CANBERRA’S 2014 Woman of the Year Award was presented to Katrina Fanning, operations manager of Aboriginal Hostels Limited, at the ACT Women’s Awards this evening.

The awards acknowledge women who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in our community, according to ACT Minister for Women, Joy Burch, who presented them at the ACT Legislative Assembly this evening.

“I am pleased to announce Ms Fanning as our 2014 Woman of the Year,” Ms Burch said. “A proud Wiradjuri woman, Ms Fanning has many years experience in both government and non-government sectors.

“She has championed the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a range of public service settings including employment and housing.

“She has also volunteered her time to support the local community through a range of activities including membership of the Canberra NAIDOC Committee, the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council and as the ACT representative on the National Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee.

“Ms Fanning is an inspiration to many in our community and I thank her for her ongoing contribution as well as congratulate her on this achievement.”

Other 2014 award recipients include Dr Kate Eisenberg as ACT Young Woman of the Year and Ms Sue Salthouse as ACT Senior Woman of the Year.

“Ms Salthouse is a strong and active advocate for women and girls in the ACT and has worked across all areas, including employment, education, health, transport and housing, to support and empower women,” Ms Burch said.

“Likewise, Dr Eisenberg supports women in our community through her academic, professional and personal pursuits.

“All three women are an inspiration to their colleagues, peers and broader community and I am very pleased that their achievements are being celebrated through these awards.”

Ms Burch extended her congratulations to all 29 nominees for the 2014 awards.