: Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) today announces Kit McMahon Chief Executive Officer, Women's Health in the South East; DIrector, Tradeswomen Australia, as the 2026 National Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership. This prestigious award honours exceptional Australian women and gender-diverse people who encourage change and contribute to advancing equity across all facets of our society.
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership were created by Women & Leadership Australia in 2014 to honour women leaders nominated by the public for their outstanding contribution and lasting impact across business, government, and community in delivering positive outcomes for women, girls or other groups facing disadvantage.
Kit McMahon is a nationally respected leader whose work focuses on how collaboration, accountability and long-term cultural change can shift entrenched gender inequality in education and work. Based in Melbourne, with deep roots in Victoria's south-west on Gunditjmara Country, Kit is known for bringing together organisations that might otherwise compete, and helping them recognise the power of collective action to drive lasting reform.
Kit McMahon says: "Being selected for this award is both humbling and energising. For over 25 years, I've worked to challenge gender segregation in vocational education and champion women's equality - not because the path is easy, but because every woman and girl deserves to pursue their ambitions without barriers. I've learned that meaningful change requires patience, persistence, and collaboration across generations. We build on the work of those who cleared the path before us, and we lead alongside countless others who share this vision. This recognition belongs to all of us working to create a more equitable Australia in our workplaces, our communities, and our systems."
General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, Karen Surmon, says: "With more than 25 years dedicated to advancing gender equity and social justice, we are proud to honour Kit McMahon for her outstanding leadership and enduring impact on women's equality in Australia.
A visionary executive leader and intersectional feminist advocate, Kit has driven systemic reform across health, vocational education and workplaces. As CEO of Women's Health in the South East (WHISE), National Convenor of Women in Adult Vocational Education (WISE), Director and former Chair of Tradeswomen Australia and inaugural Chair of Gender Equity Victoria, her collaborative leadership has helped secure significant funding and lasting structural change for women across multiple sectors.
Kit's work is grounded in a deep belief that progress is built collectively and across generations. Her commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, alongside her ongoing research as a PhD candidate at Griffith University, has strengthened pathways for women and girls to pursue their ambitions without limitation. Her leadership, persistence and dedication make Kit McMahon a truly deserving recipient of this Award."
Along with Kit McMahon as the National Award winner, Women & Leadership Australia has also today announced the state and territory award recipients including:
Katherine Berney (ACT) Director, Gender Based Violence Prevention at the Foundation of Alcohol Research and Education
Leah Bennett (NSW) Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Foundation
Taylah Peters (NT) Manager, Specialist Support Services, Relationships Australia NT; Chairperson, Amber NT
Jessica Taylor (QLD) Chief Executive Officer, QENDO
Dr Heidi Mumme (TAS) Director, MI-Fish Consulting; Tasmanian Director, Women in Seafood Australasia
Divya Pasupuleti (VIC) Telecommunications Executive, Board Director and Speaker
Drisana Levitzke-Gray (WA) Award-Winning Deaf Advocate, Educator & Speaker
Anne Tonkin (SA) Lecturer; Disability Advocate; Speaker; Author; Author of Tonkin 10/10 Bill
"Equity doesn't happen by accident — it's driven by courageous leadership and sustained action at all levels. The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership recognises women and gender-diverse leaders who are reshaping workplaces, strengthening communities, and driving lasting change. By celebrating their leadership achievements, we build momentum towards a more equitable future for all," Karen Surmon concludes.
Previous recipients of the National Award include Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Sam Mostyn AO, Karen Mundine, Christine Holgate, Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Nova Peris OAM OLY, Tracey Spicer AM, The Hon. Julia Gillard, The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Elizabeth Broderick AO, Ann Sherry AO, and Gail Kelly.
Kit McMahon, along with the state winners, will accept their awards on March 26, 2026, during Celebrating Women of Impact: Lessons from Changemakers, a free online event. Kit will deliver an acceptance address as part of this event. Register to attend at www.wla.edu.au/impactevent/
