Celebrate Being An Australian 2025.

In January 1996 the first of our current Celebrate Being Australian Awards, formerly known as the Australia Day Awards was held. Joan Marie Elliston AM was a major initiator of these awards, amongst many other NCWNSW advocacy and service milestones.

In 2026, our NCWNSW Executive, acknowledged her pivotal role by establishing a Joan Marie Elliston AM Legacy sponsorship to recognise her NCWNSW advocacy, service and Bequest.

Parliamentary Host:  The Hon Jodie Harrison MP Minister for Women Minister for Seniors and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Yvonne Weldon AM attended as a representative of the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council and proud Wiradjuri Woman.

Our guest speakers were:

Olga BOICHAK PhD MPA
Director, Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre,
University of Sydney (SSSHARC)

Professor Gabrielle CASPER BSc (Hons) MBBS FRANZCOG

Head Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine Sydney, The University of Notre Dame.

Prof Casper was one of the inaugural Awardees in January 1996.

Convenors: Leshia Bubniuk, Luba Kaye, Luda Popenhagen PhD

Emcee: Rosemary Abrahams

Assistance from: Sweta Gupta, Jacqui Keady, Angeline Low PhD, Susan Wilson, Margaret Wood, Holly Yang.

Volunteers on the day: Sally Fennell, Tricia Graham, Belinda Hume, Julie Morris, Sue Meehan, Anne Sheahan

The Minister and her staff provided their support and assistance in the planning and implementation of this event. CBA 2026 Awardee and Sponsor Certificates (18) were endorsed by the Minister.

147 attendees enjoyed the celebration of these outstanding women.

Awardees, Sponsors, Universities

Michelle CHEUNG sponsored by Graduate Women NSW Inc (GW-NSW)
University of Sydney

Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science (Hons) awarded University Medal under Dalyell Scholars Program.

In her second year of PhD in Secondary Mathematics Education.

Lauren CLARK sponsored by Soroptimist International NSW Inc
University of Notre Dame, Sydney

Just completed Doctor of Medicine degree at Notre Dame. Hold a Bachelor of Medical Science at Univ of Sydney. Fervent advocate of health and well-being of women and children globally.

Tegan Joyce COLLESS sponsored by Country Women’s Association of NSW – Sydney City Branch

Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga

In final year of Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons). Plans to complete a residency in theriogenology and is passionate about large animal reproductive science.

Naomi Catriona KIRKWOOD sponsored by Country Women’s Association of NSW – Mascot Evening Branch
Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga

Graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/ Bachelor of Veterinary Science, receiving a number of Executive Dean Awards for academic excellence, including First Class Honours and awards for outstanding performance and commitment to equine Medicine and surgery.

Undertaking a residency in equine internal Medicine and PhD in Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University.

Sushita Vijayan KUMAR sponsored by ZONTA Club of Sydney
University of Technology Sydney

Having completed a Bachelor of Medical Science majoring in Biomedical and Infectious Diseases has transitioned to midwifery. In her final year of a Bachelor of Midwifery.

Eliza MIDDLETON sponsored by Joan Marie Elliston AM Legacy (NCW NSW)
University of Technology Sydney

Undertaking a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment, majoring in International Business.

Complementing her studies is participating in the Beyond UTS International Development Program to further enhance her understanding of international partnerships and business dynamics.

Lilian SHAMOON sponsored by Catholic Women’s League Australia-NSW
Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga

Has a Bachelor of Youth Work from a Victorian University and has commenced her Master of Social Work at Charles Sturt, with a focus on Mental Health. Currently working with young refugees at Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma (STARTTS) in NSW.

Sierra Walton SHARMAN sponsored by Catholic Women’s League Archdiocese of Sydney.
University of Sydney, Conservatorium of Music

Completed Bachelor of Music Performance on violin and is currently studying for a Masters of Music Performance on viola. Seeks to perform at concert series and international music events and festivals.

Julia (Iuliia) SHVED sponsored by The Women’s Club
University of Sydney, Conservatorium of Music

Completed a Master’s of Music Studies Performance and commencing a PhD. A Ukrainian born jazz vocalist, composer, educator. Her doctoral work “Translating Displacement” will explore how Music builds bridges between musicians displaced by war and conflicts and host county artists, promoting understanding, resilience through collaborations.