A Macedon Ranges local is the latest to be inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Professor Kerry Arabena, a proud Torres Strait Islander and Celtic woman from Kerrie, was inducted into the Change Maker category on Tuesday, September 2 at the ceremony at the Arts Centre, Melbourne.
Prof Arabena is the managing director of Karabena Consulting, the largest Indigenous female-owned and operated consulting firm in Victoria.
Through her enterprises, Prof Arabena has worked across health, justice, environment, and education.
Her sister company, Ilan Style, partners with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies to deliver the Ilan Style Fellowship for language revitalisation and recently launched Meriam Mer early years language learning sets.
In her inductee speech, Prof Arabena said that she took a step back from public speaking after the failed referendum on the Voice to Parliament, but the awards night was an exception.
“As the recipient of the Change Maker award, I believe it is important to show not only the capacity to lead change agendas, but also the capacity to change ourselves when the moment demands it,” Prof Arabena said.
She acknowledged the significance of joining other inductees whose contributions span healthcare, education, research, art, social change, and community leadership.
“We are part of a continuum of Victorian women whose leadership may not always be recognised in the moment, but is impossible to ignore over time,” Prof Arabena said.
Prof Arabena said she will continue to advocate for cultural integrity, social justice, and economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Honour Roll recognises outstanding Victorian women whose leadership and achievements make a lasting impact and difference in the community.
Women Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the new inductees, and congratulated them on their achievements.
“The honour roll is proof that leadership takes many forms – from the classroom to the courtroom, from healthcare to community organising. It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” she said.
“Every one of these women has made Victoria a better, fairer place. They’ve changed lives, inspired others and strengthened our state in ways that will last for generations.”
