Trailblazing leader named Melburnian of the Year
Prominent businesswoman and Richmond Football Club President Peggy O’Neal AO has been crowned 2021 Melburnian of the Year for her work in advocating for women in leadership roles.
Since moving to Melbourne from West Virginia over 30 years ago, O'Neal has forged a successful career as a lawyer, and in 2013 became the first-ever female president of an AFL club.
O'Neal is also a board member of Women’s Housing Ltd – helping disadvantaged and vulnerable women gain access to safe housing.
Previous Melburnian of the Year winners include leading medical researcher, Professor Doug Hilton AO and radiation oncologist and tobacco-free lobbyist, Dr Bronwyn King AO.
The prestigious award forms part of the annual Melbourne Awards program and recognises an inspirational role model who has made an outstanding contribution to their field and the Melbourne community.
Eight organisations and companies have also been recognised with Melbourne Awards for their valued work across a range of industries.
2021 Melbourne Award winners:
- Melburnian of the Year: Peggy O’Neal AO
- Aboriginal Melbourne – Kommargee Ketherba Award: The Torch – a program supporting Aboriginal art in prison, and in the community.
- Arts and Events Award: Music Victoria Awards 2020 – an event recognising Victoria’s best acts, albums, songs and musicians.
- Community Award: Little Dreamers Australia – support programs co-designed with young carers.
- Hospitality Award: Farmer’s Daughters – a food and dining experience that champions local sourcing and sustainability.
- Knowledge and Innovation Award: RMHive – an app developed to respond to the unique mental health needs of health care workers.
- LGBTIQ+ Award: All The Queens Men – the creators of spectacular theatrical and participatory art experiences.
- Sustainability Award: Great Wrap – the only Australian-made compostable cling wrap.
- Urban Design Award: State Library Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment by Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen – the refurbishment provided more diverse facilities for users and opportunities for tenants, creative practitioners and entrepreneurs.
For more information on each of the winners visit the City of Melbourne website.
Now in its 19th year, the Melbourne Awards celebrate and recognise the significant contributions of Melburnians.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“We’re thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate inspiring Melburnians that contribute so significantly to our great city.
“As the first female president of any AFL club and a passionate advocate for women, Peggy O’Neal is a trailblazer who epitomises the Melburnian of the Year Award.
“She stands out not only because of her attributes, but because she is so willing to share her time and knowledge with all levels of the community.
“This year, we’re shining a light on the impressive award-winners who are working hard to create inclusive communities, support the creative sector, drive innovation, and contribute to the sustainability of our great city.”
Quotes attributable to Melburnian of the Year Peggy O’Neal
'When I came to Melbourne in 1989, I could never have imagined that an honour like this would come my way.
“My deepest thanks to the City of Melbourne for this recognition. When I consider those who have previously been named Melburnian of the Year, I am surprised and truly humbled to find myself in such company.
“I am particularly pleased that this award cites my lifetime commitment to equality for women and girls and the significant role that sport can play in making equality happen for all communities.'
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