Boards and committees

The Office for Women works towards ensuring that more women are able to make a contribution as leaders and key decision makers in the South Australian community. One way to achieve this is to increase the number of women members of boards and committees.

The Business Case

• Gender Equity Insights 2020: Delivering the Business Outcomes Workplace Gender Equality Agency
• The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and women on boards Catalyst

State Government boards and committees

• Office for Women Advisory Boards
• Boarding Call SA Government boards and committees
• List of SA Government boards and committees

Federal Government boards and committees

• Board Links Australian Government network for women
• Indigenous Portfolio Boards and Committees Candidate Register
• List of Federal Government boards and committees

Useful links

General tips for board members

• Are you ready to serve on a board? Harvard Business Review
• Role of the Board Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Your board responsibilities (not for profit boards focused) Institute of Community Directors Australia

Training providers and board directories

• Australian Institute of Company Directors (ACID)
• CBB Board Match (not for profit boards)
• Get on Board Australia
• Governance Institute of Australia
• Institute of Community Directors Australia
• Volunteering SA & NT
• Women and Leadership Australia
• Women on Boards

Inspiring South Australian Women's Award

The Inspiring South Australian Women's Award (formerly known as the Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award) recognises an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the community. The award recognises the outstanding contribution women make, in a voluntary or paid role, in advancing and enriching our society. The award is designed to acknowledge those women who have previously not been publicly recognised for their work and service to the community.

The award categories are:

• Inspiring SA Women's Award
• Emerging Leaders Award.

A Commendation Award may be bestowed to encourage the future potential of the nominee.

The award is part of the Australia Day Awards and honours and is jointly coordinated by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and the Office for Women.

Inspiring South Australian Women's Award website

Local Government

The number of women in local government has risen in South Australia from 29% in 2015 to 39.9% in 2024.

Australian Local Government Women's Association

Local Government elections will be held next in 2026. Information on how to nominate is available at the Local Government Association website.

SA Women of Impact Awards

The South Australian Women of Impact Awards celebrate women creating positive change, recognising winners and finalists annually across four categories.

Held annually, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and commitment of women who create positive change and help create a safer and more equitable South Australia.

The SA Women of Impact Award winner and finalists will be announced in September 2025.

SA Women of impact Award Categories

Impact in Industry Award

A woman who has made an enduring commitment and impact to their prospective industry, which has brought about significant and lasting change.

Impact in the Community Award

A woman who has brought positive change and impacted their community through commitment to their field or passion.

Aboriginal Impact Award

A resilient Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women who consistently contributes, advocates and challenges the status quo, achieving a shared vision for the Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander community, striving for equity, parity, and non-discrimination of her peers.

Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

A woman who has contributed tirelessly towards working to end DFSV in South Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

• A woman who has made a significant contribution to the South Australian community in any field
• Must reside in South Australia
• Cannot receive a second award in the same award category, but can be considered for recognition in a separate category in following years
• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years
• Self-nominations will not be accepted
• Nominations made by next of kin will be required to be made jointly with a third party
• Nominees must be aged 18 years or over
• Posthumous nominations will be accepted
• Women who have not been recognised in other ways will be weighted higher than those who have already received significant recognition, honours or awards.

Selection Criteria

For all award categories, nominations will be required to demonstrate:

• Active involvement in the South Australian community
• Nature and length of involvement or actions in their chosen field
• Contribution made to the community, field of work or endeavor
• Long lasting effects of their contributions
• Recognition as a leader or role model in the community
• Possess inspirational and leadership qualities
• Shows innovation and creativity
• Actively promotes the advancement of women’s rights and social justice
• Demonstrates special commitment to equity and diversity

Contact us

Please send enquiries to DHSOFWGenderEquity@sa.gov.au

South Australian Women’s Honour Roll (2008 to 2023)

The South Australian Women's Honour Roll helped increase formal recognition of women in the South Australian community. Held every two years, the Honour Roll celebrated women who created positive changes towards a more inclusive society.

Women are now honoured through the South Australian Women of Impact Awards.

SA Women's Honour Roll nominees 2008 to 2023

• 2023 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 869.8 KB)
• 2021 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 330.7 KB)
• 2019 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 809.2 KB)
• 2017 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 226.2 KB)
• 2015 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 270.5 KB)
• 2013 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 181.7 KB)
• 2011 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 442.5 KB)
• 2009 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 3.5 MB)
• 2008 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 5.5 MB)

Women's Roll of Honour for the 20th Century

The International Women's Day Committee (SA) Inc developed an Honour Roll for South Australian Women (PDF 5.0 MB) in 2001. This Roll lists outstanding women who made a positive impact on South Australian life from 1900 to 1999.