The winners of the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards, which celebrate the contributions of women and gender-diverse people in the ACT, and span all fields and sectors, have been announced.
The winners are:
- Ashlee Berry, Excellence in Industry Award;
- Robyn Smith, Gender Equity and Social Change Award;
- Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, Lifetime Achievement Award;
- Katherine Berney, Minister’s Impact Award.
The Excellence in Industry Award recognises outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership or advancement within any industry or sector.
Ms Berry is the ACT & Capital Region Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia. She is a respected advocate for the property industry.
“Ashlee is passionate about advancing gender equity and increasing women’s visibility. Through her leadership, volunteer work and mentoring, she helps create opportunities for women and supports the development of more inclusive communities,” the Government said in a statement.
The Gender Equity and Social Change Award, won by Robyn Smith, recognises advocacy, reform or initiatives that advance gender equity, inclusion or social change.
“Ms Smith drives change through education, research and advocacy for people living with inherited cancer risk.”
“Motivated by lived experience, she is committed to ensuring people at increased cancer risk can make informed health decisions.
“Through her advocacy and leadership, Robyn ensures people impacted by inherited cancer risk are heard, supported and empowered.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, recognises a body of work over many years that has created lasting positive change.
Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram is a nursing lecturer with more than 35 years of experience.
“She has made great contributions to nursing education, dementia care and aged care practice,” the Government stated.
“As Chair of the Australian College of Nursing ACT Region, she uses her extensive experience to support the advancement of professional practice and knowledge in nursing.”
She also advocates for Indian communities in Australia.
The Minister’s Impact Award, awarded to Katherine Berney, is a discretionary award that recognises significant positive impact in an area aligned with the Minister’s priorities.
Ms Berney is Director of Prevention of Gendered Violence at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.
She drives policy, prevention and systems reform to address gender-based violence. She champions evidence, accountability and collaboration across government, community and industry.
Through her strategic leadership, she works to advance safety, equality and justice for women, children and non-binary people across Australia.
This year’s awards ceremony also recognised 14 inductees to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll. This is a digital list of women and gender diverse people who have been awarded for their significant and lasting contributions in Canberra, Australia or internationally.
