March 8th marks International Women’s day. Today, we join voices with people around the world to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women everywhere – socially, economically, culturally, and politically – while recognising that the push for equality continues. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that women’s rights are human rights, and progress requires ongoing commitment to fairness, justice, and opportunity for all.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Balance the Scales” which calls us to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice, dignity, and opportunity for every woman and girl, no matter their background. Today, and every day, we honour women’s past achievements, celebrate the women leading change now, and support those continuing the journey toward equality.
At Nillumbik Leisure, we are proud to spotlight the inspiring journeys and contributions of two incredible women from our community, Ann Maree and Pam Bores, whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Ann Maree
Leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s steady, thoughtful and quietly determined – the kind that shapes systems, influences culture and lifts others along the way. This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on Ann Maree, whose career in nursing and healthcare leadership has left a lasting impact across Victoria, while remaining grounded in curiosity, compassion and community.
A Career Guided by Curiosity
Ann Maree didn’t always know what she wanted to do after school. She began a science degree but quickly realised it wasn’t the right path. “I’ve always been curious about the human body and people so I thought I would give nursing a go and found that I absolutely loved it.”
Her journey almost ended in first year after failing an exam, but passing the supplementary allowed her to continue which turned out to be a pivotal moment that led to an extraordinary career.
Over the years, she has held many roles across nursing and health, ultimately becoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer Victoria at Safer Care Victoria. “I have always been driven to make a difference to healthcare and elevate the contribution of nurses and midwives.”
Leading with Courage
Ann Maree describes herself as “very much an introvert,” and stepping into senior leadership required her to continually grow and find her voice, particularly in her first executive role where she was the youngest and the only woman at the table.
When she was appointed Victorian Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, the role had lost profile and influence within the health system. Under her leadership, that shifted as she worked to restore its impact across Victoria and nationally.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped guide planning for potential ICU surges, supported staff through uncertainty, and stepped into the CEO role at Safer Care Victoria during a critical time.
In 2022, she was recognised as a Distinguished Alumni by La Trobe University, becoming the first nurse to receive the honour.
Of all her achievements, she says she is most proud of the people she has mentored and influenced along the way.
A Personal Perspective
In 2008, following a breast cancer diagnosis, Ann Maree experienced healthcare from the patient’s side which was an experience that strengthened her determination to elevate the role of nurses and midwives and ensure compassionate, patient-centred care.
Strength Through Community
Alongside a demanding career and raising two children, Ann Maree always prioritised physical activity. Exercise has long supported both her physical and mental wellbeing.
“I love the community of the leisure centre and am lucky to have developed some lovely friendships at the gym.”
Now enjoying more flexibility, she continues to stay active by embracing strength training, pickleball and the strong sense of connection our centre provides.
Her Advice to Women
“If I was to give women any advice it would be to back themselves, continue to develop, seek out mentors and understand that nothing is perfect.”
Women are capable, and when we support each other, we can achieve so much more.
Pam Bores
Change often begins with one person deciding that “this isn’t good enough” and choosing to do something about it. For Pam Bores, that decision has guided a lifetime of advocacy, community-building and creating opportunities for women and young people in Eltham. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate a woman whose impact can still be felt locally decades later.
Shaped by Resilience
Pam’s strength and values were shaped early by her parents’ experiences during the Great Depression. Both left school in Year 8 to help support their families between 1929 and 1939 with her mother’s family losing their bakery and home, and her father’s family separated due to hardship.
Although neither of her parents were able to pursue their dreams – her mother wanting to be a teacher and her father to study medicine – they carried strong ambitions for their four children.
“My father’s story to each of us was: ‘you can be anything you want to be!’”
Her mother’s disappointment at having to give up a scholarship to become a teacher left a lasting impression. Pam recalls being deeply affected by her hurt and growing up with a clear understanding that education and opportunity mattered.
One defining moment cemented her determination to stand up for women. When a local politician campaigning for re-election in what is now the seat of Division of Jagajaga asked her to “get my husband to vote for him,” she was outraged. “I was so incensed that I didn’t mention it to my husband: I just voted against him.”
Advocacy in Action
Pam’s passion for women’s rights soon turned into action. When invited to join a small group that would become the Women’s Electoral Lobby, she joined immediately.
At the time, she had preschool children and limited support, but was determined to stay engaged. In 1973, alongside other local women, she successfully lobbied for council funding to establish a women’s learning space in Eltham. In 1974, funding was secured from the former Eltham Council, and what began in a farmhouse on Main Road became what we now know as the Living & Learning Centre – still operating in the same location today.
Council also provided a house in Lower Eltham Park for volunteer-run childcare, enabling women to attend programs worry-free which was a very practical and powerful step toward equality.
Later, once her own children were at school, Pam successfully secured more than $10,000 from the Commonwealth Schools’ Commission. Working collaboratively with local principals, she helped establish the Eltham Schools’ Music Program, creating opportunities for students to learn and perform music.
Reflecting on strength today, Pam says:
“At this point in my life I have to say strength looks to me like something young people have when they keep studying whatever interests them… no matter what financial or social barriers they are facing.”
She adds that while she feels her generation had certain advantages in the post-war years, she deeply admires young people today who “dream big and work hard for a good life too.”
Strength Through Community
Pam feels “really lucky” to still be a member of Eltham Leisure Centre. Following serious heart surgery and a stroke, the centre has played an important role in her recovery and ongoing health.
“It has given me an opportunity to survive serious heart surgery and a stroke and excellent connections to health agencies to ensure my underlying health conditions stay under control.” But beyond physical health, it’s the friendships that matter most. “Even more than that and, much more important to me, many wonderful friendships that I treasure.”
Her Message to the Next Generation
Pam’s advice to young women is heartfelt and unwavering:
“Look to great role models, have a mentor if this would help you, dream big, don’t ever settle for second best for yourself and never give up. You can do it!”
And to the next generation of advocates, she offers one final challenge – continue lifting others.
“You are on your way, your next big job is to provide support and opportunities to see the next generation lift that glass ceiling. It is still there!”
