Indigenous visionaries, pioneers, and changemakers inducted into WA Women's Hall of Fame

Rhiannon Clarke Published March 7, 2025 at 4.00pm (AWST)

News

Six acclaimed Indigenous women were inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame on Thursday. (Image: WA Women’s Hall of Fame)

In a special ceremony at Government House Ballroom on Thursday, sixteen exceptional women - including six Indigenous women - were inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame, with an additional four women recognised posthumously in the Roll of Honour.

Inductees were recognised across eight categories—Arts, Business, Community, Culture, Education, Health, Sport, and STEM & Technical Trades—highlighting their diverse and outstanding achievements.

Among this year's inductees is proud Noongar woman, Kim Farmer, whose distinguished career in law has seen her serve in multiple industries, including as a Barrister and Solicitor for the Aboriginal Legal Service and as a Sole Legal Practitioner.

In 2024, Ms Farmer was appointed Magistrate of the Children's Court, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Another esteemed inductee is Dr Hannah McGlade, the first Aboriginal woman to complete a law degree in Western Australia.

A tireless human rights advocate, researcher, and community leader, Dr McGlade has been dedicated to advancing Aboriginal rights and supporting Aboriginal women and children impacted by violence.

Dr Hannah McGlade was one of six Indigenous women inducted into WA's Women's Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Her advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping the first separate action plan on violence against Aboriginal women, and her work extends to the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues.

"Aboriginal women have long been described as the 'backbone of the community' but too often our leadership and work are not recognised our acknowledge," Dr McGlade said.

"I've worked hard for women to have safety from violence throughout my life and it's lovely to have this recognition.

"The Women's Hall of Fame inducted six Aboriginal women last night and I'm in great company with the other Mooditj Yorga's (strong women) acknowledged last night."

"This year's theme for IWD is Accelerating change and I think this has particular meaning for Aboriginal women who are too often being excluded and marginalised, even by feminists and settler colonialism today.

"We have to keep raising our voices for change."

Also recognised in the Community category is proud Noongar woman, Alison Scott, from Boorloo (Perth).

As an advocate for victim-survivors of Family and Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence (FDSV), she has used her own lived experience to drive awareness and push for systemic change.

Anaiwan artist and educator Lesley Murray, from NSW and living in WA for 30 years, was inducted for her contribution to the arts in WA and beyond. As a coordinator for Best Start Armadale, she helped prepare Aboriginal children (and families) for school, while honouring cultural heritage. This resulted in children graduating high school, and mothers securing employment.

In the Culture category, Nyungar yorga Glenys Collard, from the South West, was honoured for her extensive contributions to Aboriginal education, language preservation, and cultural advocacy.

Noongar woman Kim Farmer. (Image: WA Women's Hall of Fame)

A leading figure in the study of Aboriginal English, Ms Collard has played a significant role in ensuring greater recognition of this linguistic heritage, particularly through her work on the ABC of Two-Way Literacy and Learning project.

The Sport category celebrated mirtawa (woman) Professor Juli Coffin, who has traditional ties to her grandparents' Nyangumarta country in the Pilbara region.

A former elite water polo player and the first Aboriginal player to represent Australia, Professor Coffin now leads Yawardani Jan-ga, an innovative research project and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program based in the Kimberley, dedicated to improving mental health and well-being through equine therapy.

Among the four additional women posthumously recognised in the Roll of Honour was Senior Elder Janet Oobagooma (Eewaambood) of the Worrorra tribe, a respected teacher of Country and Culture who passed away in 2022.

A passionate advocate for Native Title rights, Mrs Oobagooma worked tirelessly to preserve language, culture, and traditional knowledge, passing it down to future generations. Fluent in Woddordda, Wunambal, and Ngarinyin, her contributions have left a lasting impact on her community.

Established in 2011 to mark the Centenary of International Women's Day, 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of this prestigious initiative.

Over the years the Hall of Fame has continued to amplify the stories of Western Australian women, fostering respect, driving progress toward gender equity, and acknowledging their invaluable impact on our communities.

The event was held in the presence of His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM, Governor of Western Australia, and The Honourable Sue Ellery MLC, Minister for Women's Interests, celebrating the remarkable contributions of these women across various fields.

This year's WA Women's Hall of Fame induction not only honours inductees' achievements, but also reinforces the importance of acknowledging the impact of women in Western Australia.