We are delighted to announce that WAFA convenor Jess Beckerling has been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame 2023 for her dedication to climate, forests and social justice. In particular, for her contribution to the major breakthrough in government policy to protect WA’s South West forests.
Held on International Women’s Day at Government House, the annual event recognises the contribution of a diverse group of women to the social, economic, historical, scientific, cultural,
and political achievements of women in WA.
Welcome to Country was given by Respected Elder Glenda Kickett, also a WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductee (2016). The Minister for Women’s Interest The Hon. Sue Ellery MLC then gave an address and welcomed each inductee to the stage.
‘I am really grateful to be inducted tonight – for me, it symbolises recognition of leadership in the WA forest campaign and our recent success in protecting native forests and and preventing huge volumes of carbon emissions,’ Jess said.
‘The Suffragettes taught us about the power of courage, of endurance, and in community. And in facing injustice we need these qualities now, to face the crises we are all so familiar with today. The work we have in front of us is very clear. It is no secret that we need to rule out new coal and gas and to reconnect and care for country.
A real part of that work is in building community action and, as the Minister said, in amplifying voices for women. Thankyou to the organisers of the event and congratulations to the other inductees.’
The 20 inductees for 2023 were drawn from the fields of arts, business, community, culture, education, health and sport. You can read their biographies on the WA Women’s Hall of Fame website.
Jess spoke with from RTR FM (one of the sponsors of the WA Women’s Hall of Fame), about her experience and the value of collaborative feminist leadership in WA’s environmental campaign. Listen to the full interview over at RTR FM.
Images by Matt Jelonek and supplied by WA Women’s Hall of Fame.