Moyne recognises its inspiring women on International Women’s Day

Published on 08 March 2023

Three women have been named winners of the Inspiring Women of Moyne awards as part of International Women’s Day Celebrations.

Amy Atwell, Bree Ryan, and Ashleigh Pruys were selected by judges and announced at a community event at the Port Fairy Bowls Club on Wednesday morning.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster, Director Economy and Place Jodie McNamara and past Inspiring Women of Moyne winner Hannah Morris selected the winners from the extensive list of nominees.

Cr Foster said the nominations highlighted the remarkable women making a significant impact to the Moyne Shire community.

“I was incredibly inspired by the calibre of women nominated for these awards and the outstanding contributions they have made in the community,” Cr Foster said.

“We received over 50 nominations, showcasing remarkable women from all walks of life who inspire others and make a difference to the lives of the people around them.”

“It’s wonderful to see these women getting the recognition they deserve and I extend my congratulations to all the finalists. Your stories, work and lives are an inspiration to us all.”

Amy Atwell’s nominator said: Amy is big into volunteering and has been president of the local kindergarten for the last three years. She has instigated a school fete for the first time this year known as ‘Picnic in the Paddock’ and has just become Vice Principal at St John’s Primary School in Dennington.

As a youngster, Amy was Moyne Shire Youth of the Year and served on the youth council.

Bree Ryan’s nominator said: Bree has a can do attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to improve our school and our community.

She is one of the main event directors of the Port Fairy Marathon, volunteers at Nippers, surf club, soccer club, Southcombe Park Committee, is on our school council, finance committee, Parents And Friends Committee, little athletics and the list goes on.

Most of all, she is an amazing mother of three young children. She is absolutely selfless with her time and energy. All this whilst working as a lawyer! If that doesn’t inspire women in our area; I don’t know what will.

Ashleigh Pruys’ nominator said: Wow. This woman is amazing. I have only physically met her once, but she has created a beautiful network of supportive mums in our region.

This began with a Facebook group called ‘Port Fairy Mums’, where there is an active community of over 100 local mums who ask questions, provide support for each other, organise play dates and exercise sessions - all off her own back. She established that she was new to town and wanted to meet new mums.

From this, Ashleigh then also started the Toolong classroom, which is a weekly nature play group, a space for yoga and social networking and a mum’s book club. I have never felt more connected to my community, and it is thanks to the connections that I’ve made through this group.

I want to celebrate this outstanding mum for her initiative. She is positively influencing the mental health and deep connections of so many of our young mums.

Read more about the nominated women online at www.moyne.vic.gov.au/Our-Community/Inspiring-Women-of-Moyne