Awards Program 2016

NSW Parliament House Wednesday 9 March 2016 Order of proceedings

Welcome Gretel Killeen, Master of Ceremonies

Welcome to Country Yvonne Weldon

Opening remarks The Hon. Pru Goward MP, Minister for Women

Award presentations

Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award A.H. Beard Community Hero Award Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Presented by the Hon. Leslie Williams MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year Presented by the Hon. Mike Baird MP, NSW Premier

Close

Refreshments will be served Entertainment by The Emma Stephenson Trio from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 1 Message from the Premier

The NSW Women of the Year Awards shine a light on the accomplishments of the many extraordinary women in NSW. Each and every nominee has made an immense contribution to their community and deserves to be publically applauded. The NSW Government is proud to officially recognise the outstanding contributions of women through these awards, celebrating the commitment they show to their industries and communities. The achievements of these remarkable women will inspire the next generation so that they too can make a positive difference to NSW. On behalf of the NSW Government, I congratulate the nominees, finalists and winners of the 2016 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Mike Baird MP PREMIER

2 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Message from the Minister for Women

I am extremely proud to host the fifth annual NSW Women of the Year Awards which recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution women across NSW make to industry, community and society. The Awards profile women who have demonstrated excellence in their career, women who make significant contributions in their community and young women whose achievements make them leaders in changing the social and business landscape. Every year the Awards have grown in number with 2016 providing a record number of nominations and votes cast by members of the public. This year we celebrate the inaugural NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award. This award acknowledges Aboriginal women who have made a significant impact through the promotion of reconciliation and cohesion. From the most remote corners of the State to the centre of our largest cities, NSW Women of the Year nominees are changing lives and communities. I congratulate and thank each nominee for their dedication and contribution to NSW. Thank you also to our wonderful sponsors A.H. Beard, Rex Airlines and Harvey Norman and our many merchandise sponsors who help to make this day so special in recognising remarkable women.

Pru Goward MP MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH, MINISTER FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH, MINISTER FOR WOMEN, MINISTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 3 Message from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

I am deeply honoured to take part in the NSW Women of the Year Awards and to present the inaugural award for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. The NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award recognises Aboriginal women in the community who continue to promote reconciliation and cohesion by improving relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. All nominations are a testament to the outstanding contribution women make to industry, community and society across NSW.

Leslie Williams MP MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

4 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Finalists Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year

Kelly Foran Kelly created Friendly Faces, Helping Hands following the diagnosis of her own brain tumour and a relapse of her son’s cancer. Friendly Faces, Helping Hands is a charity that assists regional families to access health services and provides support to families in hospital. Despite much adversity in Kelly’s life, she has used her experiences to empower not only herself but her local community. Kelly embodies the essence of community spirit and kindness. Through her work she is known for her constant display of dedication, offering support to regional families who need to travel for treatment and health care. Kelly has a positive effect on the lives of thousands of people in regional NSW. One of her biggest achievements is her commitment to helping others, selflessly inspiring and providing much needed support.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 5 Jodie McRae Jodie is a single mother who owns five successful small businesses in Lismore and the surrounding area. Jodie was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of triple negative breast cancer in May 2013. After being told she was cancer free in December 2013, Jodie was subsequently diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in September 2014. Jodie continues to fight the disease to this day. Despite a poor prognosis she founded Jodie’s Inspiration, a not-for-profit organisation. She raised over $100,000 from her first fundraiser and purchased two cold cap therapy machines for a local oncology unit so that patients were given the opportunity to prevent chemotherapy hair loss. Her relentless public education has assisted local women in finding cancerous breast lumps early. Jodie provides support through fundraisers, technological resources and emotional guidance for cancer sufferers. Her well-respected community profile and impressive business acumen stems from her kind nature to selflessly Finalists | Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year give back to the community time and time again.

6 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Karol O’Brien Karol is the General Manager of the Willing and Able Foundation in Port Macquarie and has worked with people with disability for more than 15 years. Starting as a volunteer in disability support, Karol has since set up several innovative businesses to support work for the intellectually disabled, including a second-hand clothing shop, a recycling business and a recycling building Year the of Woman Regional Airlines | Rex Finalists materials business. These businesses have helped support employment in this regional community. Karol is an open-minded regional business woman who is always seeking out business improvements, new innovation and better ways to support the development of her staff. Karol’s Foundation plans to create more businesses with the vision of employing more adults with intellectual disabilities in roles that provide meaningful employment.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 7 Annette Steele Annette became CEO of Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council in 2010 and has grown Council services from $130,000 per annum to $3 million per annum. Her tenure has resulted in employment of 30 Aboriginal people, 39 student placements, four community services and welfare student places, and 10 conservation land management student places. Annette has also assisted in the development of successful tripartite partnerships with Broken Hill Land Council and Deniliquin Land Council to conduct the Ability Links Program for Aboriginal communities funded through Aging Disability and Home Care Services. Annette was successful in securing the tender for Going Home Staying Home package for Adults and Families, funded by Family and Community Services. Annette is an asset to the Aboriginal community and is well- respected in the broader community. Her major achievements include implementing a range of projects and strategies that will sustain education, job opportunities, health and housing Finalists | Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year into the future for Aboriginal people across regional NSW. Annette is considered a positive role model in the region and is most recognised for her leadership, passion and dedication.

8 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Finalists A.H Beard Community Hero Award

Professor Fadia Ghossayn Fadia founded the Australian Lebanese Foundation in 2001 at The University of Sydney. The Foundation provides scholarships that require multi faith membership. Additionally, Fadia heads another Foundation that runs an Academy that annually calls for 15 young people from Australia to go to Lebanon to train on how to be a responsible Australian citizen. Fadia has made achievements in inspiring and mentoring young Lebanese in Australia to reach their full potential and strive for their goals while embracing Australian values. Through raising funds for scholarships and providing opportunities for all across the board, her tenacity has resulted in better cultural understanding and cooperation between Lebanese and Australian people, providing positive role models for new migrants and refugees. Not only has Fadia worked tirelessly to advocate for cultural cohesion and harmony through her work for the Australian Lebanese Foundation, she has also made an outstanding contribution by advocating for special projects and acting as a liaison between various agencies, while supporting numerous charities.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 9 Kathy Kelly Kathy is the co-founder of the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation (TKYF), a charity fostering a more responsible drinking culture through education and initiatives targeting youth, families, sporting groups and the broader community, as well as through strong advocacy to local, State and Federal government. ‘Take care’ is what we say to our loved ones when we say goodbye. Building on this and using Thomas’ initials, Take Kare is the Foundation’s central platform to instigate behavioural and social change around alcohol and drinking habits. The TKYF raised $1.4 million for a Safe Space in Sydney’s CBD and Darlinghurst on Friday and Saturday nights. Take Kare volunteers in high-vis jackets assist in defusing conflict, stopping sexual assault and helping intoxicated young people. Since December 2014, there has been over 20,000 preventive interactions to support the vision of ‘getting all of our children home safely’. Parents will never know that their children are Finalists | A.H Beard Community Hero Award home safe and sound as a result of this program. Kathy is a devoted ambassador for this cause and her voice has resonated across many communities and families in NSW giving the need for change a face and a call to action creating positive outcomes.

10 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Brenda Miley Brenda has changed the face of women’s surfing in Australia. As an ex-champion surfer she pioneered her Learn to Surf School from a Kombi van on Bondi Beach in 1995. Brenda founded the Bondi Girls Surf Riders Club in 1999 and over time has mentored hundreds of women. She continues donating her time to community surfing programs, volunteering her time and resources across NSW by organising A.H Beard Community Hero Award Hero Community Beard | A.H Finalists and delivering community learn to surf and beach safety programs. These include Vets GO Surfing and Indigenous programs such as Weave Youth and Community Services. Brenda is recognised for her enthusiasm, commitment to small businesses, community approach and having a positive outlook that inspires others.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 11 Cate Turner Cate has made a significant contribution to the community and is an inspiring role model for women. Cate is a past State chair of the Older Women’s Network advocating for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women in NSW. She is also past President of the Sydney Lion’s Club, the first woman in this role, and is the current organiser of the annual Centenarians Function at Government House for the Sydney Lion’s Club. Cate provided 10 years as a reader on radio station 2RPH, reading newspapers and magazines for the sight impaired and continues to volunteer at age 87 in a variety of roles. She has spent a lifetime promoting the rights of all women advocating for better conditions in the areas of health, housing, and poverty. Cate has also served as treasurer for some fifteen years for the Lane Cove Residents for Reconciliation in recognition of the first peoples of this country. As a resident of Lane Cove she served for some Finalists | A.H Beard Community Hero Award years on the Lane Cove Council Cammeraygal Festival Committee. She has been a past Convenor of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a member for 25 Years.

12 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Finalists Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award

Dr Dharmica Mistry Recipient of the 2015 Young Scientist Award, Dharmica is an inspiration to young women considering a future in medical research and microbiology. Dharmica is an exceptional researcher who is involved in implementing life changing medical research around early breast cancer detection that will impact upon women around the world. The core focus for Dharmica’s work is to commercialise a universal ground-breaking breast cancer screening test in collaboration with the University of Kentucky. Without her persistence, unfailing optimism and drive over the past eight years, a transformational global test may have never been developed. The partnerships and research driven by Dharmica have proven 90 per cent accurate in detecting the presence of the most common form of invasive cancer. Dharmica’s dream of significantly transforming women’s health worldwide through medical innovation is fast becoming a reality.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 13 Laura O’Reilly Laura co-founded Fighting Chance in 2011, a not-for-profit organisation focussed on creating employment and vocational opportunities for people with profound and severe disability. The organisation today supports more than 120 adults with disability in Northern Sydney. Fighting Chance has raised over $3 million dollars and created 12 employment opportunities for job seekers, 50 participation opportunities for people with profound disability and well over 100 work experience opportunities for young students with disability. In 2014 Laura and her brother co-founded Hire Up, an online platform giving people with disability the power to find, hire and manage their support workers to maintain a more holistic quality of life. Laura’s unwavering dedication to make way for a more equitable workforce throughout NSW has provided support, real hope and a sense of purpose for young people with disability to develop to their full potential. Finalists | Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Award Year

14 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Annie Walsh Annie is a researcher with the Liverpool Diabetes Collaborative Research Unit and a senior podiatrist at Liverpool Hospital. The Research Unit is finding better ways of treating diabetic foot disease and Annie is currently leading new research on the effectiveness of wound technologies for this condition. Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award the of Woman Young Norman | Harvey Finalists Annie is excelling in medical research and provides a high standard of thorough consultation which shows her passion for quality care and innovation. Through ongoing personal development and continued learning within this specialised field, Annie’s priority is to create better pathways to tackle the severe symptoms experienced by diabetes patients in NSW, specifically in South Western Sydney. In addition to her professional role, Annie volunteers with Eastern Respite and Recreation, working with disabled and special needs teenagers.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 15 Dr May Wong May is a junior doctor at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown and has been recognised for her intelligent, passionate and empathetic approach to finding solutions to issues in health and education. Through her achievements she has proven the ability to implement meaningful changes within NSW Health by demonstrating leadership and collaboration with others within her field. May organised the first showcase for other junior doctors to present projects on patient safety, and is on Australia’s first roundtable for emerging leaders in patient safety. She was awarded NSW Junior Medical Officer of the Year in 2014. Within her local Chinese community she organises Lion’s Club health talks to help improve understanding of common medical conditions. May sits on the Lion’s Nurses Scholarship Foundation Board and speaks at her local council citizenship ceremonies to welcome new citizens. May was Strathfield’s Australia Day 2014 Young Citizen of the Year and a finalist for the Young Leader Pride of Australia medal. May has Finalists | Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Award Year collaborated with the CSIRO for the Scientists in Schools program and implemented a classroom lesson program to nurture the interests of primary school children in medicine.

16 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Finalists NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award

Dana Clarke Dana is a proud Worrimi Aboriginal woman who has worked in Aboriginal health, domestic violence prevention, child protection, sexual assault and mental health for over 25 years. Dana was appointed the Chief Executive Officer for Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation in 2005. Burrun Dalai provides services to children and their families and carers to achieve the best possible life outcomes by raising Aboriginal children in a safe and nurturing environment which keeps them connected to their community and culture, while maintaining their family identity and family relationships. Dana has successfully grown Burrun Dalai to become the largest rural service provider of accredited Aboriginal out-of- home care and family support services in NSW, only one in five in NSW, to achieve re-accreditation with the Office of Children’s Guardian. Dana is recognised within the industry and her community for her passionate advocacy for the needs of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 17 Kirstie Parker Kirstie is a Yuwallarai Aboriginal woman originally from north western NSW. With more than 25 years of experience in community leadership, management, journalism and communications, Kirstie has been a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and a constructive contributor to national dialogue about issues relevant to all Australians. Kirstie is a Director of Reconciliation Australia, and was elected Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, a role that saw her co-chair two important national non- partisan campaigns for equality: the Close the Gap Steering Committee around Indigenous health and life expectancy; and the Change the Record Coalition around Indigenous incarceration and experiences of violence. Kirstie helped to forge an unprecedented alliance of Indigenous and ethnic organisations behind a successful community campaign supporting the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, and remains a key influencer in the process to meaningfully reform

Finalists | NSW Aboriginal Women of the Award Year the Australian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their rights. Since October 2015, she has been the CEO of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) based in Redfern, which delivers life-changing programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially youth.

18 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Rhonda Radley Rhonda is a Birrbay woman from Port Macquarie. She is passionate about her connection with the land and promotes reconciliation and cohesion by sharing her cultural knowledge through stories, dance and language. Rhonda sits on the Local Aboriginal Land Council Board, Werin Aboriginal Medical Service, and the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. NSW Aboriginal Women of the Year Award the of Women Aboriginal | NSW Finalists Rhonda is a member of the Gathang Language Group where she advocates for Aboriginal languages to continue to be taught, integrated and spoken. She is also the Elder in residence at the University of Newcastle, TAFE campus. Rhonda has started a movement called Djiyagan Dhanbaan, meaning Strong Sister. This movement creates opportunities for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal women to come together. Djiyagan Dhanbaan showcases artistic expression such as culture, music, language and dance to the wider community. Rhonda identified that Aboriginal women residing in Port Macquarie were asking for opportunities to connect with the land, language and culture, and this story has been captured in an ABC Open documentary Aboriginal women stepping into their power.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 19 Nikita Ridgeway Nikita is an advocate for women in business, and is recognised as a successful business woman and entrepreneur both within her community and nationally. Nikita is the founder and owner of Boss Lady Creative Design Agency, as well as founder of Dreamtime Ink Australia, the world’s first All Australian Aboriginal tattoo company, which has created a world-wide platform for Aboriginal tattoos. Co-founder of the National Indigenous Basketball Championships, Nikita has also co- founded Redfern Records Entertainment, and the National Indigenous Hip Hop and RnB BUMP Awards. Nikita was recently featured in the International BBC Series 30 Business Women Under 30 and is nominated for the ASIA Forbes magazine series featuring 30 Under 30 Influential People in the Asia Region. Nikita created the 2015 South Sydney Rabbitoh’s Indigenous Jersey. Nikita is a strong role model for youth with an urge to give back to the people that have supported her. Finalists | NSW Aboriginal Women of the Award Year

20 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Finalists NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

Jennifer Armstrong Jennifer is the founder of the Beauty Bank, a charity collecting unwanted toiletries and other beauty products for women in need, particularly those experiencing domestic and family violence. The Beauty Bank has helped over 3000 women and men since 2013 and is now the signature charity partner of the Cronulla Sharks. A survivor of domestic violence, Jennifer is also a popular leadership speaker for both corporate organisations and schools, motivating and educating others on the effects of domestic violence and the power of resilience. Jennifer is also the Local Woman of the Year for Cronulla. Jennifer is a third year student at Western Sydney University studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree with majors in Sport Management and Advanced Business Leadership. Jennifer has two small children and provides foster care for a third child.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 21 Professor Sally Dunwoodie Sally is an internationally renowned biomedical researcher at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. She has dedicated her life’s work to helping babies born with birth defects, and heads the largest Australian Genome Sequencing Initiative in congenital heart disease. Sally is also a world leader in identifying causes of vertebral defects, having discovered six of the seven known genes that cause babies to be born with vertebral defects. Her discoveries have changed clinical practices and have led to genetics tests being available worldwide. Sally established and leads the Chain Reaction Program in Congenital Heart Disease, which aims to discover the genetic and environmental causes of heart defects family by family, with the promise that genetic diagnosis of birth defects will become routine. Sally is also a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of NSW. With women filling just 10 to 15 per cent of senior roles in science, Sally is also an inspiration and mentor for young female scientists. Finalists | NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

22 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Professor Fadia Ghossayn Fadia founded the Australian Lebanese Foundation in 2001 at The University of Sydney. The Foundation provides scholarships that require multi faith membership. Additionally, Fadia heads another Foundation that runs an Academy that annually calls for 15 young people from Australia to go to Lebanon to train on how to be a responsible Australian citizen. NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year the of Woman for Award Premier’s | NSW Finalists Fadia has made achievements in inspiring and mentoring young Lebanese in Australia to reach their full potential and strive for their goals while embracing Australian values. Through raising funds for scholarships and providing opportunities for all across the board, her tenacity has resulted in better cultural understanding and cooperation between Lebanese and Australian people, providing positive role models for new migrants and refugees. Not only has Fadia worked tirelessly to advocate for cultural cohesion and harmony through her work for the Australian Lebanese Foundation, she has also made an outstanding contribution by advocating for special projects and acting as a liaison between various agencies, while supporting numerous charities.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 23 Dorothy Hoddinott AO FACE Dorothy is Principal of Holroyd High School where many of her students are asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Most students arrive at the school with no English and many are illiterate. Under Dorothy’s leadership, the average number of school leavers going on to university has been 40 per cent with 56 per cent of the 2015 HSC class having received university offers. Dorothy established the Friends of Zainab Trust Fund in 2002 to help refugee children to obtain crucial secondary and tertiary opportunities. Friends of Zainab is now a major Public Education Foundation scholarship fund, supporting over 100 young refugee students in NSW, ACT and Victoria during the last two years of their schooling and the first two years of university. Dorothy was awarded the Order of Australia in 2008 and in 2014 she was awarded the Australian Human Rights Medal in recognition of her human rights advocacy for disadvantaged young people, particularly child asylum seekers and refugees. Finalists | NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

24 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Tracy Howe Tracy is the CEO of the NSW Council of Social Services. She worked with non-traditional stakeholders outside the community sector, to develop a proposal for social and affordable housing. This proposal has been supported by the NSW Government, which resulted in a fund totalling $1.1 billion dollars for implementation. In her role as former CEO of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement, Tracy campaigned for a new Year the of Woman for Award Premier’s | NSW Finalists and innovative domestic and family violence response, receiving $12.25 million as a seed grant to create the first dedicated women’s domestic violence community housing organisation. Tracy is a legally trained advocate with a commitment to human rights, addressing community disadvantage and gender inequality. She is on the NSW Premier’s Council on Homelessness, and the Prime Minister’s Council of Australian Governments Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence Against Women.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 25 ARC Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla Veena is one of the world’s leading innovators in the field of sustainable materials use and an international award-winning scientist and engineer. As a female engineer and judge on ABC’s The New Inventors, Veena bridges space between academia, industry, government and community in sustainable materials use. Veena is the Founding Director of the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre at the University of NSW, where she invented a world first environmentally friendly process for recycling end of life plastics and rubber tyres in steelmaking. Veena also created a program to inspire and nurture girls in NSW and across Australia to pursue a science career. The program, titled Science 50:50, includes scholarships for girls with innovative ideas for solutions to real life problems. Finalists | NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

26 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Local Women of the Year Honour Roll

Anne Andrews Marlene Back Nominated by Clayton Barr MP, Nominated by Anthony Roberts MP, Member for Cessnock Member for Lane Cove Anne is the President of the Sugarloaf For over 52 years, generations of Lane and Districts Action Group and West Cove children have been cared for by Wallsend Cemetery Sub-Committee. She Marlene through her informal before has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the and after school care. The service began local community, including the Koori when she brought local children home netball and football teams, extension to to keep her son company after he the West Wallsend War Memorial, and developed a heart condition and had to improvements to sporting ground facilities. stay home from school. Karen Anstiss Linda Beaver Nominated by Shelley Hancock MP, Nominated by John Barilaro MP, Member for South Coast Member for Monaro Karen is an inspiring advocate for people Linda is passionate about improving her with disability in the Shoalhaven community through supporting charity community as founder of Slice of Life events, mentorship and promotion of Australia, which provides a cushioned healthy lifestyles. Linda is a positive role work environment where people with model for hundreds of children through disability can gain confidence and skills her work with the NSW Scouts in through work experience, allowing them to Queanbeyan and at a national level assimilate into the community and through the 2016 Jamboree. Linda has hospitality industry. also been involved with NSW Scouts across Sydney and the Snowy Mountains. Jennifer Armstrong Nominated by Mark Speakman SC Meikle Bennett MP, Member for Cronulla Nominated by Lee Evans MP, Jennifer is the founder of the Beauty Bank, Member for Heathcote a charity collecting unwanted toiletries Meikle is acknowledged for the years and other beauty products for women in of work and support she has provided need, particularly those experiencing to disadvantaged children in the local domestic and family violence. The Beauty community. Meikle is a Director of Southern Bank has helped over 3000 women and Cross Kids, supporting neglected and men since 2013 and is now the signature abused children, and is a Pastor at Urban charity partner of the Cronulla Sharks. Life Church.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 27 Barbara Beuzeville Maree Burke Nominated by Melinda Pavey MP, Nominated by Thomas George MP, Member for Oxley Member for Lismore Barbara is a volunteer for Macleay Valley Maree has been a committed volunteer in Home Hospice which raises funds to the Murwillumbah area for 60 years. She purchase equipment for palliative care volunteers with palliative care at the local services that allows people to die at home nursing home, providing respite for carers with dignity. Barbara works tirelessly and and comfort for patients. She has also selflessly with several community refurbished computers for local seniors, organisations assisting people who need teaching them how to use technology to support in her local area. stay in contact with family and friends. Alex Birrell Christine Cameron Nominated by Jillian Skinner MP, Nominated by Greg Aplin MP, Member for North Shore Member for Albury Dr Alex Birrell is the Chief Executive Christine Cameron works for great Officer of PAFtec Australia Pty Ltd, a outcomes for her community. As product leader in respiratory protection Secretary of James Fallon High School for industrial and health care markets. P&C (2010-2012), President (2013-2016) A 100 Women of Influence Business and Riverina Councillor on the Board of Enterprise winner (2014), Dr Birrell is a the NSW P&C Federation, she steps up. former vet and a PhD (Medicine) and Christine has undertaken fundraising and MBA graduate. Dr Birrell co-founded leadership roles to strengthen Murray Heads Over Heels, a non-profit initiative Conservatorium Choir, 1st Albury Guides that supports women CEO’s to build and Border Music Camp. high-growth businesses. Stephanie Cameron Alison Bonhomme Nominated by Kevin Anderson MP, Nominated by Eleni Petinos MP, Member for Tamworth Member for Miranda Stephanie is an advocate for the local Alison is a Senior Pastor of Shirelive and environment and role model for young founder of Shirelive Women, an women in the local community. Through organisation established to mentor, gather her business, EastWest Enviroag, and her and empower women to be actively involvement with Landcare, Stephanie engaged in their local community. possesses invaluable knowledge of the Through her team of staff and volunteers, local environment. Alison has initiated many community outreach programs totalling over 2000 hours of community service.

28 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Adriana Care Yvonne Crestani Nominated by Chris Patterson MP, Nominated by Adam Crouch MP, Member for Camden Member for Terrigal Adriana has been the President of the Yvonne is a local powerhouse who works Narellan Chamber of Commerce for tirelessly to fundraise for ongoing several years providing proactive support education for local cancer specialists. for local businesses. She has built the Yvonne established the Crestani membership of the Chamber and hosted Foundation in 2007 and has since raised functions to enable members to have more than $100,000 for the Gosford direct communication with members of Cancer Centre to assist clinicians in vital parliament on local issues. Adriana is an ongoing education. extremely successful businesswoman, and through her business supports Elaine Crockett numerous local schools, charities and Nominated by Glenn Brookes MP, community groups. Member for East Hills Elaine has made a tremendous Sharon Chamberlin contribution to her local community over Nominated by Tanya Davies MP, the past 31 years. She volunteers for five Member for Mulgoa community groups including Bankstown Sharon is the co-ordinator of Junior Community Transport and the Bankstown Jivers, a musical activity playgroup run Women’s Cancer Support Group. Elaine by Glenmore Park Anglican Church for raised $30,000 last year for the Cancer local mothers with young children. Council through coin donations. Over the last seven years, Sharon has selflessly given her time for the group Emelda Davis which now supports more than 300 Nominated by Alex Greenwich MP, mothers and children. Member for Sydney Emelda has led the NSW Australian South Christine Clausen Sea Islanders since 2009, enabling official Nominated by Mark Coure MP, recognition of indentured labour trade Member for Oatley akin to slavery of South Sea Islanders that Christine is the founder of the Narwee occurred between 1847 and 1908. By Baptist Creative Craft Group which building relationships with demographers provides members of the community the and governments at all levels, Emelda has opportunity to learn new skills and interact built the profile and acknowledgement of within the community. Founded in 1986, this vulnerable community. the Group now has 140 regular attendees and lends support to causes such as Macular Degeneration and Alzheimers Australia, and the Neo Natal Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 29 Marie De La Torre Pamela deBoer Nominated by Gareth Ward MP, Nominated by Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Kiama Member for Upper Hunter Marie has been involved in the Berry and Pamela was the Electorate Secretary for Wollondilly CWA Groups since 1985, the NSW Electorate of Upper Hunter for dedicating much of her adult life to helping over 40 years making her the longest others in need. She is a Life Member of the serving Electorate Secretary in the history CWA. She has also been involved with of Parliament. Pamela is often the first Albatross Musical Theatre Company since point of call for many constituents in need, 1992 and is a well-known and respected supporting them on government matters local identity on the South Coast. and sensitive cultural issues. Geraldine Dean Anne Denham Nominated by Greg Warren MP, Nominated by Prue Car MP, Member Member for Campbelltown for Londonderry Geraldine is the CEO of Youth Solutions, Anne goes above and beyond the call of a local not-for-profit supporting young duty in her work as Principal of Willmot people struggling with drug and alcohol Public School. She is actively involved in addiction. Geraldine has been an active the Willmot community, hosting a member of the Campbelltown community community hub at the school for parents for 19 years and an advocate for improving to access much needed government and life prospects for the community’s most non government services. disadvantaged youth. Jane Diffey Nerida Dean Nominated by Troy Grant MP, Nominated by Geoff Provest MP, Member for Dubbo Member for Tweed Jane established Clare’s Angels after her Nerida is an active member of the local young daughter was diagnosed with Rett community, assisting people transition Syndrome, tirelessly fundraising over from work to retirement and providing $100,000 in three years for Rett advice on how to transition successfully, Syndrome Research and Orana Early both vocationally and emotionally. She Childhood Intervention. Jane has been is actively involved with the NSW Cancer campaigning for a special needs school to Council, serves on the Executive of the be built in Dubbo. Jane also travels the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce and Orana region speaking to groups to raise has been a Rotarian for over 20 years. awareness about Rett Syndrome.

30 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Kelly Doyle Sandra Ellicott Nominated by Mark Taylor MP, Nominated by Andrew Fraser MP, Member for Seven Hills Member for Coffs Harbour Kelly established Foster Care Angels to Sandra has been involved with the Coffs provide care packages of toiletries, school Harbour Comets Rugby League Club for supplies, toys and books for young people the past 33 years. Sandra has mentored in foster care. Her volunteer organisation new Club members into executive roles also offers a range of services to empower and actively promotes the Club within the young people, support carers and provide local community, purchasing player uniforms hope through the foster care system. for the club from her own money when the Club struggled through financial difficulty. Julia Eagles Nominated by Jonathan O’Dea MP, Nora Etmekdjian Member for Davidson Nominated by Victor Dominello MP, Julia is a passionate and proud volunteer Member for Ryde supporting crime prevention initiatives in Nora is committed to assisting local her local area. Julia volunteers for NSW people to make the Ryde community a Police, Neighbourhood Watch, and better place for all. She is the Chair of the Ku-ring-gai Council’s Bushcare and Street Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, Care programs. She also contributes to a Publicity Officer for the Northern Districts number of community projects including Branch of the Country Women’s Association the Ku-ring-gai Community Workshop. and Secretary of the West Ryde Chamber of Commerce and an active member of Pamela Ellerman the Rotary Club of Ryde. Nominated by Adrian Piccoli MP, Member for Murray Sara Evans Pam is a high profile member of the Nominated by David Harris MP, Deniliquin community renown for her Member for Wyong commitment, generosity and wide ranging A mum of two, Sara has demonstrated contributions. A mentor to local producers great commitment to the Wyong local and business, Pam is also a long-standing area and for people with vision impairment and proactive member of the Naponda on the Central Coast. She recently swam Hospital Auxiliary. She was instrumental in for 12 continuous hours at Mingara Pool, securing a grant to establish the Naponda raising over $55,000 for the Save Sight Community Store, a community project Institute. providing financial support to Deniliquin Hospital.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 31 Genevieve Fleming Josie Gregory Nominated by Daryl Maguire MP, Nominated by Gladys Berejiklian MP, Member for Wagga Wagga Member for Willoughby Genevieve has served on several For over 20 years, Josie has demonstrated committees for local associations and outstanding commitment and service to not-for-profits including the Wagga women and children experiencing Women’s Health Centre, Women in domestic violence. As co-ordinator of the Business Wagga, the Children’s Medical Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Research Institute and Riverina Bluebell Violence Court Advocacy Services, she which raises awareness about mental has cultivated excellent working health issues and services in the Riverina. relationships with agencies, police and other professionals in the delivery of these Mal Fruean services. Nominated by Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Member for Paige Hadley Macquarie Fields Nominated by Stuart Ayres MP, Mal is an active member and the Chair of Member for Penrith the NSW Council for Pacific Communities, Paige is an Australian international the peak consultative body representing netballer and an example to young women Pacific Communities in NSW. Mal has pursuing a career in sport. She is a assisted and mentored many Pacific and member of the Australian team and plays non Pacific youths and adults, and was in the ANZ Championship for the NSW recently awarded a NSW Community Swifts. Paige was a member of the Service Award by the NSW Government. Australian Diamonds in 2015 when they won their third consecutive Netball World Pauline Gallagher Cup, and represented the team on their Nominated by Jihad Dib MP, recent tour of England. Member for Lakemba Pauline has provided courageous and Maggie Haertsch creative leadership to the Riverwood Nominated by Tim Crakanthorp MP, Community Centre and local communities Member for Newcastle for over 40 years. Under her leadership Dr Maggie Haertsch is a co-founder the Centre has grown from a small and CEO of the Arts Health Institute house with three part-time staff to (AHI). Under her leadership, the AHI 94 workers and 160 volunteers. Pauline has grown from a start-up to a major is a local icon and her work has been employer of artists nationally and considered integral to the positive changes increased the research and education in the local community. program substantially.

32 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Heather Hawkins Angela Ivancevic Nominated by Bruce Notley-Smith Nominated by Jodie Harrison MP, MP, Member for Coogee Member for Charlestown Heather is a volunteer lifesaver with the Angela has used her lived experience of Coogee SLSC, and a courageous and domestic violence to support and exemplary role model. After recovering encourage other women to have strength from ovarian cancer, Heather ran her first to leave a violent and abusive partner. marathon in 2013. Since then she has Angela’s powerful and empowering story won the North Pole marathon (female), has been shared widely through the running in -41 degrees Celsius, and media, including 60 Minutes, and she is competed in the World Marathon Challenge now a regular guest speaker at events on completing seven marathons in seven days domestic and family violence. on seven continents, while raising funds for cancer research via CanToo. Pennie Kearney Nominated by Jenny Aitchison MP, Gail Hayden Member for Maitland Nominated by Andrew Gee MP, Pennie joined The Mai-Wel Group in 1997 Member for Orange to coordinate the specialist employment Gail is recognised for her tireless division, now Mai-Wel LabourForce community work through the Country Solutions, she then accepted the role of Women’s Association over the past 54 CEO in 2000. Consistent leadership and years. She is a passionate advocate for emphasis on business and community country people, supporting several engagement has driven Mai-Wel to community campaigns including the become a premium disability service introduction of road safety initiatives, provider in the Hunter region. campaigning for a 24 hour rescue helicopter service, and the building of the Shubha Kumar Western Care Lodge for cancer patients. Nominated by David Elliott MP, Member for Baulkham Hills Jillian Hogan Shubha is a sincere community leader Nominated by Yasmin Catley MP, working to integrate Indian Australians and Member for Swansea other diverse multicultural communities in Through her work with disadvantaged NSW. Under Shubha’s leadership, the India communities at the San Remo Club has provided newly arrived Neighbourhood Centre, Jillian has Australians the opportunity to learn about developed spaces and places where rights and responsibilities, domestic people feel valued, supported and are violence and to develop relationships with given the opportunity to succeed. Jillian community figures, including local Police. has initiated programs and initiatives, including a youth service, men’s shed, community gardens, playgrounds, and drug and alcohol free festivals.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 33 Jhan Leach Pauline Lockie Nominated by John Robertson MP, Nominated by Jenny Leong MP, Member for Blacktown Member for Newtown Jhan has demonstrated an enduring Pauline Lockie is a passionate volunteer commitment to assisting women campaigner and community activist, experiencing domestic violence through lobbying against the construction of the her work with the Blacktown Women’s WestConnex motorway. Pauline has Health Centre. In 2015, Jhan was integral in worked tirelessly on her cause, assisting in hosting vigils for three local victims of the establishment of community action domestic violence who lost their lives at groups across Sydney and connecting the hands of their partners. with, engaging and activating the local community. Susan Lee Nominated by Jodi McKay MP, Carole McDiarmid Member for Strathfield Nominated by Paul Toole MP, Lee is a successful and respected Member for Bathurst businesswoman who has worked to Carole is recognised for her commitment develop and maintain Korean and and dedication to education, ensuring that Australian relationships through business, every child has access to an education and culture and broader community education. the opportunity to achieve despite social Lee is the publisher of the TOP media and economic adversity. Carole group and is recognised as a great encourages and supports students and advocate and leader of the Korean teachers alike, with generations of local community in Australia. children achieving through education thanks to Carole’s tireless work. Alba Linklater Nominated by Christopher Gulaptis Grace McLean MP, Member for Clarence Nominated by Greg Piper MP, At 83, Alba is energetic and Member for Lake Macquarie entrepreneurial, devoting her time to the Grace founded NFP Connect, an United Hospital Auxiliary movement to organisation that supports and connects raise substantial funds for Grafton Base people working in not-for-profit Hospital. Using her high standing in the organisations through monthly local community, she has led fundraising educational breakfasts and other activities. campaigns to purchase a birthing bed for Grace’s work has helped to bring like- the maternity unit, and a portable point- minded people together, facilitating of-care ultrasound machine. partnerships between business and charities, and encouraging individual development through a peer-to-peer mentoring program.

34 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Roxanne McMurray Emily Messieh Nominated by Jamie Parker MP, Nominated by Ryan Park MP, Member for Balmain Member for Keira Roxanne is a community leader and Emily is dedicated to improving services advocate for women’s rights. Roxanne is for youth in her local community. She has the manager of the Leichhardt Women’s been integral in many community art Community Health Centre, working to projects as well as community gardens, improve the health of women experiencing homeless support packages and various disadvantage, violence and chronic health youth programs. She helped implement a issues. Roxanne led the team that saved food and hygiene drive to provide basic local women’s refuges from closure and products to homeless people at the worked with the Government to secure Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre. future funding for Women’s Specialist Homelessness Services in the Inner Liz Messih Sydney area. Nominated by Linda Burney MP, Member for Canterbury Jan McWilliams Liz is a role model for those working within Nominated by Stephen Bromhead the community sector, striving to MP, Member for Myall Lakes implement new projects and help meet As the Mayor of Great Lakes Council, Jan the needs of the community through her has been involved in numerous community work as CEO of Canterbury City projects, including development of the Community Centre. Liz is the driving force Tuncurry skate park and the Tuncurry behind many new projects in the local Regional Sporting Grounds grandstand, area, fighting hard for equitable funding establishment of the Oyster Festival, and for Lakemba Neighbourhood Centre. her work on crime prevention committees. Melanie Milgate Margret Meagher Nominated by Kevin Humphries MP, Nominated by Leslie Williams MP, Member for Barwon Member for Port Macquarie Mel is a passionate advocate for Bourke Margret brings enjoyment to the local and the people of Far West NSW. She has community through her work in arts been instrumental in the establishment of and health. Margret founded Arts and the Far West Medicare Local and Health Australia, an organisation dedicated broadcasts a morning show on 2WEB to promoting the positive impact of the Outback Radio, providing a platform for arts on health and wellbeing, and is a local and regional issues that would not specialist in creative ageing. In 2014 otherwise be heard on mainstream media. Margret launched the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail which encompasses more than 50 hand painted koalas displayed throughout the area.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 35 Jacqueline Milledge Doreen Moore Nominated by Ron Hoenig MP, Nominated by Damien Tudehope Member for Heffron MP, Member for Epping Jacqueline is a local woman of outstanding Doreen is President of the Beecroft- achievement and vocation who has Cheltenham Lions Club, raising thousands dedicated her life to serving the of dollars for charity including $5000 for community. Jacqueline is the first Karonga School, which is dedicated to Magistrate appointed directly from the educating children with disabilities. Doreen NSW Police Force. She is also a long has also helped raise funds for dialysis serving executive member of the Botany machines and volunteers at Karonga Historical Trust, helping local residents school’s gardening program. learn more about, and preserve their local history. Lorrie Morgan Nominated by Rob Stokes MP, Heather Miller Member for Pittwater Nominated by Luke Foley MP, Lorrie is President of the Pittwater Member for Auburn Community Arts group and has worked At just 21, Heather’s contributions to the tirelessly co-ordinating arts and culture community are far reaching. As an events, including the Pittwater Community Ambassador for The Life Changing Arts Show, Pittwater Artists’ Trail, and Experiences Foundation, Heather assists Theatre in the Park at Avalon. Lorrie is a young at risk teenage girls through the much loved and respected member of the Sister to Sister mentoring program and community who is always available to is a Director of the Infinite Possibilities advise and assist local artists. Foundation, supporting youth through leadership. She is also the communications Narelle Morris officer for ‘I’m A Boat Person’, assisting Nominated by Julia Finn MP, refugees in immigration detention. Member for Granville Narelle is recognised for her long-term Vivienne Miller involvement and work with Holroyd Nominated by Matt Kean MP, Community Aid, a local community charity Member for Hornsby providing emergency relief such as food Vivienne is a dedicated volunteer and vouchers, nappies and money for active member of the Hornsby community, medication and essential bills for local with 43 years of service to the Volunteer people in need. Narelle is a powerful public Rural Fire Service and 27 years of service advocate, demonstrating unceasing to St John Ambulance. At 65, Vivienne has commitment to vulnerable people in her served with the Berowra, Cowan and community. Hornsby Communications Brigade of the Rural Fire Service. She is still an active member with the Cowan Brigade.

36 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Aileen Mountifield Catherine Murray Nominated by Ray Williams MP, Nominated by Melanie Gibbons MP, Member for Castle Hill Member for Holsworthy Aileen is the Founder and Executive Kate has been a voice and advocate for Director of the Lisa Harnum Foundation, community safety and volunteering providing information, support, and in the Liverpool area. She has participated counselling to victims of domestic violence in the volunteering in the policing so they can regain their self-esteem and program, and is also a member on the sense of self-worth. Aileen is an incredible Liverpool Crime Prevention Committee. community figure, who has taken it upon Kate is also a registered Justice of the herself to address an issue that has largely Peace and volunteers her time to residents been left dormant over the years. of the Liverpool area. Mariam Mourad Danna Nelse Nominated by Tania Mihailuk MP, Nominated by Anna Watson MP, Member for Bankstown Member for Shellharbour Mariam is a long term advocate for the Danna is a tirelessly active community rights of women and children, particularly leader, helping countless families, children in the Bankstown area through her work at and young people in the Albion Park Rail the Bankstown Women’s Health Centre. area. She is the powerhouse behind The Mariam has been responsible for Rail, a local neighbourhood centre where transforming the Centre into a thriving she provides a safe environment for community group. She has worked children and adults and runs programs tirelessly to empower local women within and activities for the local community. the CALD community. Thea O’Sullivan Pauline Mullen Nominated by Sonia Hornery MP, Nominated by Pru Goward MP, Member for Wallsend Member for Goulburn Thea is a passionate campaigner for Pauline is a long-term volunteer at the awareness of ovarian cancer in the Hunter Goulburn Lieder Theatre, mentoring and region. Thea is the organiser of the Oxford training youth in all aspects of theatre Ladies Lunch, an annual charity event production to pursue their passion in the held in collaboration with Hunter Medical arts. Pauline has been an actor, director, Research Institute to raise awareness wardrobe manager and stage manager and funds for ovarian cancer. In 2015, the for the Lieder, NSW’s oldest continuously event raised almost $8000 to fund running theatre. For Pauline, being an active research and prevention into management volunteer at the theatre means she not of the disease. only contributes to the economic growth of the town through the arts, but provides Goulburn with a cultural identity.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 37 Ivanka Pelikan Yvette Ringland Nominated by Edmond Atalla MP, Nominated by Andrew Constance Member for Mount Druitt MP, Member for Bega Ivanka is the Team Leader Community Yvette is a local community hero and Development at Graceades Community positive role model for the women of Bega Cottage and is recognised for her tireless after she assisted in re-establishing the and outstanding work with children, Bega SES Unit in 2012. In 2014 and 2016 families and communities across the she coordinated her unit during flood suburbs of Mount Druitt. Ivanka works with events in the Bega Valley and was recently local residents helping them apply for awarded the first ever ‘See yourself in scholarships, apprenticeships and Orange’ volunteers grant for her employment, empowering them to choose contribution to the NSW SES. positive pathways to achieve work and study goals. Anne Maree Robbie Nominated by Dominic Perrottet MP, Rosemary Phillis Member for Hawkesbury Nominated by Kevin Conolly MP, Anne Maree is the Director of SAFE Member for Riverstone Rescue, a Hawkesbury animal rescue Rosemary has been a devoted member of group that works to save and re-home the Riverstone community for over 30 animals who have found themselves in years, sharing her love of local history and Hawkesbury and Western Sydney pounds. organising community events. Rosemary Anne donates over 40 hours a week of her has loyally documented every local Anzac own time dedicated to animal rescue. Day Dawn Service and Riverstone Festival, retaining historical records of these events Elizabeth Robinson in the local museum. Nominated by Dr Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta Sinila Radivojevic Elizabeth is recognised for her 25 years Nominated by Guy Zangari MP, of dedicated volunteer work at a local Member for Fairfield school. She has worked as a teacher’s aide, Sinilia is a Cancer Council volunteer, made school uniforms, worked in the organising an Australia’s Biggest Morning canteen and supported fundraising Tea event for the local Spanish speaking activities. She continues to volunteer at community. She is also on the organising school events, excursions and in the committee for the Fairfield Relay for Life classroom, ensuring generations of school and an active participant, with her team children benefit from her extraordinary raising more than $37,000. Sinila is a generosity and kindness. member of a local group who successfully campaigned for improved parking for cancer patients at Westmead Hospital.

38 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Mary Ryland Brooke Starrett Nominated by Mike Baird MP, Nominated by Gabrielle Upton MP, Member for Manly Member for Vaucluse Mary is recognised for services to Brooke is a passionate and committed education and the community as the early childhood teacher who Deputy Principal at Stella Maris College, demonstrated strength through adversity Manly for over 30 years. Current and past when her workplace, the Bo Peep students and teachers consider Mary Kindergarten in Rose Bay, was damaged the heart and soul of Stella Maris, devoting by vandals. Brooke showed courage her time and energy to creating a vibrant and resilience, maintaining focus on her school community and safe environment young students ensuring they were kept for students. calm and safe. Jan Sharman Christina Steel Nominated by Adam Marshall MP, Nominated by Kate Washington MP, Member for Northern Tablelands Member for Port Stephens Jan has been a dedicated volunteer Christina is the President of the Port in the Glen Innes community for almost Stephens Park Residents Association and six decades. At 80 years of age, she a volunteer advocate for residential park successfully campaigned for the residents, lobbying governments and construction of a helipad at Glen Innes representing residents in the Consumer, Hospital. She has also served as a Trade and Tenancy Tribunal. Through her Councillor on the former Glen Innes hard work in campaigning for residents’ Council, and is an active member of the rights, Christina has given a voice to these Hospital Auxiliary, NSW Carer’s Group, often vulnerable residents who would and the Local Health Advisory Committee. otherwise suffer through demands of park owners. Anne Sillett Nominated by Trish Doyle MP, Judith Trotman Member for Blue Mountains Nominated by John Sidoti MP, Anne has a lifetime of experience Member for Drummoyne raising awareness of domestic violence Judith is recognised for her devotion and its impacts on women and children. to haematology, as an admired teacher Anne is the CEO of West Connect and passionate advocate for patients. (previously Penrith Women’s Refuge) Her work has led to world class research where she has expanded services and and improvements for patients. Judith ensured a commitment to service is the Leader of the Australian Leukaemia provision for Aboriginal women, and and Lymphoma Group and is a founding a personal connection with clients who executive member of the Bone Marrow use the service. Transplant Network of NSW.

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 39 Lorraine Vass Brenda Williams Nominated by Tamara Smith MP, Nominated by Alister Henskens SC Member for Ballina MP, Member for Ku-ring-gai Lorraine is an extraordinary environmental Brenda is recognised for her life-long activist and president of conservation commitment to netball as the Patron and group Friends of the Koala. Lorraine longest serving member of the Ku-ring-gai played an integral role in the establishment Netball Association. Brenda has been of the community action group and works part of the Association since its inception tirelessly to provide habitat restoration in 1969 and as a member has held a in the Northern Rivers and promote variety of positions including umpiring, koala conservation across NSW, Australia and still provides mentoring to other and globally. coaches and umpires. Tia Veech Nominated by Jai Rowell MP, Member for Wollondilly Tia is the driving force behind the successful Wilton Markets and a perpetual fundraiser who has thrown her support behind many community projects that benefit the Wollondilly community. Tia devotes hundreds of hours each year to many local causes, working hard to ensure that the unique rural lifestyle of the people living in Wollondilly is protected.

40 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Proudly supported by NSW Ministry of Health Family and Community Services Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Education Department of Premier and Cabinet NSW Department of Industry Department of Finance, Services and Innovation Office of Environment and Heritage

A special thank you to all nominees and finalists, and to those who nominated and voted for these outstanding women.

Proudly brought to you by the NSW Ministry of Health

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 41 Thank you to our sponsors

42 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Thank you to our merchandise sponsors

2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 43 This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source. It may not be reproduced for commercial usage or sale. Reproduction for purposes other than those indicated above requires written permission from the NSW Ministry of Health. © NSW Ministry of Health 2016 SHPN (SRC) 160076 ISBN 978 1 76000 392 0 (print ) ISBN 978 1 76000 393 7 (online) March 2016

44 2016 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS