Inspiring Women of Toowong
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognise inspiring women from our local community – as nominated by you.
Below are our Top 6 Finalists and their stories. Each one being celebrated for their outstanding impact, contribution, and inspiration.
Take a moment to read their stories, be inspired, and cast your vote for the finalist who moves you the most.
Thank you to everyone in the community who took the time to submit a nomination and share with us the stories of the woman that inspires them. We wish we could share them all!
Finalists
Desirée Alizart
Desirée’s quiet strength, unwavering compassion, and innate leadership shine brightest when her community needs her most. As a dedicated volunteer with Queensland State Emergency Services, Desirée has given countless hours to disaster response — rising to lead Brisbane’s recovery efforts during some of the city’s most challenging storms, including Cyclone Alfred, and supporting other devastated communities across the state.
Drawing on her professional expertise in logistics, Desirée leads with calm resolve and grace in the most testing of times: coordinating teams, restoring hope, and transforming lives.
Beyond her extraordinary work responding during disasters,Desirée also volunteers weekly in Toowong, giving her time selflessly to support her local community. Driven by a heartfelt desire to make a difference,Desirée is a true example of strength, generosity, and courage, inspiring those around her to become better versions of themselves.
“Desirée’s volunteering is not an occasional act, but a weekly extension of her caring heart. Whether she is up on a roof, scrubbing mud from homes, or leading teams who are out in the field, Desirée does it with genuine care.”
Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit your vote.
Hollie Bryan
Hollie is the visionary force behind Backbone Theatre for Babies - an innovative programme developed alongside Backbone Youth Arts to nurture the next generation’s love of the arts.
Driven by her own experiences of postpartum challenges, Hollie has created a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for families with children aged 0-3, helping both little ones and their carers enjoy their veryfirst theatre experience. Hollie’s warm nature and adaptability, ensures every family feels comfortable and supported, whether they are arriving late, feeling overwhelmed, or venturing out for the first time.
Through her dedication to providing sensory, developmentally appropriate arts activities, and her passion for building meaningful connections between parents and carers, Hollie is breaking down the barriers ofisolation and supporting positive mental health for new families. All of this she achieves while caring for her own family, demonstrating exceptional resilience, creativity, and compassion.
Hollie’s work has brought joy, friendship, and a profound sense of community to countless families across Brisbane, making a trulylasting difference through the power of the arts.
“Hollie’s personal resilience and ingenuity,along with her passion for the inclusivity of very young families in the arts,inspires me every day.”
Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit your vote.
Vote for the story that inspires you the most.
We are proud to celebrate all our finalists, each of whom has made a remarkable impact. Being chosen as a finalist is an honour in itself, and the prize they receive is simply an extra way to recognise and thank them for their outstanding contributions.
Our "People's Choice" winner will receive a $1,000 Toowong Village gift card.
- 1st runner up: $500 Toowong Village gift card
- 2nd runner up: $250 Toowong Village gift card
- All finalists: $100 Toowong Village gift card
By voting you will also go in the draw to win a $100 ToowongVillage gift card for yourself. The winner will be contacted via email. Voting closes 6pm Sunday 15 March.
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