She might not be Tasmanian by birth, but Kim Seagram's devotion to her adopted state, and particularly her enthusiasm for Launceston, resulted in her being inducted onto the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women on Friday.
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One of the reasons Ms Seagram feels so at home in Launceston is because she considers the city to be a "grand dame".
"[Launceston] is like Helen Mirren - somebody with a bit of class, experience and elegance - or Nigella Lawson," she said.
Two previous honour roll inductees, Aunty Phyllis Pitchford and Aunty Patsy Cameron, were important mentors for Ms Seagram when she arrived from Canada.
They welcomed her and helped "bed me into the local community", she said, which is something Ms Seagram has sought to do with the next generation of Launceston women.
With names like those four listed above to inspire, Ms Seagram feels she is in good company, despite her "unexpected" nomination for the honour roll.
"I am very lucky to be able to work with some incredible women in this community, and in the wider Australian community," she said.
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Driven by the desire to help make things happen, Ms Seagram seeks those who think similarly.
"One of the things I've always loved about women is they have a tendency to work naturally collaboratively and they become the wind beneath your wings," she said.
"Sometimes you're helping someone else get a project up and sometimes they're helping you get a project up. Through that you build a stronger community."
Ms Seagram's touch has been added to many collaborative business interests, including Stillwater and Black Cow restaurants and the new SEVEN accommodation suites, Abel Gin Company, FermenTasmania and Harvest Launceston.
Minister for Women Jacquie Petrusma said the honour roll preserved the stories of women and women’s organisations, so the community could discover the contributions and achievements of Tasmanian women.
"Tasmania is full of exceptional women from a diverse range of backgrounds, but one thing that unites them is their commitment to advancing the status of women and girls, and making a significant contribution to our state," Ms Petrusma said.
The state government wants to promote "the dedication and hard work of women, while ensuring their achievements are never forgotten".
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Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
Johanna has more than 22 years experience as a journalist for newspapers, magazines and online publications.
