Filipino-Australian Melba Marginson has been announced as a winner in The Australian Financial Review and Westpac100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014.
Ms. Marginson has been recognised in the Diversity category for more than 20 years of raising awareness of immigrant and refugee women’s contributions and empowering thousands of these women through programs and policies she has developed and influenced. She is currently the Executive Director of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition.
Ms. Marginson remarked: “It is a great honour to find my name among many women who have equally spent most of their life influencing others so that Australia could be a better society for all. I owe this award to my community work and the thousands of women I have met through my voluntary and paid work, and to the Australian media.”
Now in its third year, the 100 Women of Influence Awards celebrate outstanding women from a wide variety of sectors across Australia. There are ten categories: Board/Management, Public Policy, Young Leader, Social Enterprise and Not-for-profit, Philanthropy, Global Influence, Innovation, Local/Regional Community, Diversity and Business Enterprise.Entrants into the awards were assessed by a panel of esteemed judgesand have been recognised based on their outstanding ability to demonstrate vision, leadership, innovation and action in and beyond their fields.
Gail Kelly, Westpac Group Chief Executive Officer said,“The breadth and calibre of our 100 Women of Influence for 2014 is remarkable.
“It is such a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions these women are making to Australia. The 2014 winners will join the now 300 strong, prestigious alumni of these awards.
“With over 40% of leadership roles at Westpac filled by females, I am fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational women everyday. We are blessed to have such great numbers of influential women doing incredible things in many industries and organisations right across Australia.
Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood said: “This year’s 100 Women of Influence join a growing movement that is changing our society for the better in a myriad of ways. Thanks and congratulations to everyone for the contribution they are making.
“Many of this year’s finalists were nominated by men. It’s a powerful development to see men wholeheartedly supporting women across all the categories. In order to move the dial, more men need to step up and take an active interest, alongside women, in addressing gender equality.”
On Wednesday 22 October, a gala event will be held at Sydney’s Town Hall to celebrate these women and the significant impact that each has made within their chosen field. The ten category winners and overall winner for the year will also be announced on the evening.
For further information, please visit:www.100womenofinfluence.com.au.