WA Women’s Hall of Fame exhibition to be shown at Geraldton Regional Library

The WA Women’s Hall of Fame is at the centre of an exhibition in Geraldton, and a local has had an influence in putting it together. The Hall of Fame was established in 2011, and aims to recognise the significant achievements of women in WA. Among the inductees for 2024 are the principal conductor of the WA Ballet Jessica Genthin, and Captain Carol Dooley, who was the first female international ship master from WA. It’s the third year the exhibition has been shown in Geraldton, where it will be on display at the Geraldton Regional Library until Sunday, May 26. Karen Wheatland is originally from Geraldton and was the photographer for the exhibition. She said it was important to bring things like this exhibition to the regions to show the impact women could have no matter where they were. “This Hall of Fame exhibition raises awareness about women doing incredible things, and it shines light on women,” she said. “There are some (women) in Geraldton doing these amazing sustainable projects that will help impact on climate change and the use of the land. “There’s opportunity for women to be highlighted and then create role models for younger women.” Women are selected based on their contribution to society in WA, with the inductees announced on International Women’s Day each year. There are a number of categories where a person can be nominated, including the arts, business, community, culture, education, health, sport, and STEM and technical trades. Included as part of the celebration is a roll of honour, which posthumously gives recognition to a woman who made a contribution to the State’s development. This year, two inductees were named for each category, while four women were recognised in the roll of honour. Ms Wheatland has been volunteering in her role with the Hall of Fame for the last three years. She said she’s been able to meet a number of remarkable Mid West women who have been inducted, including the first Aboriginal woman elected to any level of parliament in Australia Carol Martin, and Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green, a visual artist who has won several awards including the Australian Literary Society Gold Medal. Ms Wheatland said the past weekend’s Shore Leave festival made her believe women should be better celebrated. “I witnessed how amazing the Mid West region is with the produce and seafood on offer,” she said. “Why don’t we start looking at our people and our women in the same way?”