Victorians are being invited to put forward the names of women who have made lasting contributions to the state, with nominations now open for the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. The call was announced by Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas, who urged the community to recognise women whose work has shaped lives and strengthened Victoria across a wide range of fields.
The Honour Roll acknowledges achievements in areas including social justice, health, science, research, the arts, the environment, law, media and education. Nominations are open to women of all ages and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of experience and leadership found across the state. This year’s categories include History Heroine, Local Champion, Change Agent, Emerging Leader and Trailblazer, each highlighting a different form of impact and service.
Last year’s inductees illustrated the breadth of contributions the Honour Roll seeks to recognise. They included Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips, who became Victoria’s first female Professor of Oncology and has spent her career advancing breast cancer research and women’s health. Advocates addressing family violence were also prominent, among them Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Chair of Respect Victoria, and Lutfiye Kavci, who turned her own experience of abuse into advocacy aimed at helping others.
The Honour Roll was established in 2001 by the late Joan Kirner AC, Victoria’s first female Premier, with the aim of formally recognising women’s achievements while encouraging others to follow similar paths. Since then, more than 770 women have been inducted, creating a public record of leadership, service and community contribution.
The Victorian Government says the initiative plays an important role in lifting the visibility of women as role models and leaders, particularly for younger generations considering their own paths in public life, professional careers or community work. While recognition is symbolic, supporters argue it helps ensure women’s achievements are recorded and remembered, rather than overlooked.
Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said women across Victoria continue to drive change in many forms. She encouraged people to think broadly when considering a nomination, whether the woman’s impact has been felt locally or at a wider level.
“Women right across Victoria are changing lives every day, whether it is in the research lab, in the legal system or advocating for change in a range of fields,” she said. “This is a chance to highlight incredible women from all walks of life.”
Nominations open today and close on Friday, 20 March 2026. Further information, including how to nominate yourself or someone else, is available here.
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