Award to recognise Merri-bek’s great women (media release

Lawyer Jenni Smith works extremely hard to help people in the community get better access to legal services.

Last year that hard work was recognised when she won the “Honouring Women in Merri-bek Award” which was presented to her on International Women’s Day.

“I felt privileged to receive the acknowledgment of my work in Merri-bek, in part for myself but also for the many women I have represented and advocated for now and over my 20 year career as a lawyer, academic and advocate,” said Ms Smith, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Community Legal Centre.

Moreland Mayor John Kavanagh said this year the award will be part of the Merri-bek Awards, which will be held in early October.
“This is all about encouraging greater gender equality in our community,” said Cr Kavanagh.

“If you know a woman who is doing great things for our municipality then please nominate them for the Honouring Women in Merri-bek Award.”

Ms Smith hopes the category is a popular one so that more women receive the acknowledgement they deserve.

“Women do so much for their communities and rarely get recognised, it is so hard for us to put ourselves forward however it is so important for all of us that we do so,” she said.

Nominations close at 5 pm, Friday 7 September.

Find out more at Merri-bek Awards.