Journalist Brooke Littlewood is the 2026 ACM Woman of the Year.
ACM is the publisher of this masthead and Brooke reports for Farm Weekly, ACM's agricultural publication in Western Australia.
Brooke was nominated by her colleagues for her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy in rural communities.
Last year, she created a series of beer coasters for pubs and clubs called Mates Coasters to offer mental health awareness where services may be limited in rural areas.
The coasters were printed with bold messages encouraging people to spare a thought for their own mental health or someone else's.
With some support from a local suicide prevention network, thousands of coasters have been printed and distributed to local pubs, sporting clubs and community hubs in South Australia, NSW and Victoria and more recently across WA's Wheatbelt.
To mark International Women's Day on March 8, the staff of ACM's network of news websites and newspapers across regional Australia were asked to nominate the women they work with who demonstrate innovation, leadership, diversity and inclusion.
The aim was to recognise colleagues who inspire others and drive positive change within the company and in their local community.
Brooke was chosen from the 50 nominees to receive $2000 to support her ongoing professional development.
ACM people & culture director Jemma Heuston said of Brooke, who has been a member of the Women in Media WA committee for the past four years: "Her colleagues described her as someone who consistently uplifts those around her and fosters a culture where individuals feel valued and supported".
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Brooke said she was "beyond honoured and grateful" to be recognised.
"Even though my name is attached to it, this recognition belongs to a broader conversation around mental health," she said. "My own journey with mental health showed me how isolating and misunderstood it can feel.
"The coasters were created as a way to encourage people to spare a thought for their own mental health or someone else's. 'How are you?' doesn't have to be a throwaway line. It can be the start of a real conversation.
"Sometimes all it takes is someone caring enough to ask. I'd also like to congratulate the other nominees (and the many women across ACM) who make their contributions every day in ways big and small. You are all winners and deserve to be celebrated."
Ros Cameron, ACM's shared functions finance manager, was highly commended for "her dedication, constant guidance and seeing the potential in others".
The achievements of three 2026 finalists were also celebrated: senior legal counsel Ni Gao; ACM Agri deputy commercial director Maree Neale; and features and special publications editor Dayle Latham.
"We are proud of the positive impact so many women across ACM are making, not only in our business but in the communities we serve," Ms Heuston said.
