Four South Australian women have been recognised for their work creating change across the state, with the winners of the 2026 SA Women of Impact Awards announced at Government House.
The annual awards, facilitated by the Office for Women, celebrate women making a lasting difference across their communities, industries and the wider state.
This year’s winners were recognised across four categories, highlighting contributions ranging from Aboriginal advocacy and healthcare to ending domestic violence and improving gender equity in aged care.
Kaurna and Narungga woman Susan Dixon took out the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Impact Award after more than 40 years of advocacy across Aboriginal education, health, housing, child protection, women’s rights, justice, law, environmental protection and local government.
Much of Susan’s work has involved providing consultancy services, often voluntarily, to ensure Aboriginal voices, experiences and cultural authority are reflected in community, government and public decision-making.
Dr Marie-Claire Seeley was named winner of the Impact in the Community Award for her work supporting people living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS.
Dr Seeley founded the Australian POTS Foundation, which advocates for patients and families living with POTS and related autonomic disorders, while also raising funds for research and education.
The Impact on Ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Award went to Stacey Nelan, who has spent more than 12 years advocating for survivors and challenging the stigma surrounding domestic and family violence.
Stacey has worked to raise awareness of coercive control and push for changes across government, corporate and community sectors, with a particular focus on creating safer and more trauma-informed responses.
Jane Pickering was recognised with the Impact in Industry Award after a 48-year career in South Australia’s health and aged care sectors.
Jane is Chief Executive Officer of Eldercare Australia, a Board Director of Ageing Australia SA/NT and has chaired the South Australian Leaders for Gender Equity since 2020.
Her work has focused on improving the culture and quality of aged care while advancing women’s equity and representation in leadership and business.
Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard congratulated the four winners.
“Congratulations to the 2026 SA Women of Impact Award winners whose contributions have strengthened our communities and our economy and enriched the lives of others,” she said.
“These women’s stories and efforts are remarkable and will inspire others.”
The awards recognise nominees who demonstrate a long-lasting impact through their work, leadership or role-model status, as well as innovation and creativity.
Hildyard said many of the contributions being recognised happen quietly and without widespread attention.
“These awards rightly highlight the incredible and sometimes under the radar work women across our state are undertaking to make a difference in their industries and communities.”
The minister also thanked those who nominated women for the awards, along with every nominee and winner involved in this year’s program.
“Across South Australia, women are leading change, breaking barriers, supporting and empowering those around them and making our state a better place.
“These women exemplify all of this, and I am so pleased that these awards celebrate their achievements and give them the recognition they deserve.”
