stories that connect women.
creativity that transforms community.
Welcome to The Just Saying Project — where storytelling, art and community meet.
2026 Women’s AWARDS FINALISTS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
2026 WOMEN’S AWARD NOMINEES
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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
