stories that connect women.

creativity that transforms community.

Welcome to The Just Saying Project — where storytelling, art and community meet.

CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS!

2026 Women’s AWARDS FINALISTS

  • A landscape with snow-capped mountains in the background and a modern building on a grassy hillside in the foreground.

    THE RISING STAR

    Zoe Place breaks the silence around mental health, empowering young women to own their voices and rise with authenticity.

    Alexis Versarci leads the ‘Wings of Courage’ initiative, supporting children navigating grief and teaching that it’s okay to feel.

    Jennifer-Lee Houseman uses her love for performing arts to promote confidence and kindness, creating safe spaces for young people.

  • THE EQUALISER

    Mitchell Flor leads with mentorship and advocacy, helping women build leadership identity and amplify their voices.

    Marty Strecker uses photography and public art to elevate women’s stories, fostering empathy and community pride.

    Namcara Corowa delivers men’s behavioural change programs, confronting sexism and violence, ensuring women’s voices and dignity remain central to community healing.

  • THE MOTHER OF ALL MOTHERS

    Melanie Kemp nurtures culture and identity through Younga Yarns, empowering future generations to value themselves.

    Lauren Pattie is a dedicated volunteer whose generosity uplifts families.

    Terri Leotta has spent decades as an educator and advocate, uplifting vulnerable young people.

    Terri-Lee (Tez) Reedman shows resilience and kindness as a creative business owner and mother.

    Claire Grandcourt has nurtured generations as a librarian, fostering community connection.

    Nana Stevens transformed challenge into strength, becoming a cultural bridge for families.

  • THE HEALTH & WELLBEING WARRIOR

    Charlotte Heller whose journey through postpartum depression inspired Project Pink, supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.

    Dr Sarah Jane Springer, a Wiradjuri woman and Rural Generalist doctor, leading antenatal reform and mentoring clinicians with integrity.

    Amanda Potter turned her own mental health struggles into The Held Project, offering peer support and hope to mothers.

    Kimberley Stevens created a lifeline for grieving parents, blending psychology and lived experience. 

    Debbie Knight leads Grapevine Group, fighting stigma and preventing suicide with compassion and resilience.

  • THE MAGIC MUSE

    Leonie Wood uplifts women through art, mentoring, and workshops.

    Venita Mooney documents cultural events, inspiring others to embrace their identity.

    Kristy Purdon champions women in the mining sector, creating inclusive spaces.

    Sammy Cole inspires women to be confident and courageous in their creativity.

    Bri Brett uses art and music to spark connection and empowerment.

    Kim Kleidon encourages others to share their stories, building confidence and empathy.

  • THE RESILIENT REBEL

    Teanna Ramsamy navigated grief and mental health challenges, modelling resilience for her family.

    Danielle O’Carroll turned her child’s medical trauma into advocacy, writing ‘The Magic Helmet’ to empower families.

    Georgie Grace Carter survived domestic violence and homelessness, founding the Sisterhood program to empower teenage girls.

    Barb Hill rebuilt her life after loss, founding the Amped Up! Youth Music Initiative.

    Caitlin Ramsay met adversity with courage, advocating for neurodivergent patients and choosing joy in her final days.

2026 WOMEN’S AWARD NOMINEES

  • the mother of all mothers

    Melanie Kemp
    Claire Grandcourt
    Terri Leotta
    Allisha De Grit
    Terri Lee Reedman
    Teanna Ramsamy
    Toni Moore
    Carly Nicholas
    Danielle O’Carroll
    Lauren Pattie
    Anita Camilleri
    Tanya Williams
    Jessica Majid
    Angela Wilkins
    Erica Moloney
    Teaneale English
    Nana Stevens
    Kayleigh Brewster
    Jacquie Camilleri
    Jessic Christie
    Lisa Thompson
    Annerie Tomkinson
    Jules Thompson
    Barb Hill

  • The magic muse

    Liz Russell
    Venita Mooney
    Elena Grant
    Jeanette Mundy
    Sammy Cole
    Kim Kleidon
    Sarah Brown
    Bri Brett
    Karen Jacobson
    Melanie Laas
    Kristy Purdon
    Tonia Beckman
    Shirlz Russell
    Tina Ramsland
    Vassie Comino
    Terri Lee Reedman
    Leonie Wood
    Lian Meaney
    Leisa Watkin
    Leigh Cairns

  • The RESILIent Rebel

    Teanna Ramsamy
    Katie Chapman
    Barb Hill
    Vikki Corowa
    Kayleigh Brewster
    Cassandra Reeves
    Danielle O’Carroll
    Belinda Hassan
    Jameela Walker
    Tracey Mulligan
    Alicia Cashen
    Caitlin Ramsay
    Cheryl- Ann Marshall
    Amanda Grobbelaar
    Georgie Grace Carter

  • THE HEALTH & WELLBEING WARRIOR

    Dr Ritu Rana
    Dr Suzzane Kippen
    Debbie Knight
    Dr Saarh Springer
    CJ Fitsos
    Rebecca Cooper
    Alice Ruddell
    Michelle Byrne
    Gemma Refalo
    Tabitha Brennan
    Denise McCullen
    Amy Fiore
    Kate Woods
    Jen Gils
    Inge Hilhorst
    Pier Tierney
    Charlotte Hellar
    Lauren Hietman
    Sammy Cole
    Amanda Potter
    Chole Gaudion
    Scout Fraser
    Dr Kerry Summerscale
    Kimberly Stevens
    Sari Jurczyluk

  • THE RISING STAR

    Alexis Versaci
    Jennifer -Lee Houseman
    Zoe Place
    Jorja Jurczlyuk

  • THE EQUALISER

    Marty Strecker
    Namarca Corowa
    Lachlan Cooke
    Mitchell Flor

JOY

STRENGTH

PURPOSE

JOY STRENGTH PURPOSE

WINGS OF COURAGE: ALEXIS VERSACI IS TURNING GRIEF INTO PURPOSE

the light in leadership