Zonta’s Woman Of The Year: Peta Franklin-Corben

Peta Franklin-Corben has been named Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays, in recognition of her impactful work supporting women experiencing domestic and gender-based violence as Project Coordinator at Whitsunday Counselling and Support.

Peta has dedicated 15 years to helping women flee violence and rebuild their lives through accommodation support and therapeutic services.

“I never didn't want to be a social worker,” she remembered.

“It was always something that I was interested in doing. I was supported by some incredible teachers at Proserpine High School who encouraged me to try lots of different things.

“I went to an open day and, just by pure chance, spoke with a social work student. She was free and funky and cool and just seemed really interesting. So I went to her talk, and I adored it.

“I knew that I wanted to work with women and in gender-based violence because I experienced what it's like to grow up as a woman, but later, working overseas really cemented things for me, seeing how challenging it can be for women in lots of different spaces.”

After studying at James Cook University, Peta moved to England, where social work originated. There she worked in inner-city Manchester, with trafficking victims in women-only mental health inpatient units, engaging with the intersectionality of gender with other aspects like race and cultural background.

After 9 years, she moved home to the Whitsundays.

“Airlie Beach has this way of pulling people in,” she said.

“Lots of people move away, then come back and see the beauty of the place and the community.”

Peta credits the whole team at Whitsunday Counselling and Support for Zonta’s recognition, with a strong management team and dedicated case workers doing difficult but deeply important work. She also thanks the community for their continued support, without which the services couldn’t function the way they do.

“We are so fortunate here, with so many businesses and operations, big and small, seeking us out to offer their support.”

When asked what advice she would deliver to young women looking to make change, Peta referred to some advice she recently received herself from local 14-year-old pupil Sarah Hart, who spoke at the Zonta International Women’s Day Luncheon:

“She said: just apply, just do things. Just get in there. I just thought that's exactly right.

“If you are interested and you want to help, just reach out. People, particularly women, have imposter syndrome where they have a good idea, but think: Who am I to bring that?

“Just bring it! As women we’re great at sharing community and ideas and making space for people, so something that I've always lived by is to surround yourself with people that will say your name in a room full of opportunity. And I think that's the kind of network that this community has.”

You can support Peta’s work by donating via the QR code below, and follow the Whitsunday Counselling and Support Facebook page for upcoming community events.

1 – Peta’s vast impact helping women heal from gendered-violence has gained local recognition. Photo credit: Suzanna Mcloughlin
2 – Scan here to donate.