A CHARITY leader and a stem cell scientist have been named joint winners of the Kingston Woman of the Year award for 2025.
At an International Women’s Day event on 7 March, Leanne Maloni and Dr Nirali Shah each received the woman of the year award. They were named the winners from a group of 29 outstanding nominees.
Maloni founded The Ladies of Lochiel in 2014, teaming up with other Edithvale residents to put together food packs for vulnerable people. The You Are Special food packs are an initiative of the Servants of the Two Hearts and Reaching Out Because We Can charities.
Dr Shah, who has a PhD in stem cells and regenerative medicine, is leading research to treat osteoarthritis through stem cell therapies.
Award winners in other categories were Chelsea SES volunteer Ria Breider for “courageous commitment”, musician Monica Cashin in “excelling in art or sport”, and Robinsons Honey and Natures Blend founder Brenda Robinson for “inspiring innovation.” Vanessa Henry won the award for “success in STEM” for her work with Dentures with Dignity.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley presented the awards to the winners. She said the 29 nominees “are stories of innovation, volunteerism, creativity, community outreach, skill sharing, personal sacrifices, and risk taking. Of business success, motivation, passion, and incredible acts of kindness.”
“You can’t be what you can’t see. And I know that in our nominees today, and those who have been recognised through these awards over their seven-year history, there are so many positive role models for women and girls of all ages, cultures, and abilities,” she said.
“This year’s theme for IWD of March Forward, which calls for turning promises into progress on gender equality, is a very timely reminder that to create a fairer world for future generations of women and girls we all need to take every opportunity possible to drive change. “I feel like momentum is on our side, but it will take a collective and long-term effort to reach our goals. Representation and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women and girls is so vital in this pursuit.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 12 March 2025