2026 INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Janine has contributed to transforming ballet education in WA, inspiring dreams, and nurturing passions as co-founder of The Perth School of Ballet.

With her fellow directors she created programs combining technical excellence, academic pathways, and emotional wellbeing, embracing diversity above ideals of physical perfection, making ballet accessible to all.  The school now offers dual-ballet pathways, enabling dancers to pursue training without sacrificing education.  Its holistic approach allows dancers to reach their maximum potential, while well-being, creating great relationships, and happiness remain paramount.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Sue is nationally and internationally recognized and acknowledged as a significant Western Australian contemporary artist who has helped to lead the way for WA women artists through her catalogue of works and opportunities. 

As a mature-age student, she graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Arts in 2001, Honours, and a Master’s Degree in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. During this time, she wrote essays for publications, lectured, exhibited extensively and short listed for several awards. 

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Megan represents the rare combination of exceptional business leadership, unwavering community commitment, and transformative impact on gender equality across multiple industries critical to Western Australia's economy.  

Whilst an exemplar of business leadership, Megan's most profound impact lies in her community advocacy work. As Chair of the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO), she championed gender diversity across mining, resources, transport, logistics, retail, supply chain and manufacturing sectors, advocating for systemic change,  mentoring and actively creating pathways for other women.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Raised in Wyndham, Mala has deep roots in the Kimberley.   

With a Post Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership from Deakin University, Mala is widely recognised for her leadership, advocacy and work supporting Aboriginal communities and positively impacting social and economic outcomes for community. 

Through her work with the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she is nurturing a culture of inclusive business growth helping regional enterprises thrive and ensuring that Aboriginal people are part of the region’s economic story.

Photographer: Goolarri Media

Deb is an Illawadjardi woman whose ancestors walked the lands and waters near Shark Bay.

Former Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Shire of Shark Bay, she has worked in community development across the not-for-profit, charitable and local government sectors for three decades.   Her passion for growing strong families and strength- based communities has seen her take on numerous board and committee roles.

Deb is an inspiring role model whose leadership demonstrates what is possible for women in regional Western Australia.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Rabia Siddique is an inspiring West Australian woman – a humanitarian, lawyer, author, advocate and speaker whose life has been dedicated to justice, service, and community. She is a true trailblazer in every sense. 

Following an international legal and military career, Rabia has played a significant leadership role across Western Australia, nationally, and internationally through governance, human rights advocacy, education, and gender equity. Her journey reflects resilience, moral courage, and a deep commitment to inclusive and trustworthy cultures and organisations.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Carol was born at Gnowangerup Mission in 1940-41 and raised in the bush around Jerramungup in the Great Southern with her family, as a member of the Menang–Gnudju Noongar nation.

Despite hardships in her life including navigating complex identity issues, Carol persisted.  She studied, she embraced her cultural responsibilities, pursued leadership, mentored others, and if that was not enough, raised children as a single mother and authored her life story.

Carol Pettersen is truly an inspiring woman and cultural leader.

Photographer: Warren Bellette

Rosemary is a Whadjuk and Pindjarup yorga with deep connections across the South West of Western Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Management and Development and a Master of Philosophy.

She has served as a Chief Investigator on several child health research projects in partnership with Aboriginal communities and guided by culture and Elders, Rosemary now works for her family business, Kambarang Services, delivering cultural knowledge and education to support strong, healthy futures.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

As a global leader in soil biology, Professor Abbott has made an outstanding contribution to the WA community in soil biota education, research, and restoration.

The first female Professor in agriculture at UWA, she is credited with promoting the term ‘soil biological fertility’ to highlight the important contribution of soil organisms for land management and climate change mitigation. Lynette became a leader in extending scientific knowledge through ‘know your soil biology workshops’, then by developing internationally accessible resources including the SOILHEALTH app.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Professor Nowak’s distinguished 40-year career in higher education has made a profound and lasting contribution to Western Australia’s academic, economic, and cultural landscape. Her legacy includes the development of business education in WA, notably as the founding Director of the Curtin Graduate School of Business, pioneering Australia’s first interactive, and internationally accredited online MBA program.

Her lifelong dedication to advancing equity, education,  and community, has empowered generations of women leaders and advanced equity across sectors, leaving an indelible mark on Western Australia.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Dr. Sampson is an internationally trained physicist based at the Lions Eye Institute and the University of Western Australia. Her research focuses on ophthalmic imaging and data analysis methods to improve the way serious eye diseases are addressed in Western Australia.

Beyond research, Dr. Sampson champions science communication and inclusion through mentorship, the design and delivery of STEM outreach programs, and the authoring of children’s books. Her leadership in optics and vision science has earned her several prestigious international awards.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Professor Walker has worked with Aboriginal people in education and research for 40 years addressing social and environmental determinants of Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

Director at the Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, and Adjunct Professor at UWA. Her work is defined by an unwavering commitment to transformative strategies that empower Aboriginal communities and drive positive social change.

Professor Walker  co‑authored the seminal Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing – Principles and Practice.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Kate is a champion triathlete from Ironman to Ultraman, a professional coach, business owner and mentor who has inspired athletes for 20+ years.

Her historic achievement as the first woman to win an Ultraman outright (2016), finishing ahead of all male competitors, combined with her other victories 3 x Ironman Champion, 7 x Half /70.3 Champion, 3 x Ultraman Champion make Kate a true legend of WA triathlon.

Having achieved the pinnacle of success for her chosen discipline she is a global icon.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

For four decades, Penny has championed women’s football in WA as a player (representing Australia in 1993-1995),  as a mentor, broadcaster, archivist,  and advocate.

She is the Programme Coordinator & Presenter of The World Football Programme, Australia’s longest-running football radio show, created WomenSoccer.com.au, an archive of WA women’s football, received a life membership from Football West, and was until recently the only woman on the Football Hall of Fame WA Board.

Penny’s dedication ensures the game’s memory is safeguarded, and WA women’s football is stronger.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Archa has dedicated her career to science, despite having no formal education until her teens, as her life started in a Rajneesh sect.

Currently the Director of the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer and The RNA Innovation Foundry at The University of WA, specializing in the field of molecular cell biology, focusing on the role of RNA in cell behaviour, Professor Fox was appointed to  the Prime Minister's National Science and Technology Council in 2025.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

A 2023 recipient of the Australian Prime Ministers Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, Donna is dedicated to advancing mathematics education. Her leadership purpose is to build the technical and mathematical capabilities of people to live well, protect the integrity of society, and improve the environment.  Her work helps connect industry needs and the education community. 

Donna believes, with a creative and curious education we can inspire future generations, dream of solutions, build equity amongst people and improve society.

Photographer: Karen Wheatland

Margaret dedicated her life to helping build her community in Wanneroo for over 55 years, tirelessly giving, inspiring, and volunteering with organisation’s including CWA, Agricultural & Historical Societies, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and many others. Civic leaders agree, many local community groups exist and thrive because of Margaret.

Photographer: Courtesy the Cockman Family Collection

Miss Hooton was a West Australian women's rights activist and editor.   She was active in a number of organisations including the Women's Service Guilds WA, the National Council of Women WA, the Australian Natives Association, the Australian Labor Federation and founded the WA Council of State School Organisations.

Photographer: Courtesy the WACSSO

Simone received a transplant at 11, achieved a Bachelor of Laws degree and founded The Organ Donation and Transplant Foundation of WA.  Despite a failed kidney and 13 years dialysis, Simone received Member of the Order of Australia, WA Young Australian and other accolades.

Simone passed awaiting a second transplant.

Photographer: Courtesy the McMahon Family Collection

Shirley made a significant and unheralded contribution to grain industry development and agricultural community life in Western Australia over seven decades.  Her leadership extended to numerous boards and committees including serving as Councillor for 18-years with the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, giving her time, energy, and knowledge generously.

Photographer: Courtesy the Royal Agricultural Society of WA