2026 Recipients
Inspiring South Australian Women Award Recipient 2026
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison is a trailblazer in women’s health whose innovative care has changed the lives of over 40,000 women across Australia. Internationally recognised endo-gynaecologist and reconstructive surgeon, her pioneering surgeries reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time, setting new global standards in minimally invasive care. She founded a state-of-the-art women’s health centre in Adelaide that has since become a national model for patient-centred care.
Desert Flower Australia has supported more than 500 women affected by female genital mutilation. Through multilingual engagement in Persian, Dari, and German the centre ensures culturally safe healthcare access for refugee and migrant women. Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison is not only healing individuals she is transforming systems. Her work stands as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and progress in women’s health.
Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award Commendation 2026
Associate Professor Jodie Avery
Associate Professor Jodie Avery is advancing women’s health through rigorous research and sector leadership in endometriosis care. Her work has improved health outcomes and is addressing gaps in care, less invasive and more accessible diagnosis pathways, and treatment, with profound impact on both academic research and real-world healthcare practices. Beyond research impact, she contributes to healthcare policy reform and patient advocacy, ensuring evidence informs practice. Through her contributions, she has significantly advanced our understanding of endometriosis and its far-reaching effects on individual and family well-being. Associate Professor Avery also mentors and empowers emerging researchers, strengthening the future capability of women’s health scholarship in Australia.
Emerging Leader Joint Recipient 2026
Amira Shahin
Amira Shahin is driving national impact as Chief Operating Officer of Still Aware, Australia’s only charity solely dedicated to stillbirth prevention. She has secured funding to expand culturally sensitive pregnancy resources, strengthen Indigenous advocacy and deliver national clinical education programs. Through Mindful Pursuits, she empowers communities to navigate grief and build resilience, while mentoring culturally diverse volunteers and donating book profits to humanitarian causes. Amira’s leadership delivers tangible health outcomes, support and advocacy for change.
Emerging Leader Joint Recipient 2026
Kedeisha Kartinyeri
Kedeisha is the first female Aboriginal accountant to own her own firm in South Australia, KML Business Solutions. Kadeisha empowers young Aboriginal women to see themselves in spaces from which they’ve historically been excluded – finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Kedeisha is on the boards of Ngarrimili, the State Library of SA, and serves on the Chartered Accountants ANZ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, furthering her impact on a national level.
