Women of the Year Awards

Alisa McDonald-Krygger

Alisa works at Support Chain, a NDIS provider, and has made a remarkable impact on the community by supporting people with a disability. 

As a person who is legally blind, Alisa brings invaluable personal experience and an intimate knowledge of the system’s intricacies to her work.

This unique perspective allows her to provide practical guidance to others as she works tirelessly to facilitate access to resources and services.

Passionate about fostering an inclusive Kingston, Alisa has built a strong support network for NDIS participants and has previously run peer support groups and educational workshops.

She also collaborates with local businesses to create job opportunities, with her efforts recognised by disability advocacy groups and featured in local media.

Andreea Sfarlea

Andreea leads the Free Everything - City of Kingston group, a grassroots initiative with over 10,000 members, promoting the free exchange of items to reduce waste and support those in need.

Her efforts have fostered sustainability, strengthened community ties, and provided relief to individuals and families facing economic challenges, with the platform enabling residents to give away unwanted items for free, cultivating a culture of reuse and reducing waste.

Launching and sustaining the group has required immense dedication and resilience and is a testament to Andreea’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

Andreea plans to expand the group into a not-for-profit organisation featuring used goods markets and repair cafés to strengthen the community further and promote sustainability.

Catherine Pinches

Catherine excels at fundraising, supporting schools like Aspendale Gardens Primary School.

In 2023, her efforts raised over $51,000 for the school, showcasing her dedication and impact, and resulted in a completely refurbished play area, including a new basketball and netball court, soccer goals, and a 4-square area.

Catherine is also deeply involved in supporting other important causes.

She actively contributes to the Buxton Pink Gala, raising money for breast cancer research, and has helped fundraise for numerous other charitable organisations over the years.

Her passion and dedication to these causes are evident in her tireless work and meaningful ability to engage the community.

Catherine's commitment to making a positive difference through fundraising continues to inspire others.

Hannah Daniels

Hannah's contribution to the community through her cat rescue operation, Hannah's Haven, is truly remarkable.

The volunteer home-based rescue organisation has become a network of foster carers and volunteers focused on education, rehoming, and rescuing homeless animals.

Hannah started by rescuing abandoned kittens found in her backyard and it has now turned into a full-time job as she assists the community by providing a safe space for abandoned and stray cats.

Hannah's generosity is evident in her care, assistance, and support for animal foster families by supplying food, litter, and medical care, thus reducing the financial burden.

Hannah's Haven is more than just a rescue operation; it reflects her deep commitment to creating a compassionate, caring community for both animals and people.

Leanne Maloni

Founded in 2014 by Leanne Maloni, The Ladies of Lochiel is a collective of households in Edithvale whose purpose is to provide food packs for vulnerable people in our community.

The You Are Special food packs are the initiative of two charities, Servants of the Two Hearts and Reaching Out Because We Can.

The packs contain 14 non-perishable items to ensure the recipients have enough food to see them through to their next meal.

Leanne's household started by supplying 10 bags and as neighbours heard, the group quickly expanded and now delivers 50 bags monthly. The group also provide clothing, hand knits, and bulk food.

The Ladies of Lochiel hope that they can inspire others to create their own collective and start packing.

Kirstine Mann

Kirstine, owner of Highett Podiatry, has been serving the Kingston community for nearly 30 years, providing vital podiatric care.

In addition to in-clinic appointments, Kirstine offers home visit podiatry services for residents who are unable to leave their homes, helping to meet the needs of an ageing population.

In April 2022, Kirstine opened a second clinic in Mentone, strategically located near the train station and local schools, to further accommodate the community's need for accessible podiatry care.

To meet the varied schedules of her patients, she offers flexible hours, with appointments available from 7.30am to 7.30pm. 

Kirstine is also deeply committed to supporting local charities and community groups, backing a wide variety of organisations.

Michelle Roberts

Michelle began her leadership journey in Kingston as Assistant Principal at Cheltenham Secondary College before becoming Principal of Mordialloc College in 2011.

Michelle prioritised teacher development, implementing a triad coaching model in 2016 for staff to observe and improve each other's teaching.

In 2020, the Victorian Government case study for 'Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support' highlighted the outstanding results of Mordialloc College's intervention program. 

Her dedication to the college extended beyond academics. Michelle built strong relationships within the community, emphasising respect and value for everyone, and promoting positive student behaviour.  

At the 2019 Victorian Excellence in Education Awards, she received two awards - the 'Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education' and the 'Secondary Principal of the Year’.

Neetu Dang

Neetu is a local business champion and has supported multiple fundraising initiatives through her business, Foodworks in Cheltenham.

She contributed significantly to the Follett Road artwork project, ensuring the design reflected the area's history and identity.

Beyond her business contributions, Neetu has shown an unwavering dedication to charitable causes.

Neetu arranges annual collection tins at her Foodworks store for the Good Friday Appeal.

She has also been a consistent and greatly valued supporter of the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Cheltenham, significantly aiding the society's efforts to assist struggling individuals and families in the area.

In the year leading up to May 2024, the society’s volunteers assisted 802 adults and 490 children through 530 visits to 130 households.

Odri Fernandes

Odri coaches entrepreneurs, significantly increasing business success rates.

Those coached by Odri highlight the transformative impact she's had by believing in them when they've struggled, connecting deeply, and understanding both business challenges and personal dreams.

Odri has facilitated 50 successful partnerships, creating jobs and fostering economic growth, including employing nine staff in India with flexible arrangements for those facing mental health challenges.

What truly sets Odri apart is her unwavering dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

She ensures that every entrepreneur, regardless of their background, feels seen, heard, and supported and her commitment to creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs has been nothing short of inspiring.

In 2022, Odri was awarded the Business Coach of the Year by the International Coaching Guild.

Ria Breider

Ria Breider has made significant contributions to Kingston through her volunteer work with the Chelsea SES and Disaster Recovery Australia.

As Deputy Unit Controller for Chelsea SES, she ensures operational readiness and manages resources for emergency responses.

Ria also supports disaster survivors nationwide, offering both practical and emotional care, with her dedication and selflessness, despite the physical and emotional toll, showcasing her remarkable commitment to community service.

Ria is passionate about expanding support systems within the SES and Disaster Recovery Australia and is dedicated to mentoring women in emergency services and breaking down barriers in this traditionally male-dominated field.

While she does not seek recognition, her peers consistently commend her leadership, support, and unwavering commitment.

Sofia Neale

Sofia Neale is a passionate advocate for inclusion. Her approach is human-centred, warm and she makes you feel safe and understood.

She is a mother with lived experience as a carer to neurodivergent family members and is an exceptional role model.

Her dedication for advocacy has seen her volunteer, consult, keynote speak and advocate for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Sofia is the founding manager and designer of Aspergers Victoria's Teens Work KnowHow program.

This job readiness program has been instrumental in equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce.

In 2023, Sofia was a Brenda Gabe Award nominee with Women with Disabilities Victoria and co-chair for the National Autism Strategies Economic Inclusion Working Group. 

Uma Krithika Muralidharan

Uma leads KRITHA Inc, a registered non-profit dedicated to supporting diverse communities in promoting mental wellbeing.

KRITHA offers a wide range of activities, including weekly yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy treatments and runs a hiking club.

In addition to mental health activities, KRITHA organises camps during school holidays for children, offering them a chance to experience fun, learning, and personal growth outside the classroom.

Uma's commitment to her community extends to volunteering for local charity events and educating young women on leadership skills, providing them with the tools to succeed in both personal and professional spaces.

Uma provides support to local, home-based female entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of running small businesses. 

Alysia Regan

Alysia has dedicated 21 years to the Mentone Panthers, currently serving as the volunteer General Manager.

In 2023 and 2024, the club faced the challenge of not having a home ground, but Alysia successfully secured a temporary venue in Seaford for 2024.

Beyond administrative duties, she provides hot meals for players after training, runs the match day shop and canteen, and plays a key role in the team's operations.

Under her leadership, the Mentone Panthers triumphed in the VAFA Grand Final in 2024.

She leads by example, her ability to remain calm and organised during challenging times, demonstrates her resilience and determination.

Lorinda Curnow

Lorinda is the volunteer coordinator of the Mordi Weavers, a community group formed in response to the Reclaim the Void project.

In 2024, she helped create cotton rugs to cover mining holes on Ngalia Country in Western Australia.

Lorinda also facilitates the weaving of coloured cotton circles for the Weaving Mordi Together project, coordinating efforts with the Mordialloc Neighbourhood House.

The group has become a space where people of all ages and backgrounds connect, combatting isolation and building community spirit.

Weaving workshops play a powerful role in creating a space where individuals can come together, share experiences, and form meaningful connections.

In many cases, participants may feel isolated, but weaving provides purpose and a creative outlet that encourages collaboration and conversation.

Monica Cashin

Monica is a community-spirited musician who co-founded Music and the Brain Foundation in 2014 and oversees the great work this charity delivers.

The Foundation's vision is to improve public health by engaging people in music making, playing, listening, singing, dancing, sharing resources and expertise in evidence-based programs.

Indicative of its success, 7,500 Australians with dementia enjoy ready access to curated playlists in preference to chemical restraints. 

The foundation repairs, recycles and replaces instruments for those in need and auspices groups funding music lessons for those affected by PTSD and choirs for those affected by stroke.

Locally, Monica is establishing a virtual Community Music Bowl, exposing neighbourhoods to all genres of music whilst providing performance opportunities for our incredible local talent. 

Nadene Gole

Nadene has been ranked world number one in senior women's amateur golf since February 2023.

In 2023, she became the first person to win the national championship and all six state championships in the same year and was also the first Australian to win the R&A British Senior Amateur and USGA US Senior Amateur Championships in 2024.

Nadene joined Jan Stephenson, Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee, and Gabriela Ruffels as one of only five Australian women to own an USGA title.

Nadene's comeback exemplifies her determination and spirit, and she earned the prestigious Victorian Sport Awards' Masters Athlete of the Year for 2023.  

Nadene also co-runs the golf travel business Discover Golf with her husband Sam.

Natalie Vujovich

As the Health Safety Officer at NHP Electrical Engineering, Natalie has significantly improved workplace culture through initiatives like the virtual walk/run around Australia, promoting physical health and team connection.

She has also played a key role in growing participation at Karkarook Parkrun, fostering community, family time, and social connections in a welcoming environment.

It's a simple concept, but not one that can happen without a significant commitment from the volunteers that run each event.

Natalie is also a BreastScreen Victoria Ambassador, regular plasma donor, and active fundraiser for charities like the Cancer Council, Dementia Australia, and mental health causes. She organises morning teas for cancer awareness and writes articles on employee wellbeing.

Peta Wragg and Taryn Wragg

Peta started the Chelsea Bicentennial parkrun in August 2016, and untiringly volunteers every week, with a vision to create an inclusive, supportive, and active environment.

Peta has dedicated countless hours to ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely each week, with her efforts helping grow the event and fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants of all ages and abilities. 

Taryn also volunteers at Chelsea Bicentennial Parkrun every week and is the co-event director. She leads by example, displaying generosity, kindness, and inclusivity.

Her positive attitude, unwavering dedication, and the personal connections she forms with participants, makes everyone feel welcome.

Together, their passion for parkrun creates a ripple effect, motivating others to contribute and support their local community. 

Brenda Robinson

Brenda is an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of ROBINSONS® Honey and NATURES BLEND®, offering sustainable Australian honey and health products.

Despite economic challenges, she has maintained affordable pricing to support local communities.

Growing her business to number one in independent grocers, Brenda also exports internationally, advocating for sustainable beekeeping and maintaining agricultural biodiversity.

Brenda believes in an inclusive workplace, employing people with a disability.

In 2024, Brenda was the recipient of a Stevie® International Business Food & Beverage Award and Female Entrepreneur Consumer Products.

Brenda gives back to the community through sponsorship of sports clubs. She was also a founder of the Bobcats Basketball Club, giving underprivileged kids the chance to play basketball and enjoy being part of a team.

Emma Coates

Emma won the Diversity & Inclusion Category at the 2024 Kingston Sustainable Business Awards.

As founder of Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs, she creates products to support neurodivergent individuals, especially kids.

Emma designs educational tools that foster independence and confidence, with a long-term goal of making them available in all schools, emphasising inclusivity, sustainability, and personalised design.

Her creations, such as the Desk Visual Schedule, help students manage daily routines with less stress, while the Where Does it Hurt board assists non-verbal children in communicating when they are sick or hurt.

Additionally, her Who What Where bag tags provide a sense of security for children dealing with anxiety.

As a mother of a neurodivergent child herself, Emma's personal experiences fuel her mission.

Shellé Friedman

Shellé Friedman co-leads Live Safe Education, the owner and operator of Krav Maga Australia and the only certified social enterprise in the self-defence and personal safety sector.

Shellé transformed a male dominated Krav Maga studio into an inclusive community, expanding from 50 to 300 students.

Additionally, to include neurodiverse people, Shellé has delivered an array of reforms, guided by her expertise as a behaviour and sensory integration analyst.

With her knowledge of trauma recovery, she can help women overcome feelings of inadequacy, fear, and intimidation, and the litany of hurdles women often face.

These women's only classes changed the face of Krav Maga Australia, with co-ed classes now having an almost 50/50 gender split, which is unheard of in the self-defence industry. 

Dr Bahareh Khodaverdian

Dr Bahareh Khodaverdian is a kind and caring and exceptionally skilled GP, consistently providing her patients with the highest standard of care.

Bahareh brings a wealth of medical knowledge and experience to her practice in Mentone. Her understanding of complex medical conditions and advancements in medicine ensures her patients benefit from the most current and evidence-based treatments available.

Her expertise is matched by her holistic approach, considering not only the physical, but also the emotional and psychological well-being of her patients.

A passionate advocate for women's health and children's wellbeing, she empowers her patients with vital information and resources, helping them make informed decisions about their health.

Dr Kalina Murday

Dr Kalina Murday is a passionate advocate for women's health and rights.

As a skilled and experienced physician Kalina is now dedicating her career to improving maternal health outcomes and empowering women.

She is committed to addressing disparities in healthcare, mentoring young international female doctors, and encouraging them to become advocates for change.

Kalina raises awareness about domestic violence through educational initiatives and has led impactful community programs.

She helped organise a women's health and wellness workshop, bringing together multicultural women to discuss sexual health, mental health, and financial security.

Kalina is also actively involved in research projects aimed at improving patient care.

Kalina’s unwavering dedication to her patients and community exemplifies her vision for a healthier, more inclusive world.

Mary Neeson

Dr Mary Neeson is an accomplished veterinarian who provides specialist-level care for Carrum and surrounding areas at a fraction of the cost of specialist centres.

Her dedication helps prevent unnecessary referrals and euthanasia, saving pet owners time and stress.

Mary regularly goes above and beyond, coming into the practice on her days off and working outside of regular hours.

This commitment has allowed her colleagues to improve clinically, benefiting countless pet owners and their pets.

Recently, Mary took on the responsibility of owning Patterson River Vet Clinic, a long-standing independent practice that was at risk of being sold to corporate clinics.

In a time when staff shortages are rampant in the veterinary industry, Mary's dedication is especially important.

Dr Nirali Shah

Dr Nirali Shah, a senior scientist with a PhD in stem cells and regenerative medicine, is pioneering research to treat osteoarthritis through stem cell therapies.

Her PhD thesis in the "Use of stem cells for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications" has contributed to crucial advances in regenerative medicine, with her work on regenerating cartilage tissue offering hope for millions suffering from the condition.

The company she works for has also received a $7 million grant from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

This work is groundbreaking and impacts not only the scientific community, but also patients and healthcare providers.

As a woman of colour in a traditionally male-dominated field, she serves as a role model for young women and girls interested in STEM.

Payal Shah

Payal, an immigrant from India, moved to Melbourne in 2014, facing immense challenges without family, friends, or finances.

Through perseverance and self-belief, she established financial stability and built strong connections in the Australian market.

Currently, she is a director at Cyber Forte, contributing to its success and growth.

Payal is highly community-oriented and committed to the betterment of society and local businesses, inspiring others through her dedication to both professional excellence and community service.

She recently initiated a campaign in partnership with then mayor Jenna Davey-Burns to support Kingston businesses by offering a complimentary phishing simulation service.

Payal has established herself as a leader in a male-dominated field, encouraging more women to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Pooja Krutik Shah

Pooja Shah brings 14 years of expertise in digital marketing, excelling in strategy development and campaigns that drive impactful results.

She has a proven track record of leveraging digital channels to improve online presence, boost engagement, and optimise the user experience.

Passionate about empowering women in tech, Pooja volunteers with She Loves Data, contributing to initiatives that promote gender equality in AI and data science.

Her dedication extends to The Nappy Collective, an organisation supporting families in need by redistributing nappies. Pooja profoundly resonates with the cause and has channelled her marketing skills to promote the collective’s mission.

Her work underscores her commitment to making a difference by combining her professional expertise with a passion for community-driven causes.

Vanessa Henry

Vanessa Henry, founder of Dentures with Dignity, is a dedicated healthcare professional and dental appliance manufacturer who advocates for better dental access for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and women escaping domestic violence. 

A qualified dental prosthetist and dental technician, Vanessa has owned and operated Dentures with Dignity in Kingston for over 18 years.

Vanessa's special interests include treating the elderly and patients with additional needs, visiting aged care facilities and private homes.

As a volunteer committee member of the Australian Dental Association - Dental Health Foundation, Vanessa supports women affected by domestic violence.

Along with her extensive volunteering, Vanessa provides regular mentoring to colleagues and graduating students and provides employment in the local area in her dental laboratory.