. An inspiring video message from Her Excellency, the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, congratulating and thanking all the RIWA finalists and winners, was shown at the event.
Guest speaker for the night was RIWA 2020 Young Inspirational Woman of the Year Fibha Frameen. Fibha holds a master’s degree in law with specialisations in human rights, policy rights and international law. Her outstanding international journey gained momentum after winning RIWA. Holding a Peace Scholar scholarship, Fibha attended one of the largest and most prestigious Youth Summits, One Young World in Manchester in 2022 and is now a One Young World Ambassador.
The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women and Seniors attended the event and extended her congratulations to all the finalists and winners, thanking them for their contributions to their communities, which have saved many lives and changed countless others for the better.
The award presentation highlighted the inspirational qualities of the 16 finalists – announced at a reception at NSW Parliament House in August – who were all presented with trophies in recognition of the laudable contribution they were making to their communities. The trophies were presented by District Governor 9675 Tonia Barnes.
Domestic violence survivor Stacy Jane was announced as Rotary Inspirational Woman of the Year 2023. Stacy established the charity Escabags after escaping her abusive relationship in 2019. Escabags offers free Escape Bags to individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, providing essential items during the critical initial days of seeking support. Stacy, driven by her own experiences, aims to fill the gap in support for victims, empowering them with practical solutions. Escabags has distributed more than 8,500 Escape Bags nationally and has gained support from government, businesses and the police. She has taken her inspiring operation from a small bedroom to a commercial warehouse and has earned high recognition for her impactful contribution to the community.
More information on the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards can be found at www.riwa.com.au
2023 RIWA Winners
2023 Rotary Inspirational Woman – Urban Stacy Jane
2023 Rotary Inspirational Woman – Rural Mary Hollingworth
2023 Rotary Inspirational Woman Healthcare Worker Linda Tiltsen
2023 Young Rotary Inspirational Woman Yasmin Jimmieson
MAIN PICTURE: Ten of the 16 2023 RIWA finalists: Mary Hollingworth, Sharon Robertson, Janelle Dodd, Stacy Jane, Gwenneth Johnson, Megan Cox, Patrina McLean, Gladyss Panoncillo, Maryam Zahid and Robyn Hutchison, with RIWA Ambassador Louisa Hope and The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP.