Community champions recognised for ‘balancing the scales’

Community champions recognised for 'balancing the scales'

Published on 12 March 2026

Two remarkable community leaders have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Ku-ring-gai community at Council's International Women's Day celebrations.

The Women's Leadership and Inspiration Award recognises women who show strong leadership, speak up for others and strive to create a more equal and inclusive society.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay presented the awards at Council's International Women's Day celebration today.

"This year's theme, 'Balancing the Scales', is a powerful call to action. It reminds us that while progress has been made, there are still barriers that prevent women and girls from being safe, heard and free to shape their own futures," Mayor Kay said.

"Balancing the scales means dismantling those barriers, challenging injustice and creating a society where every woman and girl can live without fear and with full agency over her life.

"Across Ku-ring-gai, countless women are leading positive change to balance the scales and help build a community that is strong, resilient and inclusive."

This year, the Ku-ring-gai Women's Leadership and Inspiration Award was presented to Jolyn Karaolis AM.

A driving force within the Catholic Church, Jolyn coordinates a community action group advocating for inclusion, housing affordability and social justice.

Jolyn leads the Jesuit Refugee Service's Food Drive and Feast for Freedom. She has been instrumental in sponsoring and supporting refugee families as they resettle in Sydney's North Shore.

Through her work with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Jolyn has organised outreach programs, gatherings and monthly community lunches for social housing residents to help overcome social isolation.

A passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Jolyn has supported women in under-represented fields and helped women and girls from refugee communities build confidence, independence and pathways to employment.

Jolyn also served as Headmistress of St Lucy's School from 2000 to 2010, overseeing significant growth and expansion to what is now a K-12 school supporting students of all abilities. Her experience is beautifully captured in her book With Enough Love. Her service in education was recognised with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014.

"Jolyn is a transformative community leader, educator and advocate whose lifelong work has strengthened women and families," Mayor Kay said.

"Despite all her achievements, Jo remains a humble presence in Ku-ring-gai. She continues to show great compassion and generosity in helping others and inspires collective action to build a resilient and inclusive community."

Highly Commended was awarded to Dr Leng Tan, a distinguished community leader and highly respected GP of more than 30 years.

As a founding member of the Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS), Dr Tan helped establish early childhood services, secure government funding and personally underwrote loans to acquire its first major facility.

In 2008, Dr Tan was elected Chairperson of CASS. Under her leadership, the organisation expanded its family day care, aged care, disability and community services. CASS now proudly supports more than 2,600 families each week.

Dr Tan has championed women's employment initiatives, including employability programs for more than 800 Korean and Vietnamese women, and led the creation of the Migrant Legal Hub, delivering free, confidential, in-language legal support for women facing domestic violence, visa issues or financial hardship.

In partnership with community organisations, Dr Tan helped establish the Elderly Australian Chinese Homes program to provide culturally appropriate aged care. She has also fostered volunteer-led community groups to reduce social isolation among seniors.

"Dr Leng Tan has spent decades caring for people as a GP and building services that support thousands of families in our community. Her leadership, compassion and commitment have made a lasting difference to so many lives," Mayor Kay said.

"Congratulations to Dr Leng Tan, Jolyn Karaolis and all of this year's nominees. Your dedication, leadership and compassion continue to inspire positive change and strengthen the Ku-ring-gai community."

For more information visit krg.nsw.gov.au/Community/Womens-Leadership-and-Inspiration-Award

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