Eleven women and gender-diverse people have been named finalists in the revamped 2026 ACT Women’s Awards, which this year recognise achievements across industry, research, advocacy, community leadership and social change.

The awards have been redesigned, replacing previous categories with Excellence in Industry, Gender Equity and Social Change, Lifetime Achievement, and a new Minister’s Impact Award, which will be selected by the Minister for Women rather than through public nomination.

Among the finalists are Amanda Allan for her work supporting women in construction, Katherine Berney for advancing women’s safety, Ashlee Berry for leadership in the property sector, Raffy Sgroi for creating pathways for women in the automotive industry, Rebecca Martin for leadership at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram for contributions to dementia and aged care, and Lew Ching Yip for advocacy in domestic and family violence, mental health and youth.

Also shortlisted are Jasmine Fellows for STEM communication, Jasmine Sharma for the Kitchen to Crease initiative supporting culturally diverse women, Kamala Sharma-Wing for advancing inclusion as the Australian Defence Force’s first full-time Hindu chaplain, and Robyn Smith for advocacy for people with inherited cancer risk.

The ACT Government received 41 nominations across the three public award categories. Winners will be announced on 3 September, when new inductees to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll will also be recognised.

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.