When Samantha Weller made the decision to leave her marriage and become a single mum to three young daughters, she wasn’t chasing a new life. She was reclaiming the one she almost lost.
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I have for most of my life been a people pleaser, along with that I have recently found out one of my strengths is adaptability, so boundaries are a constant work in progress for me.
As I sat there madly writing in my notebook all these wonderful anecdotes and statistics: “No is a complete sentence, our emotions are data; clear is kind and what we permit we promote.”
They weren’t just sinking into my mind; they were landing on my heart.
Then it hit me: “You are always negotiable Fallon, time to start being non-negotiable.”
Wendy Steindl doesn’t just talk sustainability — she lives it, every single day. Whether she’s helping someone swap out toxic products, running her pre-loved clothing market Sweet Repeats, or picking up rubbish on a solo beach walk.
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I look nothing like Eeyore, if anything I probably vibe more with Winnie the Pooh, but with pants on.
There have been a few moments in my life where I have been told I was Eeyore, or I was acting like Eeyore. Now the nickname has been spoken half in jest, maybe in concern and sometimes in annoyance. But it always lands the same way: as if my heaviness makes me the gloomy donkey of the story.
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When Cody-Maree Allsop Collins steps on stage as Miss Bailey Bliss, she isn't just performing burlesque. She’s reclaiming the narrative around women’s bodies, one unapologetic dance at a time.
As the founder of Burlesque by Bailey and JSP’s first Modern Muse Award recipient, Cody has made it her mission to challenge the idea that a woman’s worth can be measured by a number on the scale or the latest body trend.
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When CJ, founder of FemCo, hit her lowest point, she was no stranger to hormones, health, or hard work. A certified menopause coach, a champion of women’s wellness, and an educated professional in fitness and nutrition — but all of that knowledge didn’t shield her from the storm of menopause.
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There is a quiet kind of love that doesn’t wait to be asked. It simply arrives. Arms open, kettle on, phone call made. It’s the love that holds the centre when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. It’s not flashy. It’s not Instagrammable.
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For celebrant and community builder Bianca Dixon, life hasn’t just thrown her curveballs—it’s handed her grief, uncertainty and heartbreak in rapid succession. And yet, she continues to show up. With grace, grit, and generosity.
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When Charlotte Heller started Project Pink, it wasn’t just about fitness. It was about freedom. It was about giving women and children—especially those affected by domestic violence—somewhere to feel safe, seen, and strong again.
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At 76, Vivien Hanrahan is she’s still teaching hospitality to young people in Mackay, sewing costumes for local theatre productions, and volunteering for community causes that make life softer, safer, and more connected for others.
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Sarah Brown doesn’t just preach body love—she performs it, photographs it, lives it, and shines a big, hot spotlight on it.
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With nearly 20 years of experience as a naturopath, Jody has become a leading voice in women’s health, period literacy, and hormonal education.
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As a journalist for Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Magazine, Hannah has quickly transitioned from a beginner to a skilled storyteller, using her platform to give a voice to those often unheard.
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The lifelong quest of self-acceptance.
Waiting in the wings since adolescence.
Trying to discover its essence.
Forever researching hoping to find the perfect reference.
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Terrilee is a woman who walks to the beat of her own drum. As a mother of four – her 19-year-old daughter and three sons aged 17, 15, and 14 – her role extends far beyond her own family.
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Rod Francisco's unwavering support for women, both professionally and personally, has made him a true champion for gender equality. With a long career in Human Resources, a field predominantly occupied by women, Rod's teams have always been a testament to his dedication and support.
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Her nominator described her as “an Absolute Star”.
She not only juggles motherhood, working as a writer and editor for Mackay Whitsunday Life and being an amazing friend… Last year she also took on the challenge of beating the big C.
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As a devoted mother of five, business leader, and pillar of the Greater Whitsunday community, Lisa Versaci has turned a deeply challenging personal tragedy into a legacy of love, support and empowerment. What this woman has done, really boggles the mind – so strap in.
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Sari Jurczyluk symbolises everything this award represents – compassion, strength, and an unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of mothers and families.
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Arhamah Haider's nomination reads like the pages of a "Little People, Big Dreams" book, yet her story is only just beginning. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things that we are bound to read about her in the future.
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