There has never been a better time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of women in Logan City community.
Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman congratulated the 35 women recognised at this year’s Wonderful Women of Waterford awards for their important contribution to the Waterford community.
“In Queensland Women’s Week, it’s so important to recognise how lucky we are to have some extraordinary women in our community,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Women who are not only navigating successful careers but are also challenging barriers many women face today.”
“And this year it’s even more crucial that we not only celebrate their achievements, but also recognise their resilience and start the conversation on what more we can do to achieve gender equality.
“We know women were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic and their economic
security was hit hard.
“That’s why these awards have never been so important as they applaud so many women in our community that went above and beyond for our Waterford community during a year that was exceptionally tough.”
With more people in our community seeking extra support to find work, YFS Spark Employment Mentor Vanessa Nieuwenhuizen did and incredible job, coaching and mentoring more than 100 people in our community and supporting them to find a job.
Katrina Weeks from the Centre Against Sexual Violence and Michelle Parry from Supporters Against Sexual Violence were both nominated for their work supporting hundreds of young women in Logan as well as raising awareness and educating young people.
“These are just a few of the hardworking, dedicated women in our Waterford community and we need to continue to support our women, believe in each other, encourage each other and lift each other up.,” Ms Fentiman said.
Fahima Adhmadi
Nominated by Rita Anwari
Award being accepted by Rita Anwari on behalf of Fahima
Fahima arrived in Australia in 2019. As a young Afghani refugee, she experienced many hardships. Now, in Australia, she is a youth ambassador for Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL), helping them to deliver many projects throughout the community. She uses her voice to break down taboos and support women. She is interested in international law, international relations and human rights. Fahima is a great role model for many girls and a sign of hope for change in her community.
Rita Anwari
Nominated by Sonia Hakim and Fahima Ahmadi
Last year, at the height of COVID-19, Rita arranged 20 online webinars for Family and Domestic Violence awareness and in support of women’s mental health, alongside Minister Di Farmer and community leaders such as Gail Ker. She provided practical necessities such as sanitary items and other essentials to over 100 women. She is a hard-working activist for Afghan women and youth and – as has been noted by the two (!) women who nominated her – she is unstoppable.
Aimee Argiro, Nancy Bajwa and Laura Corr-Clements
Mabel Park SHS Deputies
Nominated by Principal, Mick Hornby
These three women optimise the values, characteristics and ethics that make them exceptional people and allow Mabel Park State High to be an amazing school. They are of course individuals and have their own unique and high performing skill sets within the secondary educational setting – but as a team of Executive Leaders they complement and drive the school and community like no other. Their strategic vision, teamwork, emotional intelligence and hard-working attitude are complemented by their resilience, determination, humility and best of all, their hilarious humour. According to Mick Hornby, Principal of Mabel Park, Aimee, Laura and Nancy are exceptional executive leaders in education but most importantly brilliant people – comprising what he calls a ‘phenomenal team’ who support him in his role as head of school.
Maria Artango
Nominated by Rita Anwari
Maria has spent the last six years advocating for women experiencing family and domestic violence, after her own experience left her eager to find a way to help other women affected by domestic violence. Maria founded Connect Plus Learning, a training organisation, and works to coach and mentor women from diverse backgrounds that have been affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse, addiction and trauma. Born in the Philippines, Maria feels lucky to be in Australia, because, in her own words, ‘When it comes to domestic violence; you have full support; here I have freedom and can raise my voice without any fear’.
Linda Casbolt
Nominated by Sharon Hamilton
Linda Casbolt is a Wife, Mum, Grandmother and has been a volunteer for Woodlands Community Inc. for five years and continued when group registered as Woodlands Neighbourhood Watch Group and continued as Area Co-ordinator for almost ten years since. Linda is very passionate about the safety of the community and the environment, and has been the conduit for the Clean Up Australia Day’s in Woodlands, Waterford for many years. She is a hardworking volunteer not only for Woodlands, but recently, her granddaughter’s netball club too.
Maria Doblo
Loganlea SHS Deputy Principal
Nominated by Principal, Brenton Farleigh
Maria has worked at Loganlea SHS since 1985. She is an incredibly hard worker, often being the first to arrive at school in the morning and the last to leave in the late afternoon/early evening. Maria is an incredibly busy person, but will always devote her time and attention to anyone who approaches her. She oversees the school’s timetable, staffing and pedagogy. Even with her vast experience, she remains open to feedback and embraces continuous learning. Maria is an amazing woman who has been an invaluable asset to Loganlea SHS and the wider community for a very long time.
Gail Dionysius
Volunteer, Kingston Easy Neighbourhood Group (KENG)
Nominated by Joanne Pressick
Gail has been volunteering her time in the Emergency Relief department of KENG every Tuesday for the past 8 months. Gail is wonderful with the wide variety of clients who walk through KENG’s doors. She is reliable, honest, thoughtful and patient in what is usually a very busy environment. Gail always takes time to make people feel welcome and assists them with whatever they need. If KENG is unable to help, Gail will refer them to another organisation and ensure the client feels heard and valued.
Danielle Dryden
ENABLE Debating Coordinator
Nominated by Peta-Anne McNaught
Danielle is a dynamic, vibrant young teacher who on top of her full teaching load at Marsden State High School, co-ordinates the ENABLE Schools Debating Competition across their 14 state high schools. It is through her hard work and passion for Debating that they now have a very successful Debating Competition in Logan in partnership with the Queensland Debating Union, which is delivering extensive opportunities for students and funded professional development for their staff to deliver and coach their students in public speaking.
Aimee Argiro, Nancy Bajwa and Laura Corr-Clements
Janine Silcox and Bernadine Collins
ENABLE Hospitality Teachers and Gateway into Schools Food & Community Leaders in Logan and the Scenic Rim
Nominated by Peta-Anne McNaught
Janine and Bernadine have both worked in ENABLE schools for over 20 years supporting and guiding students with their extensive knowledge and expertise in the hospitality curriculum to develop high class skills to gain Certificate III’s in Hospitality. They also both run the very popular Valley View Trade Training Restaurant which caters for many functions across their
network. For the past 10 years, they have hosted ENABLE’s Annual Dux Dinner, which has been a wonderful contribution to their community and highlighted the fantastic outcomes that ENABLE are delivering for their students.
Sharon Amos
Principal Chair of the ENABLE Schools Network
Nominated by Peta-Anne McNaught
Sharon is a kind and compassionate leader who has worked hard over the past 20 years giving her time and energy to her staff and students in her own school community. She also leads the ENABLE Schools Principals Network and works collaboratively to support all levels of their network across the coalition of their 14 state high schools in Logan and Beaudesert to strengthen the outcomes for staff and students across their community.
Brittany Fleming
CFO, Lighthouse Care
Nominated by Debbie Hill
Brittany joined Lighthouse Care when she was a university student, starting off doing simple jobs such as the banking. Today she has grown into their CFO. For more than 10 years her professionalism, passion to change lives and genuine kindness has definitely been a vital part of the success that is now Lighthouse Care. The Lighthouse team feel they could never repay her for the sacrifice, dedication and true leadership she displays in their organisation, and they look forward to seeing what she will achieve, in our community, in her life time.
Monique Graham
Deputy Principal, Loganholme SS
Nominated by Heidi Mackenzie
Monique, as Deputy Principal, is particularly passionate about the early years of learning and has been instrumental in creating a supported and informed transition program within the school. Starting school is an important milestone is a child’s life and through this positive transition, Monique is helping to foster an enthusiasm and love for learning. Mrs Graham is a valued and loved member of the Loganholme SS community.
Angela Armstrong
Head of Inclusion, Loganholme SS
Nominated by Principal, Heidi Mackenzie
Working as Head of Inclusion for Loganholme SS, Angela has a powerful sense of integrity and is committed to promoting and leading Inclusion. At Loganholme SS, Angela has been instrumental in leading learning and change through modelling and co-teaching so that every student has the necessary supports to access, participate and engage in high quality education. Angela is a valued and loved member of the Loganholme SS community.
Renee Child
Loganholme SS Deputy Principal
Nominated by Principal, Heidi Mackenzie
Renee, as Deputy Principal, leads the students and staff in the senior school and does so with integrity and enthusiasm. Renee has established herself within Loganholme’s school community as a leader who enjoys working alongside and assisting others to be the best
that they can be, to lead change to improve student outcomes. Renee is a valued and loved member of the Loganholme SS community.
Alice Gilliver
Chauffeur, Hon Shannon Fentiman MP
Nominated by Fran Van Gilst
Alice is the Minister’s driver and as such is extremely conscientious about her duties, takes her responsibility for the Minister’s safety very seriously and takes all humanly possible steps to ensure the Minister arrives at engagements on time. (do I hear laughter) However, aside from her official employment duties, Alice also takes a personal interest in Shannon’s life and the security of her home and property, particularly when she is away on official business. Alice keeps a watchful eye on the house, she has been known to make sure there is fresh milk in the fridge on the Minister’s return, and buying food for her fur babies, and importantly, liaise with the neighbours who take care of the farm animals… Molly, Polly and the chickens. Alice is a consummate professional, a great friend, and is herself the longest serving of all Shannon’s staff.
Liz Irvine
Nominated by Emma Frost
Liz worked tirelessly for the Waterford community in her most recent role as Electorate Officer in Shannon’s Waterford office. She was more than a touchpoint for the electorate to connect with state government – she became a friend to so many community members and organisations. Her passion for the Logan community is infectious, and she put heart into each and every interaction she made while electorate officer. So strong is her dedication to the Logan community, that she has started working at Mabel Park SHS while she embarks on new journey of tertiary study at Griffith uni.
Anastasia Koutsis
Nominated by Dragana Pahulu
Sia is a bubbly, warm and kind person who doesn’t hesitate to go out of her way to be there and support her friends, family and colleagues without a second thought and no matter what is going on in her own life. She always goes above and beyond to make sure that you feel included, acknowledged and validated and that you and what you’re going through matters. Sia is the epitome of what a true friend and member of this community should be.
Naomi Katrina
Nominated by Nour Obeid
As a community activator at Access Community Services, Naomi has worked hard to support her Syrian community, and worked hard during 2020 to keep her community up to date with information and support. Naomi is a hard working mother, always eager to improve her knowledge and evolve, to serve her community and her family. She is described by her daughter, Nour, as strong-willed, and the backbone of their family.
Katrina Weeks
Centre Against Sexual Violence
Nominated by Rachel Simpkins-Bale
Katrina Weeks has worked at the Centre Against Sexual Violence for the past 14 years in the roles of Young Women’s Counsellor and Operational Manager. Katrina is passionate and dedicated to creating change in our community. She has supported hundreds of young women in their path to healing; liaising with local High Schools, Queensland Health, Youth Justice and Logan Police to deliver awareness raising educational programs and workshops about sexual assault and healthy relationships to not only young people but also to school staff and community workers. Katrina has also had input to legislative changes for better out comes for survivors of Sexual Violence.
Michelle Parry
Supporters Against Sexual Violence (SASV)
Nominated by Rachel Simpkins-Bale
The aims of SASV, a social action group, are to; Raise Awareness; Educate; Stop the Silence; & Implement Social Change and to take lead in eradicating sexual violence through awareness, education and community engagement in Logan. Michelle is a leader in implementing this social change and is a positive influence in our community; she is vocal about sexual violence rather than letting our voices be silenced.
Nadine Rains
Logan Hockey Club, under 7s coach
Nominated by Courtney Gillot
Award being accepted by Courtney on her behalf
Nadine is a mum of three young girls (each with needs requiring a range of supports) and on top of this, stepped into the role of Under 7s Coach for Logan Hockey Club in 2020. She was fantastic with the kids and went above and beyond to integrate activities and games into their training to keep them interested and developing skills (which is no easy feat with
under 7s!). She volunteered her time willingly and has been a great asset and support to the committee and the club. She has again put her hand up to take on this role again this year. She is an amazing role model for her own young girls as well as those she is coaching.
Pam Robertson
YFS Responsible Men Program Manager
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
During the first three months of the COVID-19 outbreak, Pam Robertson pivoted YFS’ Responsible Men program for perpetrators of violence from face-to-face group services to individual phone-based approaches. Faced with an increase in referrals, Pam knew she had to devise new ways of working safely. 445 men participated in the program, including a small group who took part via Zoom. Evidence shows that online programs can be safe and effective in some circumstances. Pam leads YFS’ work with perpetrators of violence and is always looking for ways to improve and expand this important work.
Anita Watson
YFS Project Hera Worker
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
At the onset of COVID-19, YFS’ Project Hera domestic and family violence worker Anita Watson experienced a surge in demand. Anita alone supported 144 people in the 2019-20 financial year. Anita works alongside Queensland Police’s Logan Domestic Violence Unit to enhance the safety and wellbeing of people who are experiencing domestic and family violence when they need it most. As soon as they come to the attention of local police, Anita gets involved to link them with support. Anita guides people to legal, housing and counselling and related services. Project Hera is named after a Greek goddess of protection.
Rachel Smith
Logan Response Leader and YFS Client Service Manager
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, YFS adapted quickly to meet urgent needs in the Logan community. YFS Client Service Manager Rachel Smith worked with Logan City Council to establish the Logan Response Hotline, providing food, essentials and medication to people left without funds or access to basics. Rachel also ramped up our rapid-housing response to ensure people were not on the streets. Between March and June 2020, hotline staff organised more than 660 deliveries of such essentials as food and nappies. Their work helped the Logan community weather the initial impact of the pandemic.
Vanessa Nieuwenhuizen
YFS Spark Employment Mentor
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
COVID-19 has left many Logan people without jobs. In 2020 alone, YFS’ Spark Employment Mentor Vanessa helped more than 100 people without incomes to get jobs fast. Vanessa’s tailored coaching and mentoring approach supports people to identify and rapidly achieve
their education and employment goals. Many of these people are fleeing domestic and family violence. Some are from overseas and can’t access income support. Others are young and leaving care for the first time, hoping to make it on their own. While many have been out of the workforce raising children. Mainstream employment services are not equipped to meet the needs of many of these people.
Natasha Tanirau-Stanley
YFS Legal Principal Solicitor – Youth Justice
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
Award being accepted by Cath on her behalf
Natasha has more than nine years’ experience as a solicitor, senior solicitor and principal solicitor in private and community legal practices, including seven years with YFS. Natasha leads the youth justice criminal response for young people in Logan as well currently managing YFS’ Community Legal Centre. Natasha is the Professional Indemnity Insurance Representative for Community Legal Centres Queensland and a significant contributor to law reform for children and young people in Queensland. Besides Natasha’s legal expertise, Natasha is a fierce advocate for young people’s rights and for connecting them with culture, education, family and intervention supports so that they are less likely to reoffend and to have opportunities to participate in the community.
Madelyn Robinson
The Centre for Women & Co.
Nominated by Stacey Ross
Madelyn is one of the Women’s Health Counsellors at The Centre for Women & Co’s Beenleigh office. She provides counselling to over 50 women each month and has been with the CFW for over 2 years now. Madelyn brings such a positive energy to their team, has a beautiful disposition and cares for her clients first and foremost. Madelyn never shy’s away from supporting women who are experiencing complex trauma and is dedicated to women in need.
Chantel Davidson
The Centre for Women & Co.
Nominated by Stacey Ross
Award being accepted by Stacey Ross on her behalf
Chantel is a Women’s Health Counsellors at The Centre for Women & Co.’s Beenleigh office. Chantel came across from the domestic and family violence service in Logan and quickly became loved by her clients and team. Chantel has the most amazing energy is also a qualified yoga instructor. She supports clients to feel comfortable and safe, not only in counselling but also in her Yoga classes. Chantel’s ability to work through really difficult cases is a testament to her.
Paula Shean
Marsden SHS Business Services Manager
Nominated by Andrew Peach
Paula is the Business Services Manager of Marsden SHS. She is a longstanding staff member of the school, and now leads their non-teaching staff in a school of more than 3,180 students. Paula is a proud Logan representative that has always placed the needs students at the forefront of her thinking. Paula’s own children attended Marsden SHS and she has always been committed to driving excellence across the school.
Alison Fahlbusch
Marsden SHS Head of Junior School
Nominated by Andrew Peach
Alison is the Head of the Junior School at Marsden SHS catering for more than 1600 students. She leads a large team across their campus and works tirelessly to support the youth of Logan through the many programs across the school. Her enthusiasm for learning, and willingness to support students provides a positive and enjoyable environment for the whole school community.
Mandy Smith
Health Worker, Logan Hospital
Nominated by Sharon Hamilton
Mandy is a Waterford local who works at the Logan Hospital, a very busy workplace which has dealt with a lot in the last year. Through all of COVID’s impacts on her working life, she rose to the challenges, adapting to keep her family, her community and herself safe. Mandy is a people-person, a dedicated friend, neighbour and community member, supporting those of many varying ages and situations – always checking in on friends when they are going through tough times.
Natasha Tanirau-Stanley
YFS Legal Principal Solicitor – Youth Justice
Nominated by Cath Bartolo
Award being accepted by Cath on her behalf
Natasha has more than nine years’ experience as a solicitor, senior solicitor and principal solicitor in private and community legal practices, including seven years with YFS. Natasha leads the youth justice criminal response for young people in Logan as well currently managing YFS’ Community Legal Centre. Natasha is the Professional Indemnity Insurance Representative for Community Legal Centres Queensland and a significant contributor to law reform for children and young people in Queensland. Besides Natasha’s legal expertise, Natasha is a fierce advocate for young people’s rights and for connecting them with culture, education, family and intervention supports so that they are less likely to reoffend and to have opportunities to participate in the community.
