Former Mayor Annette Rockliff is set to inspire our city’s brightest as the Devonport City Council’s Diamonds of Devonport ambassador. The next generation of innovators will be celebrated at the awards ceremony held this International Women’s Day, on Wednesday, 8 March.
As patron of the event, Annette Rockliff began the Diamonds of Devonport in 2012, with the aim of showcasing the shining talent, hard work and dedication of women in our region.
The annual awards have recognised more than 307 local women over the past 12 years.
“I’m very proud of Diamonds of Devonport and the fact that we now celebrate the women of our city in such a public way,” Annette said.
After 15 years in Local Government and 4 years as the Mayor of Devonport, Annette Rockliff has made her mark as a Councillor, and in her retirement continues to encourage the next generation of women in our city.
“I am really excited to be invited to be the Ambassador for the 2023 celebrations. It’s lovely to be acknowledged in this way – and I’m looking forward to being involved for another year.”
“We started Diamonds because I became aware of International Women’s Day and realised that as a community we didn’t celebrate or acknowledge it, even though it had been celebrated throughout the world for about 100 years by that time,” Annette said.
Devonport City Council’s enthusiasm for International Women’s Day has spread, with many organisations following suit and hosting activities around the flagship Diamonds event.
“It’s been wonderful to see how much the women who are celebrated appreciate their nomination – and to see that the community embraces them and their achievements,” Annette said.
Sharing Annette Rockliff’s passion for recognising and empowering the women of our region, Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman encouraged Annette to take on the role as this year’s ambassador.
“The Diamonds of Devonport is a wonderful example of women collaborating in our community. This is an opportunity for like-minded women to connect and learn from each other, as well as meet with inspirational leaders shaping our community, like our former Mayor Annette Rockliff,” Cr Jarman said.
With nominations open, Cr Jarman encourages the community to get their nominations in and help find the next Diamonds of Devonport.
“If you know an amazing woman that shines brightly in our community, I encourage you to nominate her to become a Diamond,” Cr Jarman said.
Nominations will be accepted in the following categories:
• Young Achiever (under 30 years)
• Personal Achievement
• Business Achievement
• Community Achievement
Nominations close 9am Monday, 20 February 2023 and can be made here.
This year’s finalists will be acknowledged at a cocktail event held on Wednesday, 8 March at 6pm at the paranaple convention centre. Tickets for the event are available here.