SA Women of Impact Awards 2025
The SA Women of Impact Award winners were selected by an independent judging panel from more than 100 nominations and announced on Monday 22 September 2025.
Held for the first time in 2025, the South Australian Women of Impact Awards acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and commitment of women who create positive change and help create a safer and more equitable South Australia across four categories.
Aboriginal Impact Award
Aboriginal Impact Award
A resilient Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman who consistently contributes, advocates and challenges the status quo, achieving a shared vision for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community, striving for equity, parity, and non-discrimination of her peers.
Jade Wilson – Winner
Jade is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Arabana and Pitjantjatjara woman. Having grown up in regional South Australia in Port Augusta, she understands the complexities of living in a country town where access to services, jobs and training opportunities can be limited. She commenced as a trainee in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) 21 years ago and continued to serve the Public Sector in various roles, including her current one as the Deputy Director for Aboriginal Strategy at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. She is passionate about providing opportunities for staff, Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal business when they arise. Jade is a is an active member of The Power of Her, Women in Sport Task Force, and the SACA Aboriginal Cricket Advisory Committee.
Finalists
- Debra Moyle
- Katie Coulthard
- Sarah Decrea
- Tiahni Adamson
Impact in Community Award
Impact in Community Award
A woman who has brought positive change and impacted their community through commitment to their field or passion.
Tiahni Adamson – Winner
Tiahni Adamson, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from the Kaurareg Nation of Thursday Island, is a nationally recognised conservation biologist, science communicator, and advocate for climate justice. As National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager at Bush Heritage Australia, she partners with Traditional Owners to embed cultural governance in land management. She also serves on the Board of Green Adelaide and SA’s Premier’s Climate Change Council, and runs a business helping organisations embed Indigenous knowledge in sustainability strategies. Named 2024 Young South Australian of the Year and recipient of the University of Adelaide’s Tirkapena Indigenous Distinguished Alumni Award, she has reached over a million people through national and global speaking. Her work spans activism, STEM education, and cross-cultural partnerships, advancing healing-centred, community-led climate solutions that honour Country and culture.
Finalists
- Eleonora Finoia
- Natalie Wade
- Stacey Gray
- Yvette Eglinton
Impact in Industry Award
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.
Ann Buesnel – Winner
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ann Buesnel is a highly skilled and incredible leader who has served on the frontline of fires and emergencies, as both a volunteer and a career officer, across South Australia and the nation for the past 26 years. Her hard work, commitment to learning, and passion have contributed to not only making the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) better, but to securing better outcomes for communities during times of crisis. Highly trained, innovative, authentic, and inspiring, Ann is a great role model and mentor and has had an impact across the entire SA CFS.
Finalists
- Helen Whait
- Dr Ilaria Pagani
- Jo Stewart- Rattray
- Dr Mary Retallack
Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Award
Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Award
A woman who has contributed tirelessly towards working to end Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia.
Dr Kristina Birchmore – Winner
Dr Birchmore is a Social Worker and is currently the Manager, Cedar Health Service: Inclusive Domestic and Family Violence Healthcare. This position is located in the Health and Recovery Trauma Safety Services (HaRTSS) Division of the Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN), SA Health. The role involves responsibility for strategic responses to Domestic and Family Violence and the Cedar Health Service Team which includes the Multi-Disciplinary Consumer Facing Team, Strategic Projects & Training Team, and the Multi-Agency Protection Service (MAPS). Dr Birchmore has worked in the field of gender-based violence in the areas of research, practice, training, and the tertiary education sector. Since 2003, she has been a sessional lecturer and tutor in gendered violence and mental health at the University of South Australia providing positive learning experiences that are inclusive of all participants.
Finalists
- Amanda Brownlie
- Kellie Watkins
- Stacey Nelan
- Tania Sansbury
Office for Women acknowledges and respects Aboriginal peoples as the State’s first peoples and nations and recognises Aboriginal peoples as traditional owners and occupants of the lands and waters in South Australia.
Women's Information Service
8303 0590 or 1800 188 158
Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:00pm
wis@sa.gov.au
Find your closest WIS Haven
Office for Women
