HALL OF FAME HONOREES

2026

Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, Governor General

Elizabeth Broderick, Founder and Convenor of the Champions of Change Coalition

A catalyst for change, a legacy built with others

Paid parental leave advocate — As Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick helped build national momentum for paid parental leave, recognising it as an economic and workplace issue, not simply a private responsibility carried by women and families.

Founder of the Champions of Change movement — In 2010, she brought together influential male chief executives and leaders, challenging those with power over recruitment, pay, promotion and workplace culture to take personal responsibility for gender equality. The initiative later evolved into the Champions of Change Coalition, involving both women and men.

Champion of measurable accountability — Elizabeth helped establish a culture in which organisations were expected to measure, report and take responsibility for gender equality outcomes. The Coalition’s annual reporting now represents one of the world’s largest voluntary disclosures of workplace gender equality measures.

Advocate for gender pay gap transparency — She consistently argued that organisations should be prepared to show their results, not simply express support for equality. The public release of individual employer gender pay gaps has made workplace inequality more visible and encouraged leaders to examine the structural causes behind their results.

Driving cultural change in Defence — Elizabeth led a major review into the treatment of women in the Australian Defence Force, helping create the conditions for long-term institutional reform. Women’s participation, visibility and leadership within Defence have since increased significantly, including the appointment of Australia’s first female Chief of Army in 2026.

A leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration — Rather than positioning herself as the sole author of change, Elizabeth has consistently recognised the advocates, leaders, employees, policymakers and communities who turned ideas into lasting progress. Her strength has been bringing the right people together and encouraging them to use their influence.

Proud mother and family leader — Alongside her public achievements, Elizabeth counts raising her children among the accomplishments of which she is most proud, a reminder that gender equality is ultimately about the opportunities, choices and expectations available to future generations.

Elizabeth Broderick’s legacy is not simply a collection of reforms, reports or organisations. It is reflected in the people she has brought together, the leaders she has challenged to use their power and the momentum she has created for others to carry forward. Her Hall of Fame recognition celebrates an enduring contribution to gender equality and a leadership philosophy built on the belief that transformational change belongs to the whole village.

Coral Ross , Chair at Australian Gender Equality Council

Advancing equality through representation and public leadership

Champion for women in local government — Coral Ross has spent decades advocating for more women to stand for election, remain in public office and take their place in local government leadership. Her work has contributed to the broader national effort that has lifted women’s representation among Australian councillors from 32.1 per cent in 2018 to more than 40 per cent.

Turning research into practical reform — Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2018, Coral examined international approaches to increasing the number of women elected to local government. Her research strengthened the evidence, ideas and advocacy available to those working to remove the barriers women face when entering public life.

Building a national voice for gender equality — As an inaugural director and now Chair of the Australian Gender Equality Council, Coral has helped unite leading organisations representing women and girls behind a shared agenda for systemic change. The Council’s member organisations collectively reach approximately 500,000 people.

Leading Victoria’s local government sector — Coral served as President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, representing and advocating for councils across the state. She also held national leadership roles with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, extending her influence well beyond her own municipality.

Three-time Mayor and community advocate — During more than 18 years as a City of Boroondara councillor, Coral served three terms as Mayor and earned the title of Mayor Emeritus. She used the role to represent her community, elevate local concerns and demonstrate the contribution women can make at the highest levels of civic leadership.

Recognition grounded in a larger purpose — Coral has been named among Australia’s 100 Women of Influence, inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to local government and gender equality. She views these honours not simply as personal achievements, but as recognition of the wider movement working to advance equality.
Coral Ross’s legacy lies in making public leadership more accessible and representative. Through elected office, research, advocacy and coalition building, she has helped create stronger pathways for women to participate in the decisions that shape their communities. Her Hall of Fame recognition celebrates both her individual leadership and her sustained contribution to the collective effort to move gender equality forward.

2025

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor Geeneral of Australia

A record of firsts and lasting impact

Trailblazer in Australian sport — In 2005, Mostyn became the AFL’s first female commissioner, helping drive the league’s Respect and Responsibility policy and laying groundwork that lifted standards for women and girls in football.
Economic equality reform — As Chair of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, her advice informed the Australian Government’s decision to pay superannuation on government Paid Parental Leave from 1 July 2025, a structural step to narrow the retirement gap.
Responsible capital leadership — As Chair of Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest funds, she has presided over an agenda linking long-term performance with climate action and gender equity.
First Nations education champion — After a decade on the board, Mostyn became Patron of the GO Foundation in 2025, supporting scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Shaping the ‘care economy’ narrative — As CEW President, her National Press Club platform helped reframe policy debate from career alone to care and participation, influencing subsequent budgets and reforms.

“Hall of Fame honourees are selected for contributions that are both pioneering and proven. Sam’s work shows up in safer codes of sport, better retirement outcomes for parents, clearer pathways for First Nations students, and a more human economy,” Sweeney added.

Lisa Annese , CEO of Chief Executive Women

A record of consistency & achievement

We recognise Lisa Annese, CEO of Chief Executive Women, for sustained national impact on gender equity. At Diversity Council Australia she grew membership to ~1,400 organisations and led research that helped mainstream flexible work and deepen inclusion capability. In 2025, as CEW CEO, she has championed accountability for leadership pipelines and pay equity, and taken the CEW Senior Executive Census national conversation forward.

Lisa developed the first-ever census of Australian Women in Leadership, while at WGEA (or its predecessor).
She also helped create the first-ever Business Achievement Awards and the “Employer of Choice for Women” citation at WGEA/EOWA.
She contributed to the policy framework implementation for the EOWA Act 1999 (which eventually evolved into WGEA) with Australian businesses.

Hall of Fame honourees are selected for their far-reaching impact. Lisa Annese’s work laid the foundations for today’s accountability on gender equity, ensuring that transparent data, clear standards, and proven practices continue to move women into leadership and strengthen Australia’s economy.