Williamstown lawyer Patsy Toop has been inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her trailblazing litigation work and volunteering.
Ms Toop was recognised for 34 years’ legal work representing workers’ human rights in cases involving the likes of asbestos-related and chemical-induced illnesses.
Ms Toop’s honour recognises her volunteer work as a director and founding board member with WISE Employment in Australia and WISE Ability in the UK, helping to empower thousands of disabled and marginalised people.
She was also recognised as a founding board member and passionate volunteer for the Seaworks Foundation, which supports the restoration and preservation of Williamstown’s maritime precinct.
“I was completely overwhelmed and shocked,” Ms Toop said of her honour. “And very honoured and humbled. My modus operandi is really helping people achieve the best outcomes they can … I’ve always been driven by that.
“I have actually been one of the major litigators in Victoria who have trailblazed precedent-setting in the courts.
“In the area I practice in, I’m very much reliant on community opinion because my cases are always tried with a jury.
“I think it’s just a matter of being a human and being sensitive to the world around you and the community … understanding the way we all feel and think, and that we all really aim at the end of the day to do the right thing.”
Ms Toop was among 20 women inducted on Monday, joining more than 500 other Victorian women inducted since the honour roll began in 2001.
Other new inductees include jockey Michelle Payne and comedian Mary Kenneally.
