Leanne Maloni and Dr Nirali Shah are the Kingston Women of the Year
Published on 07 March 2025
Community champion Leanne Maloni and leading stem cell scientist Dr Nirali Shah are the joint Kingston Women of the Year for 2025.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley presented the awards at the annual International Women’s Day (IWD) event at Kingston City Hall, with contributions throughout the event from Kingston councillors, former winners and nominees, and our Junior Mayor.
Cr Oxley praised the remarkable contribution of all 29 of this year’s nominees.
“Theirs are stories of innovation, volunteerism, creativity, community outreach, skill sharing, personal sacrifices, and risk taking. Of business success, motivation, passion and incredible acts of kindness,” Cr Oxley said.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. And I know that in our nominees today, and those who have been recognised through these awards over their seven-year history, there are so many positive role models for women and girls of all ages, cultures, and abilities.
“This year’s theme for IWD of March Forward, which calls for turning promises into progress on gender equality, is a very timely reminder that to create a fairer world for future generations of women and girls we all need to take every opportunity possible to drive change.
“I feel like momentum is on our side, but it will take a collective and long-term effort to reach our goals. Representation and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women and girls is so vital in this pursuit.”
With such a strong group of nominees, award winners were also honoured across four categories: Courageous Commitment, Excelling in Art or Sport, Inspiring Innovation, and Success in STEM.
2025 Kingston Women of the Year (joint winners): Leanne Maloni and Dr Nirali Shah
Leanne founded The Ladies of Lochiel in 2014, 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 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.
Dr Shah has a PhD in stem cells and regenerative medicine and 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.
Her groundbreaking contribution to advancing stem cell therapies not only impacts the scientific community, but also patients and healthcare providers.
Courageous Commitment: Ria Breider
Ria has made significant contributions 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.
Excelling in Art or Sport: 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.
Inspiring Innovation: Brenda Robinson
Brenda is an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of ROBINSONS® Honey and NATURES BLEND®, offering sustainable Australian honey and health products.
Growing her business to number one in independent grocers, Brenda also exports internationally, advocating for sustainable beekeeping and maintaining agricultural biodiversity, while employing people with a disability.
A generous sponsor of local 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.
Success in STEM: Vanessa Henry
The founder of Dentures with Dignity, Vanessa 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, she 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.
To find out more about the awards, our winners and all the nominees, visit kingston.vic.gov.au/community/events/upcoming-events/kingston-women-of-the-year-awards and kingston.vic.gov.au/community/awards/women-of-the-year.