Wodonga Council — Women of Wodonga, Celebrating Women in 2025

Women of Wodonga, Celebrating Women in 2025

This compelling portrait series has been created in honour of International Women’s Day, held on March 8, 2025.

This day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.

This year's theme is Accelerate Action.

The incredible women featured in this portrait series all accelerate action in their community in various ways, including:

Founding and supporting community groups;
Amplifying and championing the voices of First Nations Australians;
Leading the conversation for local youth;
Founding businesses;
Addressing a community need;
Advocating for the culturally and linguistically diverse communities;
Elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport;
Community leadership; and,
Promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls.

Photographer: Erin Davis Hartwig

Abi Thompson

A well-established artist of over 45 years, Abi’s work has seen her teach art, volunteer with and mentor artists, and coordinate art-based projects and workshops in Wodonga and beyond.

Blessing Uwineza

Blessing is a key young leader in the community and at Wodonga Heart Football Club. She volunteers her time helping others with support and encouragement.

Carolyn Naldrett

Carolyn has worked at Family Day Care for several years and volunteers her time across multiple organisations, including the Uniting Church, Uniting Emergency Relief and Mainly Music.

Glennys Briggs

Glennys is a Tunguwurung/ Yorta Yorta/ Wiradjuri elder. Having worked in Aboriginal health and welfare for approximately 20 years, she is now a practising artist, holding numerous exhibitions and being a finalist in and recipient of various awards.

Ha Ngo

Ha is a key community volunteer, providing support and interpreting assistance through AWECC, Wodonga Abattoirs and surrounding Catholic schools. She is also involved in the Catholic community’s events that aim to enhance connection.

Kara Chanter

Kara has a background as a palliative care nurse and is now a business owner, an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant and a women’s circle facilitator. She supports the community through end-of-life initiatives and was jointly awarded the Albury Creative Citizen of the year in 2025.

Leanne Sjogren

Leanne is a business owner in Wodonga business owner, using yoga and fitness to support a diverse range of women and providing them with a safe, nurturing and supportive space.

Lauren Pietila and Kirsten Sargeant

Lauren is a young professional in land development, with a key focus on community growth. She has successfully launched an initiative partnering with local businesses, which aims to help first home buyers enter the market and achieve homeownership while contributing to Wodonga’s development.

Kirsten is a young business owner pushing boundaries in the Wodonga community and empowering others to navigate challenges and break new ground. As the recipient of the Outstanding Young Business Leader Award in 2024 and a dedicated fundraiser for the Cancer Council, she continues to drive change and make an impact.

Madeline Hall

Madeline is a young community-minded person involved in the Feeza youth program throughout 2024. She is involved in school activities, contributes to local events and was a member of the Wodonga 2050 panel.

Saguna Gevariya

Saguna is a retail manager working in the quality department in the food manufacturing industry. She volunteers as the Chair of the AWECC Board and BAPS, helping migrants integrate into the Australian community, and is a proud recipient of Wodonga Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year award.

Sarah Hawkins, Jade Tinney and Rose Martin

Sarah is a laboratory manager at Wodonga Hospital. She is the volunteer Female Liaison Officer at Wodonga Heart Football Club and a member of the Albury Wodonga Football Association’s Women’s Committee.

Jade is a schoolteacher and mentor for the students. She volunteers at Wodonga Heart Football Club, undertaking varied roles such as coaching, canteen work and introducing the Hidden Disabilities initiative. Jade is passionate about increasing female participation in sport.

Rose is the Secretary of Wodonga Heart Football Club. She contributes her time and efforts to encouraging and actively welcoming people of all abilities and backgrounds to play the sport.

Shirley Farr

Shirley has a background in TAFE (Technical and Further Education). She is a well-respected community leader and volunteers on a fund-raising auxiliary for Wodonga Hospital, school council and kindergarten committees. Shirley is currently a volunteer tutor at UA3 (University of the Third Age).

Valda Murray

Valda is a Yorta Yorta, Duduroa and Wemba Wemba woman. She volunteers her time with Landcare and advocating for the First Nations community, while also hosting traditional weaving workshops.