Meet your 2023 Lifeline Women of Spirit
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Meet the inspirational, strong, and courageous women of the Canberra community.
Nominated by their peers for their inspiring contributions to the Canberra community, the 2023 Women of Spirit Award and the Rising Women of Spirit Award recipients have been announced in an elegant luncheon at the National Gallery of Australia.
Since 2006, Lifeline Canberra has asked members of the community to nominate an inspirational woman in their lives.
“Women of spirit are often hidden in our community, quietly working away, and giving their time to lift up others and support vital causes,” says Lifeline CEO Carrie Leeson.
“For this reason, each year we ask Canberrans to help us uncover women of spirit in our community so we can recognise their efforts and tell their important and inspiring stories.”
Showcasing many inspirational, strong, and courageous women of the Canberra community by celebrating the key messages of resilience and compassion, from a pool of 11 exemplary nominees, Wiradjuri woman Dr. Karen Demmery was chosen as Lifeline Canberra’s 2023 Lifeline Woman of Spirit.
Dr. Karen Demmery.
The founder of Burbirra (a consulting company that specialises in training and development, cultural services, business development and support, and more) and Spirit Hive (a non-profit that offers education, coaching, and counselling services in the hope to interrupt statistics in suicide, depression, anxiety, and addiction), Dr Demmery’s significant inner strength, self-belief and extraordinary dedication to the Canberra community was commended.
The Rising Women of Spirit Award (which recognises women who have only recently overcome adversity) went to Francesca Isla. A counsellor for Toora Women Inc, Francesca created the Brave program for Bully Zero Australia—Australia’s leading bullying prevention charity.
Francesca Isla.
Allowing people to unpack, reflect, and share insight into the reality of what it means to be bullied, and the ensuing physical, emotional, psychological, social, and generational consequences of such behaviour, Brave has achieved amazing outcomes.
Featuring entertainment from Prettirinas musical duo and a keynote address from Jenny Heddle—a lived experience advocate—the 2023 awards saw many incredible women who have triumphed over personal adversity recognised and celebrated for their contribution to Canberra.
For more information about the awards, visit lifelinecanberra.org.au.
Photography: Kerrie Brewer.
