Community
15 March, 2024
Inspirational women recognised
OONAGH Kilpatrick, Melanie Macilwain and Kim Parker have received this year’s ‘Inspiring Women of Moyne’ awards as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.
The trio were officially announced as award recipients during a community event at Glyph Gallery in Port Fairy last Friday morning.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Ian Smith and deputy mayor Karen Foster selected the winners from an extensive list of nominees.
Cr Smith said the nominations highlighted the huge role women play across our Moyne communities.
“The calibre of nominations this year was unbelievable, every single nominee was worthy of an award, so congratulations to everyone who was nominated,” Cr Smith said.
“We received over 80 nominations for more than 50 women, presenting remarkable women from all walks of life who inspire others and make a difference to the lives of those around them,” Cr Foster said.
“It’s so pleasing to see these women recognised. Your stories, work and lives are an inspiration to us all.”
Oonagh Kilpatrick, from Southern Cross, was recognised for her dedication and passion for dairy farming.
“Oonagh actively promotes the suitability practices on farm to schools and the wider community,” her nominator wrote.
“She often hosts open days on her farm to promote and educate students on what happens on farm but also the career pathways within the industry that are not only on farm but also beyond the farm gate.”
Oonagh is also on the Food and Fibre Great South Coast board and actively promotes not only dairy but food and fibre for our region both here in the region and also interstate.
She understands and values the food and fibre industries in our region for not only those on farm and directly employed in the industries, but the flow on to the wider community.
“Oonagh is the type of person who attracts others to her in a crowded room; people want to engage with her as she exudes enthusiasm and passion for our industry and is also a woman who empowers other women to grow and further their capabilities,” her nominator wrote.
Melanie Macilwain initiated the Port Fairy Running Club in 2023.
According to her nominator, Melanie is a “one-of-a-kind sort of woman.”
“Melanie is the type of person you meet and instantly want to surround yourself with - I met Mel by chance, a local mum who was up for a chat and willing to make new friends,” her nomination read.
In 2023 Mel started the Port Fairy Running Club after seeing a ‘gap’ in the local community and wanting to bring running locals together.
Now the group meets twice a week and welcomes beginners through to experienced runners.
“This group has changed my favourite activity from a solo run to a social event and helped me connect with so many other wonderful people in our community,” the nomination read.
“Mel is also a local artist who has run workshops at the Port Fairy Women’s Weekend, donated artwork and raised money for local charities and volunteers her time at Park Run.
“Mel is a wonderful addition to the Moyne Community inspiring health and fitness, socialisation and great community spirit.”
Mortlake’s Kimberly Parker, who moderates the town’s community facebook page, also organised a ‘Yes’ vote campaign in the town and was described by her nominator as “kind, caring, thoughtful and selfless, exactly what we need in women of Moyne; she makes our town a better place.”
