“Often the achievements and contributions of women are under-acknowledged.”
These are the words of Macedon Ranges disability advocate Shanleigh Meldrum who wants to be part of turning that around. Shanleigh was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women last year and is now encouraging people to nominate other local women for the honour roll who also have made outstanding contributions.
“It is important to celebrate the achievements of women in our community to increase the visibility of positive role models and leaders to inspire future generations and promote gender equality,” she said.
“I am very grateful and humbled to be included amongst some of the most inspiring and accomplished women across Victoria.
“It was an honour to have my work recognised and has further increased the visibility of the needs of deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people in our community.”
Shanleigh is an SES volunteer for both Woodend and Gisborne and that’s where some of her important work began, in educating fellow members on deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people.
Her advocacy has contributed to long-term community benefits for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind youth in regional Victoria, and improved awareness of their needs in both mental and physical health and emergency management contexts.
She also established a Macedon Ranges Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Group, among many other community achievements.
Since Shanleigh’s induction to the honour roll, her work and commitment to supporting deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people has only grown.
She has been vocal in the set-up of a second youth space for those aged 12-25 years in the Macedon Ranges.
They are now located in Kyneton and Gisborne.
Shanleigh has taken on another volunteer role with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Aged Care Volunteers Visiting Scheme supporting Deaf Auslan users in aged care.
Shanleigh has also organised further deaf awareness and Auslan training for Gisborne and Woodend SES volunteers to take place in May. She continues to organise social catch-ups for the Macedon Ranges Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Group.
For April, Shanleigh has organised a free community event with Auslan in the West called ‘Sign and Wine’, where people can learn about awareness and basic Auslan.
NOMINATE
Nominations to the Victorian Honours Roll of Women reopened last week, for women either born in Victoria, who have spent a considerable part of their life here, or who have made a significant contribution to the state.
Since it began in 2001, almost 750 women from across the state have been inducted into the roll for their contributions to various fields including science, art, environment, law and social justice.
Submissions close on May 5. Full criteria is available online at: vic.gov.au/honour-roll-women
