The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s solicitor, Karen Iles, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence award.
Karen is one of four women finalists in the Woman of Excellence category as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which celebrate the incredible women and girls improving the lives of people in NSW.
Karen is a member of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre (Illawarra WHC) team responsible for establishing and implementing the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre (Women’s TRC).
She has been nominated for the award for her advocacy for victims/survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and for leveraging her legal expertise and public platform to drive systemic change for gender equality and First Nations people’s rights.
As founder of Violet Co Legal & Consulting, Karen and her practice provides legal advice and representation to women victims/survivors and Aboriginal women and organisations.
She works tirelessly to reform justice processes, advocating for improved police responses and reducing the stigma around rape and sexual assault.
“We are so fortunate to have someone like Karen work alongside the women at the Illawarra WHC and the Women’s TRC. Her nomination for this award is fully deserved for her fierce advocacy for Aboriginal women and victim survivors of sexual assault and domestic and family violence,” said executive director Sally Stevenson.
“Karen is a formidable intellect, a force of nature and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s solicitor and uncompromising friend. We back her every step of the way.”
The Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence is a role model who has excelled in her chosen field, affects change and is an inspiration to others.
Karen will attend the awards ceremony on Thursday, March 6, 2025, alongside other finalists, including climate scientist Professor Annette Cowie, MoneyGirl co-founder Mariam Mohammed, and marine conservationist Dr Vanessa Pirotta.
Karen holds a number of current Non-Executive Director board roles – OurWatch, The National Justice Project, First Australians Capital and Deadly Hearts ltd.
She was appointed to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Expert Advisory Group for their current Inquiry into Justice System Responses to Sexual Violence.
Karen was born and raised on Darkinjung land and now lives on both Darkinjung and Gadigal Land, Australia. Karen is a Dharug Aboriginal diyin (woman) and has family connections to the Gunanday (Rainbow River) area of Dyarubbin (the River – the Hawkesbury River).
