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Sister Margaret Noone honoured on Victorian Honour Roll of Women
September 24, 2026
Very Special Kids is proud to celebrate the posthumous induction of Sister Margaret Noone IBVM AM into the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women as the inaugural History Heroine.
On 23 September, Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, inducted 27 women and gender-diverse people into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women at a ceremony at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Board member and Very Special Mum Lisa Evans accepted the honour on Sister Margaret’s behalf.
A trailblazer in children’s palliative care, Sister Margaret was the First Employee and Patron of Very Special Kids. Her vision and determination helped establish Very Special Kids House, Australia’s first children’s hospice, and laid the foundation for paediatric palliative care in Australia as we know it today.
Sister Margaret died peacefully on 3 January 2025 at the age of 91 after more than four decades of service to children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
As we celebrate this well-deserved honour, it is fitting to look back on the journey that saw Sister Margaret become one of the most influential figures in children’s palliative care in Australia.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Victorian Honour Roll of Women. The Honour Roll was established by the late Joan Kirner in 2001 – the state’s first woman Premier – as part of Victoria’s centenary celebrations.
With her induction, Sister Margaret joins the 819 women recognised by the Victorian Honour Roll of Women since its establishment. In a fitting reflection of her pioneering spirit, she is once again making history as the inaugural recipient of the History Heroine category.
We extend our congratulations to all 2026 inductees:
Sister Margaret’s induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises a lifetime of leadership, advocacy and compassion. We are proud to share her story and remember the legacy she leaves for future generations of children and families.
