Women & Leadership Australia General Manager, Karen Surmon, has announced the National and State/Territory recipients of the 2025 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership were created by Women & Leadership Australia in 2014 to honour women leaders nominated by the public for their outstanding contribution and lasting impact across business, government, and community in delivering positive outcomes for women, girls or other groups facing disadvantage.
The 2025 Award Recipients:
- NATIONAL – Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Former Chief Scientist
- ACT – Heidi Yates, Change Leader, Strategist, Human Rights Lawyer
- NSW – The Hon Linda Burney MP, Member for Barton
- NT – Karan Hayward, CEO Papulu Apparr-kari Aboriginal Corporation
- QLD – Anja Christoffersen, Disability Advocate and Social Entrepreneur; CEO of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN)
- SA – Dr Manasi Murthy Mittinty, Senior Lecturer; Speaker & Author; Founder of CHERISH
- TAS – Associate Professor Justine Shaw, Founder of Homeward Bound; Conservation Scientist & Advocate for equity in STEM
- VIC – Suzie Betts, Founder, Boob Armour
- WA – Janine Dureau, CEO, Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council; Community Leader, First Nations Advocate
The recipients of the 2025 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership will accept their awards at an Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium, or Inspired Leadership Series event across Australia throughout the year.
"To drive meaningful change toward equity and inclusion in our society, we need to listen to, learn from, and celebrate those leading the way. The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership highlights the exceptional work of women and gender-diverse leaders who are achieving positive change across our community. By shining a spotlight on their accomplishments, we inspire others and accelerate progress towards equity for all" - says Karen Surmon, General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia.
The 2025 National Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership
 |
The 2025 National winner is Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM; Australia’s Former Chief Scientist, internationally recognised physicist, and inspiration to women in STEM across the globe. |
Dr Foley said of the award win; “We are still gendered in most careers even for STEM. While we have lots of girls and women doing the life sciences, they have insecure work and don’t get promoted. In the physical sciences we have a pipe-line issue where girls don’t choose high level maths and physical sciences and so there are few women. Even after decades of effort and initiatives, we are not there yet. There is still work to do.”
Karen Surmon said the award acknowledged Dr Foley’s remarkable tenure as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist and honoured her contributions as a trailblazer for women in STEM.
“Dr. Foley’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to driving positive change have advanced critical technologies and climate solutions while inspiring countless women to pursue careers in science.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the scientific profession thrives on and benefits from the diverse contributions of women and people from all backgrounds. Through her dedication to promoting equality and diversity in this traditionally male-dominated field, she has left an enduring impact on the global STEM community.”
Over 100 remarkable Australian leaders have been recognised for their leadership since the awards began. Previous Award recipients have included The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Christine Holgate, Karen Mundine, Magda Szubanski, Janine Allis, Prof Dr Marcia Langton, Rochelle Courtenay, and The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Find out more about the awards and previous winners at www.wla.edu.au/awards
