Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 2 February, 2026. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Nominations now open for the 2026 Greater Shepparton Women’s Awards

In Summary

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Awards, recognising the achievements, leadership and community impact of women across the region.
The Awards are an initiative of the Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Advisory Committee and celebrate women who inspire others, embrace diversity and contribute to gender equality.
The 2026 Awards will be presented in partnership with Soroptimists International of Shepparton Inc at an event on Thursday 5 March 2026 at Hotel Parklake Shepparton.
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday 22 February 2026, with nomination forms and further information available via our Women's Charter Women's Award webpage here.

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

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged the community to put forward nominations for women who are making a difference.

“We are proud to recognise the women who lead, support and strengthen our community every day,” he said.

“These awards are about acknowledging leadership, resilience and the positive impact women have across all areas of community life. I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate a woman whose story deserves to be shared.”

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.

Committee Chair, Cr Sam Spinks, said the Award highlights the depth and diversity of women in the local community.

“These awards are about putting women in the spotlight and recognising the incredible work they do across Greater Shepparton. Their leadership, commitment and advocacy are seen, valued and make a real difference in our community,” she said.

“I encourage everyone to think about the women whose actions inspire others and take the time to nominate them so their contributions can be recognised and celebrated.”

Fazela Abbasi was named the 2025 Women’s Award recipient in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the community and significant contributions to women across the region, including:

Supporting newly arrived families through the Afghani Hazara Community Centre and her local mosque
Working with Save the Children on the Safer Pathways Project
Facilitating Supported Playgroups at local schools
Serving as Vice President of the Goulburn Valley Afghan Women’s Association
Organising women’s gatherings, health and education workshops
Leading large multicultural celebrations including Afghan New Year and Eid festivals
Advocating for migrant women to improve service delivery and access to support
Raising awareness of mental health and gender-based inequality within the community

The 2026 Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Awards will be presented in partnership with the Soroptimists International of Shepparton Inc at an event on Thursday 5 March 2026 at Hotel Parklake Shepparton.

Nominations are now open and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 22 February 2026.

Nomination forms and more information about the Greater Shepparton Women’s Award can be found on our Women's Charter Women's Award webpage here.

For further information, please contact Council’s Team Leader Diversity on 5832 9700 or email communityadmin@shepparton.vic.gov.au