The Office for Women has honoured four outstanding women through the 2026 SA Women of Impact Awards.
The winners, selected by an independent judging panel from more than 130 nominations, were announced during a ceremony at Government House on 8 September 2026.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Impact Award - Susan Dixon
Susan Dixon (pictured above) is a Kaurna and Narungga woman with more than 40 years of advocacy experience extending across Aboriginal education, health, housing, child protection, women’s rights, justice, law, environmental protection and local government.
She was recognised for providing consultancy services, often on a voluntary basis, to ensure Aboriginal voices, lived experiences and cultural authority are recognised within community, government and public decision-making processes.
Impact in the Community Award - Dr Marie-Claire Seeley 
Dr Marie-Claire Seeley was recognised for her dedication to improving the lives of people living with postural orthotatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Marie-Claire is the Founder of the Australian POTS Foundation, advocating and supporting patients and families living with POTS and other related autonomic disorders while raising vital funds for research and education.
Im
pact in Industry Award - Jane Pickering
Jane Pickering has spent her 48-year career advancing health and aged care in South Australia, contributing to culture and quality of the aged care sector and improving women’s equity and representation in leadership and business.
She has held senior executive, board and governance positions for national and South Australian aged care organisations as well as the South Australian Leaders for Gender Equity (SALGE) network.
Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Award -
Stacey Nelan
Stacey Nelan has advocated and amplified domestic, family and sexual violence survivor voices for more than 12 years.
She has challenged stigma, raised awareness of coercive control and improved systems change across government, corporate and community sectors.
Stacey is a respected survivor advocate known for her lived experience leadership advocating for safer, trauma-informed responses across workplaces, services and community systems.
Facilitated by the Office for Women, the awards are held annually to celebrate women leading the way in building a stronger, safer and more inclusive state.
Nominees were required to demonstrate their eligibility for selection, such as the long-lasting impact of their contributions, their recognition as a leader or role model in their community, and their innovation and creativity.
For more information, visit the Office for Women website.
