Awards Program INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION  CENTRE SYDNEY DARLING HARBOUR

7 MARCH 2019 7 MARCH 2019

Contents

Order of proceedings 3

Message from the Governor of NSW 4

Message from the Secretary of FACS 5

Message from sponsor First State Super 6

Finalists NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year 8

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award 12

NSW Business Woman of the Year Award 16

Community Hero Award 20

Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award 24

Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award 28

First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award 32

Local Women acknowledged and celebrated 36

With thanks to our sponsors 50

1 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 1 Order of proceedings

Welcome Natarsha Belling, Master of Ceremonies

Welcome to Country Yvonne Weldon Proudly supported by Opening remarks NSW Department of Family and Community Services His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Women NSW Governor of New South Wales Keynote addresses Jessica Fox, World Champion and Olympic Medallist in Canoe Slalom Professor Hala Zreiqat, 2018 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year

Award presentations Local Women acknowledged and celebrated NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award NSW Business Woman of the Year Award Community Hero Award Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award

Platinum sponsor’s address Deanne Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, First State Super

Official proceedings close A hot breakfast will be served during the award presentations. An opportunity for official photographs and networking will occur after official proceedings have concluded.

2 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 3 Message from His Excellency Message from the Secretary, General The Honourable NSW Department of Family David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), and Community Services Governor of New South Wales

The 2019 NSW Women of the Year Awards are a fitting recognition The 2019 NSW Women of the Year Awards celebrate women across of the accomplishments of the many extraordinary women in New NSW who are changing our state for the better. South Wales who make positive and transformative contributions to Every nominee has made a big contribution to their community and our communities. each deserves to be publicly applauded. From the most rural and remote corners of New South Wales, to On behalf of the NSW Department of Family and Community the centre of our largest cities, NSW Women of the Year nominees Services, I offer my warmest congratulations to all of the nominees, are changing lives through their passion and commitment. The finalists and winners. achievements of these exceptional women will inspire the next generation so they, too, can make a positive difference to New Michael Coutts-Trotter South Wales. SECRETARY Linda and I congratulate all nominees, finalists and winners of the NSW DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 2019 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) GOVERNOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES

4 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 5 Message from Sponsor First State Super

I’m delighted to see our continued involvement in these important awards which recognise the incredible talent of women in NSW. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, which includes over two thirds women, we are acutely aware of the contribution and benefits our members bring to communities across the country. As an equal opportunity employer, we at First State Super are mindful of the obstacles and challenges women face in juggling the many facets of their personal and professional lives. So, it’s appropriate to take the time to celebrate their achievements and their contributions. The Women of the Year Awards and International Women’s Day is a great time to stop, to celebrate, and Finalists to say thank you. All the women who have been nominated for these Awards have sought to make a difference: their resolve, their achievement and the positive impact they have on our communities not only locally, within NSW, but nationally is impressive. On behalf of First State Super, and me personally, congratulations and thank you for your contribution.

Deanne Stewart CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FIRST STATE SUPER

6 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 7 Finalists NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

Associate Professor Payal Mukherjee Laura O’Reilly Associate Professor Payal Mukherjee is an adult and paediatric Ear, Nose Laura is a social entrepreneur who is working to create change in and Throat (ENT) surgeon specialising in ear surgery and cochlear Australia’s disability sector. Inspired by her experiences as the sibling of a implantation. Her mission is to advocate for gender equity in the workforce young man with cerebral palsy, Laura co-founded Fighting Chance in 2011, and educational institutions and to be a role model to future generations of a not-for-profit organisation supporting more than 450 young adults with women. disability through the operation of its two social enterprises, Avenue and Payal is the Deputy Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Jigsaw. (RACS) NSW State Committee, the ENT Research Lead at the RPA In 2014, Laura and her brother, Jordan, co-founded Hireup, an online Institute of Academic Surgery, and a member of the Meniere’s Research platform which gives people with disability the power to find, hire and Fund (Sydney Medical School). Payal is also proud to be a strong advocate manage their support workers. With more than 50,000 registered users on the promotion of surgical innovation, gender equity in surgery as well as on the platform from every state and territory in Australia, Hireup is domestic violence affecting patients and health care workers. As a Clinical revolutionising the attendant care space. Associate Professor at the University of Sydney and an Adjunct Professor Laura is a graduate of Cambridge University and UNSW, where she at the University of Wollongong, Payal places particular importance on studied history and law respectively. In September 2014, Laura was research and teaching whilst also practicing at the Sydney Adventist awarded The Australian Woman’s Weekly Woman of the Future and in Hospital and RPA Hospital. 2016 was a finalist for NSW Young Australian of the Year. Payal is completing a PhD in disruptive technologies in ENT specialising in medical applications of augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing and bioprinting with a focus on global translation of Australian innovation in biotechnology. As a mother to a young daughter, Payal is passionate about education and literacy development. Payal is committed to mentoring children and junior doctors into pursuing STEMM careers in surgery and medical technology. Payal embraces thinking outside the square and driving cultural change.

8 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 9 Finalists NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year

Ruan Sims Tracey Spicer AM Firefighter, professional rugby league player, leader, role model, media Tracey is passionate about the rights of women and girls. In her 30-year commentator, NRL Ambassador, domestic violence and mental health career as a journalist, author and broadcaster, Tracey has anchored advocate. Ruan is passionate about using the platforms provided through programs for ABC, Network Ten, Channel 9, Sky News and Radio 2UE and her work and sport to engage, educate, empower and enable people from written countless columns for Fairfax and News Corp. She now amplifies all walks of life. others’ voices through the social enterprise, Outspoken Women. Ruan has represented Australia in rugby league, rugby union and rugby Tracey has written, produced and presented documentaries on topics sevens in five World Cups, winning three of them. She has also captained such as female foeticide and domestic violence in Bangladesh, Kenya, her country and state in rugby league and was the first woman to sign a Uganda, Papua New Guinea and India. She is an Ambassador for professional rugby league contract in 2016. ActionAid, World Vision, Cancer Council NSW, The Full Stop Foundation, It is her fervent belief that if you create or provide people with NSW Kids in Need, SISTER2sister and Patron of the Pancreatic Cancer opportunities and empower and equip them with the correct tools and Alliance. support, they will experience great success. It may not be on the football Since October 2017, Tracey has spearheaded the #MeToo movement in field, or the television screen or the fire ground, but seeing someone Australia, producing award-winning investigations with Fairfax and the achieve their goals can inspire others to take the first step in chasing their ABC. In March 2018, she created NOW Australia, a not-for-profit own. organisation helping people who have been sexually harassed in the workplace. Her efforts resulted in the world’s first national inquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Tracey’s memoir The Good Girl Stripped Bare is a bestseller, while her essays have appeared in books including Women of Letters, She’s Having a Laugh, Father Figures and Unbreakable. Her TEDx Talk, The Lady Stripped Bare, has almost five million views. In 2018, Tracey was awarded an Order of Australia for her work as the national co-founder of Women in Media and as an ambassador for charitable and social welfare groups.

10 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 11 Finalists NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award

Jeanette Crew Sharlene McKenzie Jeanette is a Mutthi Mutthi woman from South West NSW. She is currently Sharlene is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the South Coast of NSW. Chairperson of Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre and after more Her work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities began at a than 30 years of public service is now the only Aboriginal Landcare young age. Sharlene was a Board member of her Local Aboriginal Land Coordinator in NSW. Council and participated in the piloting of programs such as the Circle Throughout her working life, Jeanette has championed cultural Sentencing Program. understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people particularly Sharlene moved to Sydney to complete a Diploma of Community and through natural resource management. Jeanette has been a mentor and Social Development at UWS before working in the Aboriginal and Torres role model to many members of the Aboriginal community in NSW and Strait Islander communities of South East Sydney. continues to provide support to the younger generations of her local Sharlene has been involved in many aspects of helping community community. members across the social welfare and social justice sectors. She is an Jeanette has drawn on knowledge gained from her Elders to contribute to advisor to the Ministerial Carers Strategy and advocates for the important public policy on Aboriginal culture, heritage and dialogue relating to social, role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers play in supporting economic and environmental issues. Jeanette also plays a significant role family and community. in providing advice to community, government and non-government Sharlene works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with organisations and engages with complex issues relating to community acquired brain injuries to transition them from a correctional setting into well-being. the community. She is also a member of the Justice Health Human Jeanette connects leadership with service. Through active participation Research Ethics Committee. Her advocacy within the health sector has she creates positive outcomes for her community. This approach has been seen her appointed to the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health recognised since 2003 through the development of Yarkuwa Indigenous Network Community Council. Sharlene is committed to supporting people Knowledge Centre. Her role as Chairperson of both Yarkuwa and the with complex mental health issues and is a member of the Suicide Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council in the early 2000s demonstrates Prevention Lived Experience Network. her commitment to exploring new futures for her local community. Sharlene is a strong woman who aims to form sustainable, culturally Jeanette’s values of respect, integrity and participation are important in appropriate working partnerships to help her address issues of her desire to create new opportunities that will benefit the social and marginalised community members. economic well-being of her community.

12 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 13 Finalists NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award

Associate Professor Faye McMillan Jada Whyman Associate Professor McMillan is a Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) from Trangie, Although Jada spent her formative years in Wagga, the talented young NSW. Faye is an inaugural Atlantic Fellow, where she has used this time to goalkeeper is more than familiar with life in Sydney. At 14, Jada travelled develop an app to support people experiencing mental health concerns. from Wagga to Sydney each weekend to play in the Sydney Women’s Faye is a founding member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), Premier League where she was mentored by Matildas’ goalkeeper coach was a board member of IAHA from 2009-2017, Chairperson from 2010- Paul Jones and shot-stopper Melissa Barbieri. 2016 and works at Charles Sturt University as the Director of the In 2013, she represented Australia at the U17 AFC Championships in China Djirruwang Program – Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health). Faye is whilst also representing NSW in the Ultimate Soccer Cup in Fiji. Jada was a board member for Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and is on the then named in the Australian U14 All Stars team and awarded Goalkeeper of community advisory committee for the Wagga Wagga Notre Dame the Tournament at the National Youth Championships. She was awarded Medical School. the same honour at the 2015 NTC Challenge. Faye holds a Doctor of Health Science, a Master of Indigenous Health Jada signed for the Western Sydney Wanderers in October 2015, making Studies, Bachelor of Pharmacy and is Australia’s first registered Aboriginal her debut in the Westfield W-League 2015/16 season against Sydney FC. Pharmacist. Faye also holds Graduate Certificates in Indigenous She has played almost every match for the Wanderers since. Governance from the University of Arizona (USA), Wiradjuri Language Culture and Heritage (Charles Sturt University) as well as a Graduate A number of impressive performances last season saw her named in the Certificate in Education through the University of Melbourne. Westfield “Promising” Matildas Program along with receiving the prestigious National Role Model Award as well as being named Westfield W-League In 2018, Faye was a finalist in the NSW Woman of the Year Awards in two Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year at the Wanderers Medal categories (Regional Woman of the Year and Aboriginal Woman of the ceremony in 2018. Year). In 2017, Faye was recognised in the Who’s Who of Australian Women and in 2014 Faye was included in the Australian Financial Review Off the field, the gifted 18-year-old has been an ambassador for the and Westpac 100 Women of Influence. Faye is also the proud mother to Western Sydney Wanderers participating in over 30 community Kye and Ethan, as well as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and appearances and is a role model and mentor for Indigenous footballers in friend. her local area and around the country.

14 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 15 Finalists NSW Business Woman of the Year Award

Fiona Bendall Carolyn Campbell Fiona is the founder and CEO of The Female Social Network (TFSN), a Carolyn has come a long way since her PE teaching days in Western digital platform that aggregates female focused networks across Australia, Australia. A position with the WA Department of Sport and Recreation led the US and the UK. She is also the CEO of Bendalls Group, a consultancy to her appointment as CEO of the WA Women’s Hockey Association in 1999. firm which specialises in digital strategy and transformation. Fiona started Following the successful delivery of the 2002 FIH Women’s Hockey World in the consumer electronics industry in the UK around 30 years ago, Cup in Perth, Carolyn left her WA home to join Netball NSW as the Game where she helped develop digital strategies for companies such as the Development Manager in 2003, before being promoted to CEO in 2006; a BBC and Virgin. She moved to Australia and co-founded Bendalls Group role she has held for over 10 years. During her tenure Carolyn has overseen in 2003. Fiona is an expert in digital strategy and transformation, social the planning, construction and subsequent relocation of Netball NSW’s HQ media and is a fierce advocate for female entrepreneurs and women in to the purpose-built netball facility in Sydney Olympic Park – Netball Central. business. Most recently Carolyn led Netball NSW on a journey to the new Suncorp Fiona was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year (Advertising, Super Netball Competition. The new all-Australian league provided the Marketing & Public Relations) at the 2018 Stevie International Business opportunity to increase Netball NSW’s presence at a national level with the Awards. TFSN was recognised as the Most Innovative Company of the formation of GIANTS Netball alongside the NSW Swifts. This means aspiring Year (Up to 100 Employees) at the same awards. She has won numerous netballers across the state now have two professional franchises to aim for. international business awards and in 2015 was named on the Westpac/ AFR 100 Women of Influence list. Fiona is an active member of The In 2018, Netball NSW announced record registrations of over 115,000 Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Women’s members, while both professional teams – the Swifts and GIANTS – saw Chamber of Commerce and Industry. double-digit growth in their membership bases. Carolyn was also at the forefront of the development of a new shared training base for the NSW Swifts and long-time partner, the Sydney Swans, at Sydney’s Moore Park. The Royal Hall of Industries, with the help of the NSW Government, will become a new headquarters for the Swans and the Swifts, with an international standard netball court part of the new shared High Performance and Community Centre. Construction on the project is due to begin shortly.

16 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 17 Finalists NSW Business Woman of the Year Award

Leanne Heywood Alyce Tran Leanne is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Senior Executive Alyce is co-founder of the highly successful brand The Daily Edited (TDE). with broad general management experience gained through an She started her career as a corporate lawyer for top tier Australian law international career in the mining, rural, government and not-for-profit firms. TDE was launched as a passion project lifestyle blog by Alyce sectors. and her co-founder Tania Liu in 2011 alongside their legal careers. Leanne has excelled within the mining industry and has been described as In 2014 TDE pivoted into a fashion accessories label that is now a global an inspirational leader and colleague. Throughout her career she has omnichannel retailer. refused to allow her gender to limit her, leading with focus, integrity and Alyce is a highly driven individual who has built TDE into a business that compassion. She has overcome the isolation of living in rural Australia to last year turned over $30 million in sales. She is responsible for every create an enviable international career and now uses her experience to touch point of the business from e-commerce, retail stores, marketing, empower other women to achieve their personal and professional goals. logistics, finance and overall strategic direction of the business. Every She is a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for process, product, piece of visual output and direction of the TDE business Orocobre, a lithium miner with operations in Argentina. She is also a has been created by Alyce. Director and Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee for Alyce shares her knowledge by speaking and mentoring at events the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and a member of the including Business Chicks 9 to Thrive, Vogue Codes and Melbourne NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity. She is also a Senior Fashion Festival. All earnings from such activities are donated to The Marketing Executive with Inenco, a large family owned company supplying School for Life Foundation, supporting a school in Uganda founded by engineering products to industry. Annabel Chauncy AO. She manages all this while commuting to Sydney from her sheep farm Alyce has won numerous awards including World Retail Congress, Young home in Central West NSW. Family is important to Leanne and she and Entrepreneur of the Year to Best Customer Service and Best e-Commerce her husband are extremely proud of their three wonderful adult children Retailer as voted by the industry at the Online Retailer Industry Awards and partners who have built successful lives in country NSW. They also and Prix De Marie Claire Awards. have two beautiful granddaughters.

18 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 19 Finalists Community Hero Award

Mary Jo McVeigh Theresa Mitchell Mary Jo is the founder and CEO of Cara House and CaraCare which Theresa was a single mum in her early 20s when she saw an opportunity support vulnerable children, young people and their families through to support other families also doing it tough. Theresa started sourcing trauma-specific counselling and human rights practices. donations of baby food and Christmas gifts to give to charities including Mary Jo is an expert in child protection, trauma therapy, clinical the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul. This marked the start of her supervision, management training, leadership coaching, facilitation and fundraising efforts which over the years have also included supporting professional self-care with over 25 years working with both public and organisations including SIDS, Multicap, Care Flight and the Endeavour private sectors. She completed her Honours degree in Social Science in Foundation. 1983 before completing a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1986. Mary Jo While caring for her own children, Theresa became a foster carer. In total, is currently undertaking a PhD in Social Work at Sydney University, Theresa has supported and cared for 155 children. She has also focussing on children’s rights and participatory values. volunteered for a community in Palompon Philippines where she found Mary Jo is a trained trauma therapist and an accredited mental health sponsors for 30 children, organised the building of 10 houses and social worker. She is particularly skilled at working with professionals to supported the facilitation of medical procedures. bring about growth, notably in the areas of leadership, effectiveness and In 2009, Theresa started Agape Outreach Inc. to support the homeless communication. Mary Jo draws on her vast knowledge and experience in and needy in the Byron Shire, Tweed Shire and Gold Coast. After cooking trauma and protection to inspire her audiences. a meal with her family and offering it to people on the streets one night 10 A passionate writer, Mary Jo has authored Without Question, the years ago, Agape now serves nearly 10,000 meals to the homeless every Language of the Mindful Leader and Audacious Love along with three year. Agape has over 70 volunteers and a venue where they coordinate resources for working therapeutically with children and young people. The food hampers using rescued food for families in need and runs a range of most loved, Wrapped in Angels, has received international praise and is free training classes including cooking, budgeting, life coaching and recognised in NSW as best practice when working with traumatised relationship management. children, young people and adults. Theresa runs Agape Outreach Inc. full time without a wage, providing emotional, social and financial support to many.

20 2018 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 21 Finalists Community Hero Award

Dr Leng Tan Rhondda Vanzella OAM Dr Tan is a medical professional, community leader and humanitarian Rhondda is an inspirational visionary and pioneer for women and young ambassador with an altruistic volunteering spirit. For over 40 years, her leaders in Australia. Rhondda has a strong belief system founded in devotion has assisted various disadvantaged groups in the community. personal sacrifice and the importance of community. Her vast experience Her outstanding contribution to community services earned her the and success in business, politics and community work has given her the Quong Tart Life Achievement Community Services Award in 2011. ability to empower those who have neither voice nor influence. Rhondda is Along with caring for her patients, Leng currently serves as the Emeritus also a strong advocate for women in leadership. She is a well respected Chairperson of Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) Board of mentor to many, including state and federal politicians and other public Directors, the Vice Chairperson of Australian Council for the Promotion of figures. Peaceful Reunification of China and Chinese Youth League (CYL). With Rhondda is currently State President and Chair of War Widows’ Guild CASS she has worked hard to provide family daycare, home and NSW, a NSW Centenary of ANZAC Advisory Council Ambassador, RSL residential aged care and disability services, among many other services, Affiliate Member and President of the OZY Youth Choir Honouring tailored to meet the needs of the community. Today, CASS serves over Defence Service. In 2009, Rhondda received an Order of Australia for her 2,600 families a week. She also brought together CASS, CYL and Sydney leadership in communities. Chinese School in establishing the Elderly Australian Chinese Homes to One of Rhondda’s many achievements was organising the Kangaroo cater for the needs of Chinese seniors. March Centenary Re-enactment which saw her and hundreds of With a mission to fight for people’s welfare, Leng has also served as a descendants of WW1 walk over 500 km to retrace the steps and honour humanitarian ambassador by volunteering her medical services overseas. the recruits of 1915. Rhondda’s most recent achievement was the Through her involvement with Eyes on China, she has provided free Honouring Women United by Defence Service Last Post Ceremony and cataract surgeries to people in remote communities. For many years she Dinner in Canberra. Rhondda brought together 500 women from all over has joined these annual expeditions, changing the lives of hundreds of Australia for this landmark event. It was the first time many of these people with the gift of sight. women had been recognised for their service and the first time many organisations had collaborated as a united voice for women.

22 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 23 Finalists Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award

Kate Fitzsimons Rebecca Gallagher From broken hearted sister to a woman on a mission, Kate is living proof School teacher, mentor and an advocate for women – Rebecca is that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. She is an international speaker committed to serving her community, working with a vast number of local and Director of the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation – a charity established community groups to help empower young people to change their lives in honour of her sister who was killed in a motorbike accident in Thailand and challenge the stereotypes placed on them due to their socioeconomic in 2012. status, race and upbringing. Rebecca aims to support the younger After learning one Australian dies in Thailand every two days, Kate generation in a way that she needed when growing up in a low selflessly left her corporate career in March 2013 to dedicate herself to socioeconomic status community and a violent household. Nicole’s Foundation with one clear mission: to bring more Australian Rebecca was the first in her family to finish high school and attend tourists home safely. Kate then created a Travel Safety Education Program university. She obtained a Master’s in Education and works as a special in high schools, where she delivers a heartfelt presentation that resonates needs educator. She believes that everyone with the right support can with students of the devastating consequences of taking risks overseas achieve their aspirations - all they need is someone who will champion and the importance of travel insurance. them and remind them that their past does not dictate their future. Although Kate began this campaign alone as a grieving sister, her endless Rebecca also volunteers for not-for-profit organisations in Cambodia passion and determination led her to become a nationally respected Travel supporting women and children who have survived sex trafficking. She is Safety Ambassador working in cooperation with Smartraveller and Jetstar passionate about restoring identity and worth into women’s lives who have to spread her message to young people before they take off on schoolies experienced sex trafficking and prostitution. and overseas adventures. Rebecca works closely with her local church and high schools mentoring Inspired to help others thrive through adversity, Kate became certified as teenagers. She has been able to reach more than 100 girls in her a life coach in 2016 and now also speaks to students about building community supporting them and their families. resilience and emotional empowerment during difficult times. Described as ‘eye-opening’, ‘life-changing’ and ‘unforgettably inspiring’, Kate’s presentations have reached over 100,000 students around Australia and America.

24 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 25 Finalists Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award

Camilla Kenny Dr Angelica Merlot Camilla is a driven rural woman with a passion for mental health and Like many Australians, Angelica has lost family members to cancer. It’s agriculture. She holds a Master’s of Social Work and works within the Rural their stories and struggles that encouraged her to become a cancer Adversity Mental Health Program covering Western NSW. Camilla strives researcher working on a cure. After excelling in her studies, Angelica to increase awareness of mental well-being in rural areas, encouraging completed a PhD in Medicine at just 24 years of age at the University of help-seeking and stigma reduction activities. She plays a large role in Sydney. She focused on the development of novel drugs to selectively kill supporting drought affected communities, linking people to appropriate cancer cells, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference in our support and advocating for additional resources and services. community. The success of this research has contributed to a multi-centre clinical trial, treating patients with advanced tumours around Australia. Passionate about rural living and agriculture, Camilla is a member of the Show Society of Dubbo. Through this she has gained an understanding Angelica’s research focuses on the deadliest of cancers, including and appreciation for the challenges many women face in their personal pancreatic and brain cancer, which has seen very limited progress. and professional leadership journeys and the impact mental well-being Specifically, Angelica develops new targets and medicines that combat may have. The local show society has acted as a springboard for Camilla drug-resistant cancers and cancer spread. She has 28 research to make an impact at a broader scale. This includes taking on a Vice publications, has received a suite of awards and has presented her work at President role for the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Next more than 35 conferences in Australia and around the world. In 2018, Generation Committee and working to promote and enhance the Angelica was named as Australia’s youngest ever National Health and development of young women across NSW in agriculture and rural Medical Research Council Grant recipient. communities. At 28 years of age, she obtained a competitive tenure-track position and Camilla has further extended this passion for supporting rural women and now heads a team of researchers at the University of NSW and Children’s their communities through her local Country Women’s Association (Collie Cancer Institute. Angelica is a leader and volunteers her time to mentor Evening Branch) and a range of sporting clubs. others and contributes to various community and fundraising initiatives. She is a committed, influential champion for women in science, medicine and technology. She is a member of the UNSW Gender Equity Working Group and is responsible for implementing initiatives to empower women and promote equity in Medicine.

26 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 27 Finalists Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award

Dr Louise Baker Kate Loubet Dr Baker has provided more than 30 years of dedicated service as a GP Kate is an autotelic advocate, researcher and the CEO of Heartfelt House Obstetrician in Cowra NSW. She has provided care to generations of from Wollongbar in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Her commitment to Cowra families, including substantial medical service to the local supporting adult survivors of historical childhood sexual abuse spans over Aboriginal community. 12 years, where she has professionally developed from volunteer to group Louise is also Academic Coordinator and Senior Lecturer for the ANU facilitator, to the now CEO of Heartfelt House. In addition, she has Rural Clinical School, training and mentoring medical students and GP extensive experience in the areas of domestic violence, child development Registrars. Through this work she has put Cowra on the map as a great and post-separation parenting. Recently, Kate was a panel member and location to work as a doctor. In 2018, she received the Peter Graham presented to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child ‘Cohuna’ Award - the highest award bestowed by the Australian College of Sexual Abuse on the topic of resilience and strength in the case study for Rural and Remote Medicine and Rural Doctors Association of Australia the nature, cause and impact of child sexual abuse. and in 2016, the Supervisor of the Year Award at the Western NSW Kate is an active facilitator of community seminars and recently completed Regional Awards by GP Synergy. her Honours Degree at Southern Cross University. Her research explored Louise has worked as a locum GP, set up the Central West Division of how engagement in specialised group therapy programs for adult General Practice and served in various roles with the Remote Vocational survivors of child sexual abuse impacts on participants’ social network. Training Scheme. She has also served on the Management Committee of Kate’s determination and dedication to ensure ongoing funding for the Rural Doctors Association of NSW for the past eight years. Heartfelt House has translated into successful submissions to the Federal Government. This has enabled the continuation of service delivery Louise has worked tirelessly for GP procedural training in NSW and supporting and empowering group participants to realise their potential as represents the Rural Doctors Association on the NSW Rural Generalist individuals, partners, parents and community members. Kate’s passion for Program Statewide Council. She has also been involved in the Cowra pilot new knowledge is encapsulated in her heuristic ethos in work, parenting of the NSW Health Integrated Care Project, working to support local and drive for self-actualisation. young people in areas including mental health. Louise is married to Steven and they have five adult children.

28 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 29 Finalists Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award

Brenda Norman Edwina Sharrock Brenda, a PDHPE teacher from Deniliquin High School, swam the English Edwina is a registered nurse, midwife and founder of Birth Beat, an online Channel in August 2018 to promote the importance of mental health in childbirth education platform changing the way parents prepare for birth rural areas. Through her endeavour, she established Channel 4 Change, a and beyond. Empowering women to have their best birth, Edwina is on a charity to support mental health initiatives and services. mission to better the birthing experience of all. Brenda faced many challenges preparing for the world’s toughest ocean Edwina was inspired to take action and create Birth Beat in 2012 after the swim - the ocean is 4 hours from her home, the closest pool is a 150 km closure of the maternity unit in her hometown of Tamworth. Frustrated by round trip during winter and the only water source in Deniliquin is the the lack of options for women and their partners, she set about improving Edward River that dropped to 8 degrees. While these challenges were not maternal health care education with face-to-face antenatal classes in insurmountable, this however is not true of accessing mental health Tamworth. The demand for Birth Beat classes grew, with parents travelling services in rural areas. There is no parity between metropolitan and rural hours to attend her classes and Edwina saw the opportunity to expand areas in this regard and Brenda hopes that she can champion a Channel 4 her offering. Change. As a midwife, business owner, mother and wife, Edwina appreciates the Brenda hopes Channel 4 Change will continue to raise funds to support complexities of modern life. She understands that parents-to-be are busy the delivery of much needed services, to decrease stigma and increase juggling the demands of careers and family. She also realises that resources within the community. Support programs and events aim to traditional face-to-face antenatal classes can be inconvenient. Edwina encourage early help seeking behaviours, build resilience in young people wanted parents to prepare for birth in a way that was flexible to their and families and increase the responsiveness in the community through needs – so she created evidence-based, obstetrician endorsed, fun and the provision of evidence-based education at no cost to the participants. interactive online classes that can be accessed 24/7. Birth Beat launched While Brenda was the solo channel swimmer, she has worked tirelessly on its online portal in November 2017 and has now worked with over 1,000 the ‘Change’ component of the charity as it relies on the entire community parents across Australia, helping them have their best birth possible. working together to make a difference.

30 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 31 Finalists First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Astrid Perry Mary Jo McVeigh Dr Perry found her passion as a ‘mentor for women’ with the Girl Guides Mary Jo is the founder and CEO of Cara House and CaraCare which of Switzerland. Since then, she has established herself as an advocate for support vulnerable children, young people and their families through social justice in NSW, advancing the well-being of women among trauma-specific counselling and human rights practices. culturally and linguistically diverse communities, supported by Settlement Mary Jo is an expert in child protection, trauma therapy, clinical Services International (SSI). Astrid’s belief is that every woman has the supervision, management training, leadership coaching, facilitation and potential to contribute and the power to create a world where children professional self-care with over 25 years working with both public and can prosper. private sectors. She completed her Honours degree in Social Science in Astrid maintains a strength based approach coupled with advocacy and 1983 before completing a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1986. Mary Jo targeted strategies, including setting gender participation targets, is currently undertaking a PhD in Social Work at Sydney University, provides the means to achieve a more equal society. Astrid’s passion focussing on children’s rights and participatory values. guided her to a PhD in Sociology and despite limited English skills, she Mary Jo is a trained trauma therapist and an accredited mental health fixed her focus to public schools and education of girls, at a time of social worker. She is particularly skilled at working with professionals to upheaval around gender based educational achievements. bring about growth, notably in the areas of leadership, effectiveness and Astrid campaigns for the inclusion of culturally diverse women to communication. Mary Jo draws on her vast knowledge and experience in participate at the Commission on the Status of Women conferences and trauma and protection to inspire her audiences. has contributed to the Global Summit for Women, where she advocated A passionate writer, Mary Jo has authored Without Question, the Language for the unheard voices of refugee women. As a board member of the of the Mindful Leader and Audacious Love along with three resources for Australian Council on Refugee Women, Astrid has ensured gender is working therapeutically with children and young people. The most loved, considered by her colleagues attending the yearly United Nations Wrapped in Angels, has received international praise and is recognised in Convention on Refugees. NSW as best practice when working with traumatised children, young Astrid is well known as a champion for women’s rights and an advocate people and adults. for awareness of domestic violence. She takes pride and consideration in providing liberal and competent advice in these areas and others.

32 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 33 Finalists First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award

Theresa Mitchell Shirley Smith Theresa was a single mum in her early 20s when she saw an opportunity Shirley, trained nurse, secretary, community volunteer and farmer’s wife, to support other families also doing it tough. Theresa started sourcing observed that many residents of her rural village were unable to attend donations of baby food and Christmas gifts to give to charities including medical care and treatment when required. The absence of suitable the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul. This marked the start of her affordable public transport was very evident, particularly when one was no fundraising efforts which over the years have also included supporting longer able to drive a car. organisations including SIDS, Multicap, Care Flight and the Endeavour The idea of creating a volunteer team to provide suitable, affordable Foundation. transport to and from medical care and treatment was formed by Shirley in While caring for her own children, Theresa became a foster carer. In total, 1999. The service was embraced by the community and over the course of Theresa has supported and cared for 155 children. She has also 19 years, 2,673 residents have been assisted to achieve a total of 85,706 volunteered for a community in Palompon Philippines where she found one-way trips. To cover the cost of the fuel, residents who required the sponsors for 30 children, organised the building of 10 houses and assistance were asked to make an affordable donation. supported the facilitation of medical procedures. A support team was formed to become the fundraising arm of this In 2009, Theresa started Agape Outreach Inc. to support the homeless volunteer team. The service has now grown to include two paid employees and needy in the Byron Shire, Tweed Shire and Gold Coast. After cooking supporting the volunteers and they continue to strive to serve their a meal with her family and offering it to people on the streets one night 10 community by providing assistance for medical related transport. years ago, Agape now serves nearly 10,000 meals to the homeless every year. Agape has over 70 volunteers and a venue where they coordinate food hampers using rescued food for families in need and runs a range of free training classes including cooking, budgeting, life coaching and relationship management. Theresa runs Agape Outreach Inc. full time without a wage, providing emotional, social and financial support to many.

34 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 35 Barbara Anderson the local area. In 2018 Rachael won the Nominated by The Hon. Paul Toole MP, Lion’s Club Secretary of the Year and the Local Women BATHURST Blacktown Club was selected out of 81 clubs as Club of the Year. Barbara has volunteered tirelessly for her community over many years. She drove the Frances O’Leary of the Year Honour Roll local school bus and taught scripture and Nominated by Ms Trish Doyle MP, sewing before retiring 11 years ago. Since BLUE MOUNTAINS then Barbara has provided community Fran’s life’s work has been one of support to people who are housebound and community service and she has worked also volunteers her time at Uralba tirelessly to support the most vulnerable in Retirement Village. At Uralba, she is the the community. Starting her working life as residents’ advocate and mediator, attending a primary school teacher, Fran also resident meetings. Barbara has been a undertook training in counselling and social volunteer at Blayney Visitors Information work. For many years she worked as a Centre since it opened 21 years ago, as school counsellor in Queensland, then as a secretary and then president - a position counsellor with the Adolescent Counselling she still holds today. service in Ireland. Back in Australia, Fran Debbie Kent Kathleen Hacking Azita Abdollahian managed Blue Mountains Food Services for more than ten years, delivering services to Nominated by Mr Greg Aplin MP, Nominated by Mr Jamie Parker MP, Nominated by Mr David Elliott MP, older people and people with disability. ALBURY BALMAIN BAULKHAM HILLS Facing funding challenges, she reshaped Azita is a strong advocate for survivors of Debbie organises the annual North Albury Kath is a community activist and Councillor, the organisation to ensure it is sufficiently domestic violence and is the Vice President Sports Club’s Pink Lady Lunch, which raises who dreamed of a truly liveable Balmain, flexible and robust to survive and thrive into of The Hills Women’s Shed, which is an awareness and funding to help people abounding with green space and made it the future. following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Over happen. During the 1990s, Kath all-embracing community space for the last nine years, under Debbie’s spearheaded a community campaign to empowering women. In her spare time she Mehar Ahmad leadership the lunch has gone from humble protect industrially zoned sites throughout volunteers to help homeless people, Nominated by Mr Nick Lalich MP, beginnings selling raffle tickets to a major Balmain from residential development. She providing food and clean clothes, as well as CABRAMATTA free hairdressing for them at her salon in sold-out social event. Those who work with was also a central figure in a successful Mehar co-founded the Multicultural Eid The Hills. Azita founded and runs The her know Debbie is the first to sell tickets campaign against the sale of prime Festival & Fair 34 years ago. For the past Phoenix Centre, where she combines her and the first to clean up after the lunch. All waterfront real estate at Ballast Point to two years she has been the festival’s years of experience in hair and beauty the money raised - close to $100,000 to residential developers. While on Council, President, providing a fresh new lift to the treatments with her studies in counselling, date - is spent locally, passed on through Kath also increased open space award-winning annual multicultural event psychology and life coaching, to offer a Brave Hearts on the Murray. requirements for developments on Balmain that fosters cross-cultural and cross- unique mix of makeovers and lifestyle peninsula and assisted in the formation of religious dialogue. Mehar has also been the Kate Loubet transformations. resident precinct groups across the president of AMUST Community Nominated by Ms Tamara Smith MP, municipality. Newspaper for the past four years, BALLINA Rachael Hanlon Katrina White Nominated by Mr Stephen Bali MP, displaying passion, leadership and a Kate is an advocate, researcher, and the commitment to the advancement of Nominated by Mr Kevin Humphries MP, BLACKTOWN CEO of Heartfelt House, a not-for-profit interfaith relations in Australian society. She BARWON Rachael has been Secretary of Blacktown organisation that provides group therapy to is also a full-time school teacher and cares City Lions Club for the last four years in a adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Katrina is a born and bred Walgett girl, who for two daughters with disability and her volunteer capacity. The club’s recent the Northern Rivers of NSW. She has over grew her catering company from a small elderly parents-in-law. ten years experience working as a group business catering for 20-30 people to 500 success is thanks to Rachael’s tireless facilitator for survivors of childhood sexual people in the space of four years. Katrina dedication and administrative as well as Helen Evans abuse. Kate was a panel member and now books in around 30 weddings a year. practical support. Rachael regularly gives Nominated by Mr Chris Patterson MP, presented to the Royal Commission into She and her team also travel anywhere up her weekends to cook sausage sizzles, CAMDEN complete shopping centre collections, run Institutional Responses to Child Sexual within a four hour radius of Narrabri to many Helen is a dedicated and hardworking trivia night events as well as general Abuse on the topic of resilience and other functions from market days to dinner volunteer. As the President of the Camden fundraising to give back to her local strength. Her drive and dedication have parties, fundraisers and balls. Katrina brings Hospital Auxiliary, Helen has raised community. 90% of the funds raised by seen her secure ongoing funding for the cuisine you would expect to find in thousands of dollars to assist the hospital to Blacktown City Lions fund projects within Heartfelt House’s important programs. Melbourne or Sydney to rural NSW. provide much needed equipment for

36 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 37 Honour Roll genuine care and compassion have brought Cowra families. She has been at the Local Women of the Year services and community groups together forefront of training and mentoring young through partnership and collaboration. Skye doctors from medical students to GP stands for social justice and works with Registrars for many years. She works to patients. The Auxiliary funds therapy dogs Rowena Mezzomo integrity and without judgement, going boost opportunities for future rural general to visit the hospital’s palliative care unit, Nominated by The Hon. Ray Williams MP, above and beyond to advocate for services, practice doctors in Cowra and has put the providing comfort to both patients and their CASTLE HILL community and individuals. Skye seeks no small town on the map for exceptional families. Helen also coordinates the recognition for her work. Her genuine quality of training. Louise has provided Rowena has been an invaluable member of production of hand-made goods to sell at passion and commitment to the causes she significant care to the Aboriginal the Rouse Hill Rhinos Football Club since the Auxiliary’s regular street stalls in advocates for are apparent to anyone who community and runs the Aboriginal 2007. As the current Club Secretary, Camden. Helen is a very unassuming person has had the pleasure of working with her. Outreach Service in Yalbalinga, working Rowena oversees 30 teams, more than 450 who goes about her job without ever with the local Indigenous community to players and 150 officials. Every week expecting any recognition. Julie Jardine establish the service and secure funding. Rowena responds to hundreds of emails, Nominated by Mr Andrew Fraser MP, Margaret Shafer OAM JP ensures all paperwork and compliance is COFFS HARBOUR Shirley Smith Nominated by Mr Greg Warren MP, complete and that every member has what Julie has actively contributed to the Coffs Nominated by The Hon. Mark Speakman CAMPBELLTOWN they need for training and game day. Every MP, CRONULLA Saturday she makes sure game day goes Harbour community for many years. Julie is Margaret has a long history of generous smoothly and doesn’t leave until pack up is chairwoman of the CanDo Cancer Trust, Shirley, a retired army nurse, has been a community service. Over the years she has done. Nothing is ever a problem for which raises funds for cancer patients committee member of the Caringbah RSL led fundraising for many worthy causes, Rowena, who works tirelessly to make sure attending the North Coast Cancer Institute. since 2005 and its President for the past from car rallies for Camp Quality to gift that all players have the best experience Under Julie’s leadership, the funds raised five years. Shirley is actively involved in wrapping to raise money for local charities. possible. for each patient have increased by 50% raising funds for community projects, many She is a donor and member of the Royal since the organisation’s inception eight of which benefit veterans. She secured Flying Doctor Service and regularly Bianca Judd years ago. In addition Julie mentors women grants for the upgrade of the Caringbah organises donations for local schools. For Nominated by Mr Clayton Barr MP, in their business careers, is on the board of War Memorial. She is also the key organiser the past ten years she has donated a mobile CESSNOCK Coffs Futures, the Enterprise Training of the Caringbah RSL Anzac Day BBQ and BBQ packs to Macarthur Disability Company and the Coffs Aero Club. Julie’s commemorations each year. Shirley is also Bianca is no stranger to hard work. As well Services. Margaret also assembles and latest work has been with the Outback Air an active volunteer with other community as helping run the family business, the donates essential supplies packs for local Race, raising money for the Royal Flying organisations. She serves on a number of mother of four co-ordinates charity work homeless men and women she met whilst Doctor Service. Sutherland Hospital committees and works through fundraising group The Little sponsoring the ‘one meal makes a with her local Catholic church assisting the Juddies. Following the 2014 Blue Mountains difference’ program in 2014. Marina DeBris community. bush fires, Bianca coordinated the Nominated by Mr Bruce Notley-Smith Angela Song transportation of 32 tonnes of emergency MP, COOGEE Kirsten Quinn Nominated by Ms Sophie Cotsis MP, supplies to Winmalee. She coordinates Marina is an “art-ivist” who uses her art to Nominated by Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP, CANTERBURY fundraising appeals for local terminally-ill DAVIDSON residents, including raising $45,000 for a draw attention to the dangers of plastic Angela has been a mainstay of the local terminally ill child and her family to travel to debris that can be deadly to wildlife when it Kirsten has made an enormous contribution community in Campsie for many years. She Disneyland. She also volunteers with enters the food chain. She uses washed up to the community through her extensive has turned her local pharmacy into a Drought Angels, gathering and distributing objects she finds on the beach to create work for people with disability. She is the meeting point and community hub for local non-perishable food, water and other pieces of art, encouraging the viewer to Youth Projects Co-ordinator at Cerebral residents to gather and discuss issues that supplies for their Drought Appeal, as well as question the use of single use items and Palsy Alliance, where she has worked for 20 are important to them, while also benefiting gifts for their 2018 Christmas Appeal to consider waste reduction. Marina’s works years. In her spare time Kirsten volunteers from the educational and community support Aussie farmers. have been showcased around the world in at Active Opportunities, which supports well-being programs that Angela organises. institutions such as the Smithsonian and are kids with disability to play soccer, as well as She has worked tirelessly to build positive Skye Sear often made of materials such as bottles, managing a modified Nippers group for and stronger relations in the diverse local Nominated by Mr Chris Gulaptis, MP, straws and single use plastic bags. kids, teens and young adults with disability. community and especially with CLARENCE Kirsten has volunteered as a youth mentor Canterbury’s local Korean community. Dr Louise Baker for many years, first to pregnant and As General Manager of the New School of Angela has been involved in many Nominated by The Hon. Steph Cooke MP, parenting girls and later to teenagers at a Arts Neighbourhood, Skye has been a community campaigns fighting for better COOTAMUNDRA local high school. Many young people passionate advocate for social inclusion in services and facilities for residents of continue to benefit from Kirsten’s the Clarence Valley for the past decade. Louise has served as a GP Obstetrician in Campsie and the surrounding suburbs. knowledge and experience. Skye’s communication skills, flexibility and Cowra for almost 30 years, providing cradle-to-grave care for generations of

38 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 39 Honour Roll from breast cancer. Jan is not only Harris Park and led charity work for Local Women of the Year determined to remember the people who disadvantaged people in Lebanon. have passed away from cancer, but also to Philomena also supported orphans helped celebrate those who have won their battle. by the St Rita Foundation in Cascia, Italy. Vicki Liubinskas the P&C President and is also heavily Philomena has always felt a special affinity Jane Bowtell Nominated by Mr John Sidoti MP, involved in Revesby Workers Netball Club, for St Rita, Patron Saint of impossible DRUMMOYNE which saw her awarded a Lifetime Nominated by Ms Liesl Tesch MP, causes. She also founded the ladies Membership in 2016 for her volunteering GOSFORD auxiliary at the Blouza Association in Vicki is the founder of Let’s Get Going’, a efforts. Granville, bringing together the families of not-for-profit mentor program that Since taking on the presidency of the Woy the Blouza village in north Lebanon who promotes the health and well-being of Along with this Kellie has volunteered at Woy Country Women’s Association (CWA) now call the Granville area home, to raise adults with an intellectual or physical Bankstown Theatre Company and still Branch, Jane has reinvigorated the group, funds for cancer research. disability. Vicki recognised that physical manages to work with her husband in their giving it a community-facing outlook. Jane leads her members in projects such as inactivity was a major problem for adults business and manage their three children’s Dianne Weatherall living with a disability and felt that schooling and extra-curricular activities. transforming donated wedding dresses into beautiful garments for families who have Nominated by Mr Lee Evans MP, establishing a pattern of physical activity Diana Farache HEATHCOTE would improve the physical and mental lost a baby. Jane has also been instrumental Nominated by Mr Damien Tudehope MP, health of participants. Let’s Get Going in bringing the BreastScreen NSW bus to Dianne has served as President of the EPPING provides an inclusive fitness program in a Woy Woy, making vital health checks Lioness Club Sutherland Shire six times safe environment that is fun and supportive Diana is the mother of two children with accessible for 1,500 local women. Under since its inception in 1978. Over the past 20 and builds social relationships amongst severe intellectual and physical disability. Jane’s leadership her branch was awarded years alone the club has raised more than $1 participants. Vicki designed the program Diana works with specialists and their first place at the 2018 Australian Event million for charity, with Dianne an integral with a strong emphasis on mentoring, to school teachers to establish programs and Services Awards for the group that member of fundraising efforts. Fundraising help build skills in an informal setting. plans to support the children as they recorded the largest percentage of recipients include disability groups, develop, learn and grow. For the past six increased membership over two years. women’s refuges, Sutherland Hospital Camilla Ward birthing unit, Youth Off The Streets and years, Diana has volunteered as Karonga Sarah Baines Nominated by The Hon. Troy Grant MP, School P&C President, Vice President and Bear Cottage. The club has also donated to DUBBO transport manager. In these roles she Nominated by The Hon. Pru Goward MP, Assistance Dogs Australia since its GOULBURN inception in 1997. Dianne and the club raised Camilla has been a long-time supporter and oversees hundreds of thousands of dollars $17,000 for the Eye Clinic at Randwick contributor to the creative arts in Dubbo, raised for Music, Speech, and Occupational Sarah Baines is a financial counsellor for Children’s Hospital thanks to sales of a working to involve local children and young Therapy, building works and donations of The Salvation Army. She provides a free and cheeky calendar using Lioness ladies as people in theatre, eisteddfod and library books, along with computer confidential financial counselling service to models. community arts productions. Camilla equipment, hoists and physiotherapy and clients from any walk of life facing financial difficulty or crisis. Sarah works with clients established a theatre company for young hydrotherapy programs. Diana works Diane Fetherston people aged 10-18, which provides regional full-time as an early childhood educator and to assess their particular financial situation, is also a longstanding committee member discuss options and work with them to Nominated by Mr Ron Hoenig MP, young people with the opportunity to HEFFRON audition and perform in a professional of disability service provider Riverlink develop a plan to improve their situation. theatre setting. Camilla is also Director of Interchange. Sarah has helped people having difficulty As Principal of Alexandria Park Community paying debts or fines, experiencing School (APCS), Diane has transformed the the Creative Voice Studio, Youth Music Jan Dhu Theatre at the Macquarie Conservatorium harassment from creditors or debt school into a state-of-the-art education hub Nominated by Mr Guy Zangari MP, and volunteers for the DREAM Festival collectors, facing legal action regarding since she was appointed in 2013. Her focus FAIRFIELD Committee, as a debating coach and for debts, or dealing with a car or house on teaching quality using evidence- eisteddfods. She is also involved in Jan has been a tireless advocate throughout repossession or eviction. Her empathy and informed programmes and strategies has fundraising through the Kidzfix Rally, which the Fairfield community for many years. Her compassion, combined with her bought APCS to the forefront of NSW raised $78,000 in 2018. passion and commitment towards helping professionalism have helped many when public education. Under her tenure, average others is second to none. For years Jan has they were at their most vulnerable. HSC scores at APCS across a range of Kellie McFarlane subjects have increased. Thanks to Diane’s joined local Cancer Council organisers in Philomena Bechara Nominated by Mr Glenn Brookes MP, their coordination of campaigns and events collaborative approach, APCS partnered EAST HILLS aimed at advocating for and delivering Nominated by Ms Julia Finn MP, with Green Square School to introduce a GRANVILLE ‘neurological model of education,’ where Kellie has been involved with the P&C at better quality of services, support and care student welfare is included when Revesby South Public School for many for local residents undergoing treatment for Philomena has been actively involved in determining individual student needs. years and her tireless efforts has seen the various stages of cancer. community fundraising for many causes over many years. She founded the ladies Diane’s leadership has turned APCS into a P&C raise funds for multiple projects, to Jan’s inspiration and motivation to fundraise auxiliary at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, hub for the Alexandria community. benefit the school community. She is now is her sister Pat who sadly passed away 40 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 41 Local Women of the Year Honour Roll Bhadra Waiba advocating for an integrated emergency Nominated by Mr Jihad Dib MP, management system and new flood LAKEMBA mitigation options for Lismore. Susan Gardiner set up a GoFundMe page, where she raised Bhadra is a treasured community member Tara Dever who exerts tremendous efforts in adding Nominated by Ms Melanie Gibbons MP, enough to fund a scholarship in Gracie’s Nominated by Ms Jenny Aitchison MP, value and joy to peoples’ lives. She has HOLSWORTHY name for at least four years. The Gracie MAITLAND been dedicated to community work for Wallis International Women’s Day Tara is CEO of Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Susan is a huge asset to the Holsworthy over 10 years at the Nepalese Federation Scholarship for Women with Disability Council. A proud Wiradjuri woman, she is a Community. As chairperson of the Society, where she organises entertainment awards $2,000 to a local woman with strong advocate for Indigenous women and Holsworthy Girl Guides, she has led the and events for the local community and disability each year to help them achieve a her community, always ready to be a voice development of the leadership, teamwork particularly for the elderly population. goal of their choice. for those who are not given the and communication skills of young women Bhadra is also an avid volunteer, organising opportunity to be heard. Tara is an in the local area over the past five years. Bronwyn Wilson bus tours, picnics, cultural programs, sport excellent role model for young Indigenous Susan is also passionate about supporting Nominated by Mr Alister Henskens SC and recreational events and much more. women, sharing openly her story as a local schools, serving consecutively on two MP, KU-RING-GA She is an unsung hero who has made a real P&C committees, Holsworthy High School descendant of the Stolen Generation and A teacher for over 40 years, Bronwyn has difference in so many lives. and Hammondville Public School. Serving how this influences her identity as an been the Principal at West Pymble Public on one P&C committee alone takes Bec Ho Aboriginal woman. Tara’s efforts have been School for the past 15 years. Bronwyn determination and passion - but two is a Nominated by The Hon. Anthony crucial in the success of the Land Council strives to make a difference in the lives of monumental effort and demonstrates a real Roberts MP, LANE COVE and its role as a social, health and learning each and every child that passes through desire to see positive results in the local hub for the local Aboriginal community. the school, going above and beyond to Bec is passionate about communities and area. enhance the learning opportunities for creating places that foster a sense of Andrea Hogan Rachel Chappell students. She leads a true community belonging. As CEO of national charity Nominated by Mr James Griffin MP, Touched by Olivia for the past eight years, Nominated by The Hon. Matt Kean MP, school where parents and staff work as a MANLY Bec has simultaneously advocated for HORNSBY team to provide a caring and progressive Andrea is the founder and director of The inclusive communities whilst getting on environment. Bronwyn is known for her Sisterhood, a network of like-minded Rachel is the mum behind the hugely with the business of building them. Over wealth of ideas to make West Pymble an women on Sydney’s Northern Beaches who successful North Shore Mums, which $40 million dollars of playspaces have been exciting, vibrant environment, with a strong wish to connect and inspire each other, provides online information and inspiration built across Australia under Bec’s guidance. focus on student well-being and social have fun, share knowledge and create to parents on the North Shore. Since In her spare time, Bec volunteers awareness. awareness of less fortunate people in their launching in 2012, the online hub has grown extensively in her local community, raising community, particularly women. Under to 30,000 Facebook members and its Suzanne Pritchard funds to build play and sporting areas. Bec Andrea’s leadership, The Sisterhood website receives over 100,000 visits per Nominated by Mr Greg Piper MP, was a board member of national supports local community organisations month. The North Shore Mums Facebook LAKE MACQUARIE organisation Play Australia, promoting the group is a vibrant and positive place where such as women’s shelters. They also Suzanne is a passionate advocate for value of play. parents can ask questions, seek advice, find provide funding to female entrepreneurs to sustainable development. She has been recommendations and share challenges. Elizabeth Trevan AM start businesses to support themselves and President of Coal Point Progress Rachel is an active member of the Nominated by The Hon. Thomas George their families. As the founder, Andrea has Association for the past 23 years and is community, assisting on Wideview Public MP, LISMORE inspired women in her community to currently also Deputy Chair of Toronto Area School’s P&C. Rachel also competed in embrace community service and connects Sustainable Neighbourhood Group. Elizabeth is an exceptional woman who has Stars of the North raising $18,000 for the them to local organisations to provide Suzanne’s leadership and commitment to been an active member of the Lismore NSW Cancer Council. volunteer and fundraising support. community well-being means she has the community her entire life. Never one to Susan Wallis ability to gather a group of dedicated stand back in the face of injustice, she has Jill Deering been instrumental in creating programs, Nominated by Mr Ryan Park MP, volunteers around her. Her many Nominated by Ms Eleni Petinos MP, changing laws, policies and procedures in KEIRA achievements include securing a $250,000 MIRANDA whatever she has put her hand to. Recently grant to successfully lead a six-year Since 2015, Jill has worked as the CEO of Susan is a passionate advocate for people Elizabeth led a team of local citizens who ’Threatened Species Last Stand’ project. Clever Care Now, a not-for-profit with disability. Her daughter Gracie, who independently conducted research into the Suzanne is highly regarded in the organisation that aims to meet the growing was born with a hypoxic brain injury and devastating floods that hit Lismore in community for her ability to juggle health and social needs of elderly residents cerebral palsy, made an enormous March 2017. Under Elizabeth’s leadership volunteer work as a single-parent with a in the Sutherland Shire. Jill has always had a impression on the lives of people right they compiled and published a very full-time job, whilst caring for her aged desire to give back to her local community across the Illawarra. Following Gracie’s father. comprehensive review and are now passing soon after her 13th birthday, Susan and a long history of serving the Miranda

42 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 43 Local Women of the Year Honour Roll this time she has implemented an array of Betty Somers incredible local initiatives aimed at Nominated by Mr Philip Donato MP, promoting social inclusion, ending ORANGE homelessness and embracing the power of electorate. She has been a Board Member Brenda Norman local communities to achieve great things Betty is a dedicated volunteer, often volunteering up to seven days a week. For and Deputy Chair of BeConnected Nominated by Austin Evans MP, together. Liz has played a significant role in 33 years she has delivered Meals on Wheels Community Services, President of MURRAY the ongoing success of the Newtown Sutherland Food Services, CEO of Festival, which raises substantial funds to to the frail, elderly, isolated and vulnerable Brenda, a PDHPE teacher from Deniliquin Sylvanvale Disability Services and an provide important social services to the members of her community in Parkes. Every High School, swam the English Channel in elected Sutherland Shire Councillor and local community. Liz currently serves on week she assists residents of the Parkes August 2018 to promote the importance of Deputy Mayor. the Board of Shelter NSW where she is the Southern Cross aged care facility to attend mental health in rural areas. Through her secretary, and has volunteered as Board church services and other activities. She Vicki Julia Crawford endeavour, she established Channel 4 Director and Chairperson of Social also played a major role in advocating for Nominated by Mr Edmond Atalla MP, Change, a charity to support mental health Enterprises Sydney. adequate palliative care services in Parkes. MOUNT DRUITT initiatives and services. Brenda hopes Betty has also volunteered at St George’s Channel 4 Change will continue to raise Vicki is the founder and CEO of Next Steps Vicki Condon Anglican Church in a variety of roles for funds to support the delivery of much Communities, a not-for-profit community Nominated by Ms Felicity Wilson MP, more than 25 years and is considered to be needed services, to decrease stigma and group. Next Steps began by establishing an NORTH SHORE a vital part of her church community. increase resources within the community. Open Pantry program, which helps Support programs and events aim to Vicki is the CEO and founder of Raise May Gill participants to gain vocational skills and encourage early help seeking behaviours, Foundation, where she has developed Nominated by The Hon. Melinda Pavey work experience in retail and marketing. build resilience in young people and mentoring programs that support MP, OXLEY The Open Pantry also assists local residents families, and increase the responsiveness in thousands of young Australians. She in financial hardship that are experiencing May has been involved in the Kempsey SES the community through the provision of believes it takes a village to raise a child food insecurity. Vicki has since for over 30 years. In that time she has evidence-based education at no cost to the and having just one trusted confidante can implemented many more programs to played an integral role in coordinating participants. make all the difference. Over the last 10 assist people to gain employment, as well years Raise has grown into a portfolio of 85 emergency and rescue services for the as providing a meeting place for Linda Hughes mentoring programs, providing more than community. May has been generous in giving of her time to the SES, coordinating participants to volunteer, socialise and Nominated by Mr Tim Crakanthorp MP, 142,000 hours of mentoring to almost local rescues including the many flood improve their outlook. Vicki has devoted NEWCASTLE 4,500 young people across Australia. herself to sustained voluntary service and Vicki’s next big endeavour is ‘The Big Blue events on the Macleay River. May is trusted Linda is a passionate advocate for people has demonstrated creativity in writing up Sky Project’, which aims to provide a and very much loved in the community – with disability in the Hunter region. She and delivering these successful programs. mentor to every Year 8 student in Australia. you would be hard pressed to find someone co-founded Mind the Gap Disability that didn’t know or hadn’t heard of May Gill. Erin Johnson Matters, which assists people with disability Silvia Hardy She is a true local stalwart of the Kempsey Nominated by The Hon. Tanya Davies to self-direct their support services and live Nominated by Mr Mark Coure MP, community. MP, MULGOA their life as they choose. Linda is a life OATLEY member of The Institute for Family Bernardine Guy Erin is a mother of four, whose daughter Advocacy and Leadership Development, an Silvia is the Director of Narwee Preschool Nominated by The Hon. Rob Stokes MP, Ava Grace was born sleeping at just 15 organisation that advocates for the rights Kindergarten, where she has worked for the PITTWATER weeks old. After Ava passed away, Erin and interests of people with developmental past 24 years. During that time Silvia has started ‘Ava Grace No Footprint Too Small,’ Bernardine is the President and Business disability. She also served as a member on built Narwee Preschool’s reputation as an a group of volunteers who make baby Development Manager of the Northern Newcastle City Council’s Access Advisory outstanding childcare centre in the local clothes, nappies, blankets, hats and Beaches area Zonta Club. Zonta is an Committee and was integral in establishing community. She strives to make the keepsakes, which are then sent to hospitals international organisation of professionals Community Disability Alliance Hunter, a preschool inclusive to all kids including around Australia. Providing items that fit that seeks to empower women through local peer led organisation. Linda remains those from low-income families and babies born at 12-24 weeks can be a great service and advocacy. Under Bernardine’s involved with the Allliance as a volunteer children from multicultural backgrounds. comfort to parents, as the babies are often leadership, the club raises funds to support peer mentor. She installed an access ramp and a only 16cm in length. Erin also started up a children’s showering facility to ensure survivors of domestic violence and awards blog to break the silence around Liz Yeo children with disability could access the study grants to enable local women to access further education and improve not miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss. She Nominated by Ms Jenny Leong MP, facility. Silvia works closely with the only their own lives, but those of their has turned a tragic situation into something NEWTOWN principal of Narwee Public School and beautiful. other local agencies to support children children. Bernardine also oversees the Liz has been CEO at the Newtown with additional needs and facilitate their assembly of up to 3,000 Zonta Birthing Kits Neighbourhood Centre since 2015. During smooth transition to school. each year, which are distributed to women

44 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 45 Local Women of the Year Honour Roll Vanessa Wegener federal governments to have accessible Nominated by Mr Mark Taylor MP, toilets included in the Building Codes of SEVEN HILLS Australia to ensure appropriate facilities are available for people with disability. in developing countries under an education for people who have experienced tragedies Vanessa is a dedicated volunteer for the program with hospital support. in their lives. In just the last two years Toongabbie Public School Band. She is Eileen Yip Harinder has raised over $180,000 for intricately involved in the coordination and Nominated by Ms Jodi McKay MP, Jeanette Peasley various charitable causes, including $91,000 fundraising for the band and is passionate STRATHFIELD Nominated by Mrs Leslie Williams MP, about the benefits that learning to play for a Safe Home shelter for women affected Eileen is an icon of the Sydney Markets, PORT MACQUARIE instruments brings to the development and by domestic violence. She also manages a having spent her whole life there working at growth of children. Vanessa has been Jeanette has dedicated her life to the care 24/7 community support phone line that her family’s eighty year old fresh produce instrumental in obtaining funds to allow the and education of children. A school teacher has received around 1,600 calls in the last stall. As a well-known face at the market, band to flourish through the purchase of for over 20 years, she is known for her three years. She is also a founding member Eileen loves a good joke and is very popular additional instruments. The band is well ability to teach any student to read. Since of the Greater Western Sydney Multicultural with customers. Behind the scenes, she is a renowned in the local area and Vanessa is a her retirement, Jeanette has volunteered Women’s network. great supporter of local businesses. She shining role model for young people in the four mornings per week at Port Macquarie meets with the markets’ management in Suzanne Medway AM community. Base Hospital, providing support to sick her own time to help with promotions. Nominated by Mr Stephen Kamper MP, children when their families can’t be there. Helen Jessup Eileen’s energy and passion have been an She spends her days teaching and ROCKDALE Nominated by Ms Anna Watson MP, asset in refreshing the 150 year-old entertaining the children to take their minds Suzanne is a local community leader who SHELLHARBOUR market’s image and bringing in new off their illness, providing great comfort to has volunteered countless hours of her time generations of customers. families during stressful times. Jeanette is over many years. Suzanne has been a Helen is a breast cancer survivor and now also part of a church group that makes member of the Australian Wildlife Society suffers from lymphoedema as a result of Lina Cabaero hundreds of Christmas boxes for children in since 1988, was elected Secretary/ her treatment. Since her diagnosis, Helen Nominated by Ms Jo Haylen MP, need. Executive Director in 2002 and was has dedicated her life to helping and SUMMER HILL supporting people with cancer and calling awarded life membership in 2009. For the For over 15 years Lina has been the driving Coral Kearins for additional lymphoedema services in the past 10 years she has served as its National force of Asian Women at Work, a Nominated by Ms Kate Washington MP, Illawarra. She helped produce the Illawarra President. Suzanne has overseen a number community organisation that empowers PORT STEPHENS Breast Cancer Resource Directory, which of major achievements during her tenure, migrant women to stand up, speak out and provides people with breast cancer in the Coral is a tireless volunteer with a deep including the implementation and take action on exploitation. An immigrant Illawarra with information about medical sense of community spirit. As an organiser completion of the Towra Beach Restoration herself, Lina has a unique perspective on services and support groups, as well as in her community, she consistently Project in Botany Bay. Suzanne also the discrimination migrant women face. financial, accommodation and transport advocates to protect and maintain introduced an Australian Wildlife Society Lina works with vulnerable women to assistance. Over the past six years, she has community facilities. Under her leadership, scholarship program, which to date has support and empower them to have control coordinated the Pink Sports Hockey Day the local tennis facilities were not only awarded more than 100 scholarships to over their own lives and be able to Fundraiser, the proceeds of which are saved from closure but restored and university students. advocate for their rights. Lina also boosted by a school tennis program Coral donated to local cancer charities. Kim Lloyd-Jones advocates for the specific needs of this organises for local students. Coral is also Annette Pham community, to ensure they are treated with involved in campaigning for an all-abilities Nominated by the The Hon. Victor Nominated by The Hon. Shelley Hancock dignity and respect and able to work in a playground in Port Stephens to support Dominello MP, RYDE MP, SOUTH COAST safe environment, free from harassment. children with disability and their families. Kim has been a teacher for 26 years and the Coral’s ongoing work to promote shared principal of West Ryde Public School for the Annette has advocated for many years for Merrilyn Rowley community facilities and boost past nine years. A creative and innovative the provision of appropriate ‘Changing Nominated by Ms Yasmin Catley MP, opportunities for physical activity for young leader with a clear vision for the school, Kim Places’ toilet facilities to meet the needs of SWANSEA people with disability. She seeks to provide people is commendable. is an advocate of allowing students to have Merrilyn, the former Principal of Northlakes appropriate amenities for her son Liam, a voice in their own learning so that they High School, has recently retired after more Harinder Kaur who has cerebral palsy and other young become educational decision makers. She is than 40 years working in the public school Nominated by Mr Kevin Conolly MP, adults with profound disability. The first a passionate advocate of public education system. Having spent half of her working RIVERSTONE accredited Changing Places toilet in NSW with the ability to inspire those around her. life serving the Northlakes community, opened in 2015 and since then they have Harinder and her husband co-founded the Kim engages not only with staff and Merrilyn has played a crucial role in shaping been installed at hospitals, playgrounds Harman Foundation in 2013 following the students but the broader school community. the developing minds of young people, and other community facilities across the tragic death of their son, Harman. The Over her career, Kim has become an equipping them with the skills and state. Annette has lobbied local, state and Foundation provides support and guidance inspirational mentor, particularly for women. knowledge to ensure they have the

46 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 47 Local Women of the Year Honour Roll CYCA Associates Committee for five years Nesrin Salem and its President from 2009-2012. She is Nominated by Mr Paul Scully MP, also a member of the Special Events WOLLONGONG Committee, Audit Planning & Risk capabilities to go on and live fulfilling and Colleen Susan Berry JP Committee and Chair of the Member Nesrin is a co-founder of the Sister Cancer Support Group (SCSG). The culturally meaningful lives. She is a motivational Nominated by Mr Geoff Provest MP, Engagement Committee. Janey has sensitive group provides a safe leader who has transformed Northlakes TWEED consistently played a strong role in High School into a community which is encouraging youth sailing and female environment for people experiencing Colleen has served as a JP since 1990 and inclusive and supportive. Over the course sailing within the community. cancer and their carers within the Muslim of her career Merrilyn has demonstrated an was instrumental in the formation of the community to share their journey and admirable commitment to public education. Tweed Valley Justices Association in 1997. Samantha Poolman experiences. Nesrin also established Project She has served in all executive roles within Nominated by Ms Sonia Hornery MP, SAHA, which conducts focus group Harriet Price this organisation and is currently the Public WALLSEND discussions to improve services provided to Nominated by Mr Alex Greenwich MP, Officer, ensuring the Tweed has access to Muslims affected by cancer and to create a Sam is the current captain of the Australian SYDNEY well-informed Justices and that Justices more holistic approach to health and Fast 5 Netball Team and has been playing have the ongoing support and information cancer treatment in a culturally sensitive As a councillor of Woollahra Municipal netball at the state level since the age of 15. required to provide JP services in the way. Nesrin is involved in running almost Council, Harriet has made an ongoing An inspirational leader, who is passionate community. She also organised the 49th every aspect of SCSG, as well as working contribution to Paddington and beyond about being a positive role model and Annual Conference of Australasian Justices full-time, being a mother to three kids and and is committed to achieving great giving back to the community which has which was held in Tweed Heads in 2018. volunteering in local schools. outcomes for her community. For many supported her throughout her career, Sam years she has been a leader of the Colleen Wills OAM is much more than just an elite athlete. Sam Evelyn Gardner Glenmore Road Primary School community. Nominated by Mr Michael Johnsen MP, took on ambassadorial roles with Nominated by Mr David Harris MP, She has been a passionate advocate for UPPER HUNTER NetSetGO, Variety and Alzheimer’s NSW, WYONG local campaigns like saving the historic before founding her ASPIRE Netball Colleen has been the Branch secretary of Four in Hand Hotel from being converted program. Its focus is on helping the next Evelyn is very dedicated to helping those the Quirindi Country Women’s Association into a residential dwelling. She has also generation of athletes develop their skills less fortunate. An orphan herself from a for 25 years. For the past few months she been working tirelessly to return the and find pathways to a future in netball. young age, she will go to great lengths to Paddington Bowling Club site to public use. has spearheaded local drought relief assist people in need from finding them Harriet’s success on Woollahra Council has activities, working around the clock to Stephanie Croft accommodation, to accompanying them to made her a role model for women seeking co-ordinate the distribution of drought Nominated by The Hon. Gladys court or solicitors. Now 80 years old, elected office. relief donations. Everything from stock feed Berejiklian MP, WILLOUGHBY Evelyn has been setting up and running to food hampers, cash, vouchers and even soup kitchens on the Central Coast for the Stephanie has been an active volunteer in Nada Potter lipstick are being delivered to farming last ten years. She been married for 57 the Willoughby community for more than Nominated by Mr Adam Crouch MP, families. Colleen provides weekly updates years and has three children, seven 20 years. She has held key roles on TERRIGAL on drought relief activities to local council grandchildren, four great grandchildren numerous community organisations, with and other stakeholders to ensure that the and is known as Mum to hundreds of kids Nada is the Director of the Chertseydale her extraordinary diligence and dedication lines of communication are always kept and adults. Evelyn is humble about her Community Cottage, which provides a resulting in significant increased Capital open, particularly during this severe tireless dedication but goes out of her way variety of programs and essential services Works funding and improved Before and drought. In between drought relief and to create a start for people who have been for families of school aged and pre-school After School Care policies for local schools. community support activities, she regularly forgotten, whilst also caring for her sick aged children. As a psychologist, Since 2016 Stephanie has been President of volunteers at the local nursing home. husband. specialising in children and families, Nada the Federation of Willoughby Progress ensures programs and activities are Janey Alison Treleaven Association, where she has organised delivered in a safe and child centred venue. Nominated by The Hon. Gabrielle Upton forums for residents, developed policies Nada is also the President of the Annual MP, VAUCLUSE and written submissions to contribute to Central Coast Kids Day Out, which the development of Willoughby Council’s Janey currently serves as rear-commodore promotes the long-term well-being of 20-year plan. Stephanie also volunteers as for the Cruising Yacht Club Australia, children on the Central Coast. The event Director of Athletics NSW as an advocate Darling Point, where she has been a focuses on the importance of early for women, families and children. childhood education, parenting and member since 1994. She excelled in the services that can enrich the children’s lives. Youth Sailing Academy and has since gone on to compete in many distinguished sailing races including the Sydney to Hobart race. Janey was a member of the

48 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 49 With thanks to our sponsors

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50 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 51 A special thank you to all nominees and finalists, and to those who nominated and voted for these outstanding women.

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52 2019 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS