Photo: Jane Baker and her daughters who run Mrs Baker’s Still House
The award recognizes women making significant contributions to climate innovation, celebrates women-led climate action and aims to build valuable networks for sustainable development.
The award promotes Zonta’s commitment to environmental issues, acknowledging the growing importance of climate action within the organization.
The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra in collaboration with Zonta Says Now (a District 23 initiative), started the Women Taking Climate Action Award in 2021. The award was then established at the 2023 District 23 conference as an official district project, with the prize money of $1,000 being supported by voluntary donations from District 23 clubs.
This year’s recipient, Jane Baker of Mrs Baker’s Still House in Elmhurst, Victoria, was encouraged to apply by the Zonta Club of Central Goldfields, Jane runs an all-female distillery that produces gins, liqueurs, and whiskies using sustainable, low-impact methods. Her business sources botanicals locally, operates on 100% solar power, and reflects the alignment between sustainability and economic viability.
Jane joins a distinguished group of past honorees, including:
- 2021 – Margaret Hender, South Australia for establishing Australia’s first revolving solar fund,
- 2022 – Emma Cutting, Victoria, for her efforts to create a Melbourne pollinator corridor
- 2023 co-winner – Alana Mountain, Victoria, who helped influence policy to end native forest logging
- 2023 co-winner – Professor Anne Poelina, a Nyikina Warrwa woman, Western Australia, recognized for her extensive climate action work.
The Women Taking Climate Action Award creates meaningful connections within the climate action sphere, underscoring the role of women-led initiatives in advancing environmental sustainability.
Congratulations to Mrs Baker’s Still House
