The Marion Webster Award

The Marion Webster Award is bestowed by the board upon a graduate of WomenCAN Australia’s peer-supported training and employment program. It acknowledges and celebrates resilience, excellence, determination, and passion.

The award honours achievement, often in the face of adversity, and reflects the recipient’s academic and job performance, her participation in our peer-support program, The Placement Circle, and her contribution to the community.

The Marion Webster Award testifies to the power of women supporting women, and to the inspiring change and financial independence to be gained with opportunity and support.

2026 Award Recipient - Abby

Abby’s journey demonstrates the life-changing impact of opportunity, support and perseverance.

Despite facing significant challenges due to her visa status, including barriers to education, employment and housing, she remained focused on creating a better future for herself and her children.

Through a WomenCAN Australia-supported traineeship, Abby gained qualifications, confidence and a meaningful career in early childhood education.

In 2026, her remarkable achievements and determination were recognised with the Marion Webster Award, a well-deserved honour for a woman who turned adversity into success and continues to inspire others to do the same.

Marion Webster

The award is also an ongoing tribute to Marion Webster, WomenCAN Australia’s chair, a person deeply and widely respected for her long-term commitment to positive social change and community strengthening.

Reflecting her diverse contributions and leadership over a long period, Marion was in 2004 awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to philanthropy and the community and since then has not stopped innovating and leading. In recognition of this sustained, formidable contribution, her honour was elevated on Australia Day 2023 when she was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2023.

2023 Award Recipient - Wendy

Wendy Clark’s story is a powerful reminder that potential is not defined by circumstance. After overcoming significant personal challenges, raising a large family, and supporting loved ones through complex health and care needs, Wendy chose to pursue a new future for herself.

Through determination, resilience, and the support of WomenCAN Australia’s Placement Circle program, she transformed a lifelong commitment to caring for others into a rewarding career in aged care. Read how Wendy’s perseverance, compassion, and unwavering belief in helping others are now inspiring women to take their own first step toward change.