Brigid Awards recognise contribution of Irish-Australian women

A woman who helped to round up support in Australia for Ireland's marriage equality referendum and another who promotes Irish dancing and culture in Australia will be among those receiving awards at a ceremony on Friday in Sydney.

The Brigid Awards are being held for a second year and will honour 12 Irish-Australian women who have made significant contributions to Australian society. The deputy leader of the main opposition Labor Party Tanya Plibersek will present the awards.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, an outspoken activist for aboriginal rights who has Irish heritage, will deliver an address at the ceremony.

Award recipients also include Deirdre Grusovin, former member of the New South Wales parliament, and Coral Levett, president of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association. A posthumous award will go to Bridget Whelan, an adviser to several government ministers. She died last year after battling ovarian cancer.

Senator Deborah O’Neill, patron of the Irish Friends of Labor, which is organising the awards, said this year’s winners reflect the breadth of involvement of women of Irish heritage throughout Australian society. “We are honouring women who have contributed to politics, culture, education, trade unions and community work. They have shown leadership and tenacity through their activism. They are an inspiration to a new generation of women to get involved in their community, their workplace and politics,” she said.

The awards are named after St Brigid whose feast day falls close to the award ceremony.

The full list of award winners includes:

Janice Currie-Henderson, who will received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Irish dancing and Irish culture in Australia for over 50 years

Louise Nealon, for her contribution to the Irish Australian LGBTIQ community, in particular in encouraging Irish Australians to support the Irish marriage equality referendum campaign

Eileen Donaghey, for her work and fundraising with children's charity Variety Australia and her support to young Irish coming to Australia.

Bridget Whelan (awarded posthumously), recipient of Medal of the Order of Australia, senior adviser to a number of government ministers and advocate for charities and cancer awareness organisations

Deirdre Grusovin, recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia and former New South Wales Labor Party member of parliament

Una Champion, for her contribution to the Macarthur community

Coral Levett, president of the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association

Dr Marie Leech, for her contribution to strengthening cultural links between Australia and Ireland

Celine Smullen, political activist who has helped elect a number of women to state and federal parliament

Carmel Cook, United Voice trade union activist

Maura Chambers, Labor Party and community activist in Lismore

Sheila Nolan, retired trade union organiser with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association