Women Who Shape
Our Communities
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
Reflecting on the wisdom, resilience, and contribution of women whose lives have strengthened families, communities, and future generations
When we think about the people who shape our communities, we often think of leaders, innovators, and pioneers. Yet many of the most profound contributions have come from women whose influence was exercised not through titles or recognition, but through daily acts of service, care, perseverance, and leadership.
The Anglican Church has long recognised the contribution of women who have nurtured faith, strengthened communities, and supported others, often quietly and without recognition. One such woman was Dorothy Genders, for whom our Dorothy Genders Village in Mosman Park is named. She was a trailblazer in the Anglican Church, and among one of the first women in Australia to graduate with a Licentiate in Theology. More importantly, she dedicated her life to serving vulnerable women and families, opening her home to those in need, providing pastoral care, teaching Sunday School, and creating places of refuge and hope. Her legacy reminds us that lasting change is often built through compassion, courage, and a commitment to serving others.
Her story also reflects an important reality of Amana Living as an organisation today, as a community shaped largely by women. Most of our residents and clients are women, many of our volunteers are women, and women make up a significant proportion of our workforce and leadership team. Every day, they contribute their skills, wisdom, compassion, and experience in ways that strengthen the lives of those around them.
At Amana Living, we are privileged to know many women whose lives have similarly shaped families, workplaces, congregations, and communities across West Australia.
Their stories remind us that leadership can take many forms and that a life of service leaves an enduring impact.
One such woman was Mildred Underwood, a former resident of Wearne Village and Wearne House, who passed away recently at almost 100 years of age. Mildred served as the Matron of Wearne House and, upon retirement, continued to give back through many years of volunteer service, devoting thousands of hours to supporting others and recognised nationally as Anglicare Australia’s Volunteer of the Year. Her life demonstrates how women often shape communities through consistency, compassion, and service over many decades.
Women have long been carers, mentors, community builders, and connectors, long before concepts such as social connection and community wellbeing became priorities in public policy. Women created these networks through families, neighbourhoods, churches, schools, sporting clubs, and volunteer organisations, with their efforts helping to build the communities many of us enjoy today.
That legacy continues within Amana Living through women such as Lee Ann Reyes, Service Manager at Kinross Beach House. Last year, Lee Ann was recognised with an Amana Living Leadership Award for her ability to create a positive, supportive environment for residents, families, and staff. More recently, she was named a finalist in the Residential Care category of the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards, a reflection of the high standard of care, leadership, and professionalism she brings to her role each day. Through her commitment to others, Lee Ann exemplifies compassion, service, and excellence that continues to strengthen our community.
As we reflect on the women who have influenced our lives, we give thanks not only for their achievements, but for the values they have passed on. Their examples remind us that communities are strengthened through service, compassion, resilience, and love.
Whether through pioneering new paths, caring for others, volunteering countless hours, or offering leadership and encouragement, women continue to shape the communities around them. At Amana Living, we are grateful for the many women whose contributions enrich the lives of those we serve and help build a future grounded in connection, care, and hope.