Congratulations to the nominees for the Local Woman of the Year Award

Jo Allen Nominated by The Hon. MP (South Coast) The Nowra Unit Logistics Coordinator for the State Emergency Service, Jo is recognised for ensuring the smooth operations of the unit and the unwavering support she provides to colleagues.

The Local Woman of the Jennifer Anderson Nominated by Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP (Davidson) Year Award recognises Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council, Jennifer is recognised for her long-standing involvement in women who have made local government and her passionate service to her community. outstanding contributions Valda Barton and achieved great things Nominated by Mr MP (Lake Macquarie) in their local area. Valda is recognised for her extraordinary care for others and community advocacy. During her 20-year involvement with Our Community Place, she established classes and instigated a food distribution program.

Hayley Bellamy Nominated by The Hon. MP (Penrith) An inspiring advocate for people with disability and ambassador for the 2012 Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, Hayley is recognised for breaking down barriers for people with disability.

Carol Lynette Beresford Nominated by Mr Chris Hartcher MP (Terrigal) Carol is recognised for her exceptional contribution to the community, as a school teacher, Rotary Club member, Parents and Citizens Association President and volunteer with Bellbird. Congratulations to the nominees for the Christine Bird Finn Callanan Nominated by Mr Barry Collier MP (Miranda) Nominated by The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt MP Local Woman of the Year Award Recognised for her 25 years of work with the (Marrickville) Crossroads Community Centre in Miranda, Finn is recognised for her role at Stepping Christine is dedicated to helping women and Stone House, where she provides a safe, stable children who are victims of domestic violence. and nurturing environment for young She also assists people suffering the effects of homeless people. social isolation, personal trauma and mental health issues. Elizabeth Campbell Nominated by The Hon. Andrew Stoner MP (Oxley) Rhonda Brain Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council, Elizabeth Nominated by Mr Troy Grant MP (Dubbo) is recognised for her dedication to the Recognised for her lifetime contribution community through volunteering and her to education and her community. Rhonda support of numerous sports, business and developed an early-literacy scheme, ‘Paint the community organisations. town REaD’, and led the Birth to Kindergarten Reading Project. Lois Casserly Nominated by Mr Ray Williams MP (Hawkesbury) Betty Breese Founder of The Sunshine Club, which organises Nominated by The Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP social events and provides support for seniors, (Murrumbidgee) Lois is recognised for her dedication to Betty is recognised for her unwavering supporting older people in her community. commitment to her local community through her involvement in local events and community Trish Cerminara groups such as the Rotary Club, Show Society, Nominated by Mr Greg Aplin MP (Albury) Sports Club. A proud Gamilaori woman, Trish is an inspirational community leader recognised Helen Brennan for her work in creating sporting and cultural Nominated by Mr MP (Riverstone) programs for young Aboriginal people. Helen is recognised for her commitment to older people. A passionate volunteer at the Lorraine Rose Chambers Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre, she assists Nominated by Mrs Leslie Williams MP with outings, craft activities, food preparation (Port Macquarie) and housekeeping. Lorraine is recognised for her compassion and community spirit including her volunteer work Narelle Burke with The Garage Sale Shop, which raises money Nominated by Mr Kevin Anderson MP (Tamworth) for people in need. Narelle is recognised for the exemplary leadership she shows in her extensive Susan Coghlan community work and the sustainable farming Nominated by The Hon. MP business she runs with her husband Bede. (Willoughby) Susan is recognised for her commitment to Muriel Burns improving the lives of people with disability or Nominated by Mr Chris Gulaptis MP (Clarence) mobility challenges. Her business, Carers That Renowned for her unwavering leadership in the Drive, enriches lives by enabling people to Yaegl community, ‘Aunty Mu’ is a mentor to remain active. Aboriginal youth. She is recognised for leading a signage project that gave meaning to Yaygirr/ Yaegl place names in the Lower Clarence.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards Lisa Cottee Dorothy Dixon Nominated by The Hon. Thomas George MP Nominated by Mr MP (Oatley) (Lismore) The first female president of the Hurstville Rotary Lisa is recognised for her inspirational Club, Dorothy has played a major role humanitarian services. Each year, she takes in many community initiatives and events and leave from her private medical practice to is recognised for the active role she takes in volunteer in remote areas of Asia and perform the community. eye surgery. Lynda Dries Iris Crane Nominated by Mr Bart Bassett MP (Londonderry) Nominated by Mr Chris Patterson MP (Camden) Lynda is recognised for her extraordinary Iris is recognised for her remarkable contribution compassion and volunteer work with The Living to the Narellan Jets Rugby League Football Room, a food bank for residents of Richmond Club. Founding the club in 1977 with her in need. husband Merv, Iris has worked tirelessly for the Club and her community. Ulrike Eichmeyer Nominated by The Hon. MP (Lane Karen Crawley Cove) Nominated by Mr MP (Cronulla) Ulrike is recognised for her outstanding Dedicated to raising awareness and community service through her work with local understanding of mitochondrial disease, newspaper, The Weekly Times, her support of Karen is recognised for creating the Australian local events and active involvement with Scouts Mitochondrial Disease Foundation helpline. and Girl Guides.

Helen Cummings Charlotte Feldman Nominated by Mr Tim Owen AM MP (Newcastle) Nominated by The Hon. MP Helen is recognised for her advocacy work to (Vaucluse) reduce violence against women. A volunteer Charlotte is recognised for her volunteer work at VOCAL in Hamilton, her book Blood Vows, with breast cancer charities and as an organiser traces her journey towards freedom from abuse. of community events for the Darling Point Society resident group. Patricia (Jane) Cush Nominated by The Hon. Pru Goward MP Judith Galloway (Goulburn) Nominated by Mr Daryl Maguire MP Patricia is recognised for her outstanding (Wagga Wagga) community contribution. In her role as Director Recognised for community leadership and her of Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, she has work with Sureway Employment and Training increased the accessibility of art to the public, and the Committee 4 Wagga Wagga Judith’s particularly children. helped job-seekers reach their full potential.

Michelle Davis Sandra Griffin Nominated by The. Hon Robyn Parker MP Nominated by Ms MP (Wallsend) (Maitland) Recognised for her community leadership, An active road safety campaigner, Michelle ‘Aunty Sandra’ is an Awabakal Elder, Australia’s is recognised for her outstanding efforts in first Aboriginal audiometrist and now Elder in awareness raising, her work with teenagers and Residence at the University of Newcastle. support of families who have lost a child through a road accident.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards Polly Grundy Margaret-Anne Hayes Nominated by Mr Bryan Doyle MP (Campbelltown) Nominated by The Hon. Barry O’Farrell MP Polly is recognised for her leadership role in (Ku-ring-gai) youth sports and her work with the Parents Margaret-Anne is recognised as an inspiring and Citizens Association at local schools. She community fundraiser who has raised more than also established the Mark Grundy Oesophageal $150,000 to support the fitness program Cancer Awareness Group. Can Too.

Alia Halabi Sandra Hiscock Nominated by Mr Tony Issa OAM MP (Granville) Nominated by The Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson MP Alia is recognised for her 20 years of work with (Burrinjuck) the Zgharta community including organising Principal of Yass High School, Sandra is community events and supporting families who recognised for her dedication to student have experienced loss. welfare, and her fundraising activities to secure improvements to school facilities. Elaine Hall Nominated by Mr Craig Baumann MP Jeanette Holland (Port Stephens) Nominated by Mr MP Elaine is recognised for her dedicated service (Myall Lakes) to the Raymond Terrace and District Historical A committed volunteer, Jeanette is recognised Society where she has been a Research Officer for outstanding contribution to the community for more than 30 years. She also volunteers at which earned her a Medal of Order of Australia Raymond Terrace Library. in 2011.

Clarice Hamling Christine Hopton Nominated by Mr MP (Cessnock) Nominated by Dr MP (Pittwater) Clarice is recognised for her outstanding President of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving community service, including nearly 20 years Club, Christine is a role model recognised for with local Parents and Citizens Associations. her extraordinary contribution to the Surf Life She is also an active member of the Minmi Saving movement. Progress Association. Blanche Hughes Dianna Hammond Nominated by Mr Darren Webber MP (Wyong) Nominated by The. Hon Greg Smith SC MP Blanche is recognised for dedicating more than (Epping) 40 years to community service in the Toukley Dianna is recognised for her generous area, including volunteer work with the Toukley community service. A singer and musician, she Senior Citizen Club, Toukley Scout Group and volunteers her time to entertain audiences of all Tuggerah Lakes Justices Association. ages, particularly older people. Fadwa Kebbe Tanyia Harris Nominated by The Hon. Linda Burney MP Nominated by Mr Jai Rowell MP (Wollondilly) (Canterbury) Tanyia is recognised as a pillar of the Wollondilly Fadwa is recognised for her outstanding community. Through her volunteer work community leadership through her involvement and philanthropy, she has generously in local government, her work on numerous supported many individuals, community committees and as a volunteer translator. groups and charities.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards Colleen Kime Sharon McCarthy Nominated by Mrs Roza Sage MP Nominated by Mr Garry Edwards MP (Swansea) (Blue Mountains) Sharon is an inspirational volunteer recognised Colleen is recognised for her contribution to the for her tireless dedication to restoring eight community through the advancement of netball hectares of bushland in the ecologically- in the Blue Mountains (one of her great passions) endangered Galgabba Point area in Swansea. and her tireless volunteer work. Jess Miller Shubha Kumar Nominated by Mr MP (Sydney) Nominated by Mr MP An entrepreneur, activist and educator, Jess (Castle Hill) is recognised for developing innovative and Shubha is recognised as a dedicated leader inclusive positive-change community projects who works to unite her community. Through including Grow It Local, Greenups and The the Indian Club and Australian Hindi Indian Garage Sale Trail. Association, she creates events which bring the community together to celebrate diversity. Lou-Anne Mitchell Nominated by The Hon. MP (Manly) Jane Lea Lou-Anne is recognised for her 24-year Nominated by Mr Bruce Notley-Smith MP (Coogee) contribution to the Salvation Army. Her Jane is recognised for her unwavering community work and compassion has helped commitment to Clovelly Primary School the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. where she is President of the Parents and Friends Association. Elizabeth (Win) Newton Nominated by Mr Matthew Kean MP (Hornsby) Pamela Lord Elizabeth is recognised for her exceptional Nominated by Mr John Williams MP dedication to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (Murray-Darling) where she has provided a pro-bono hairdressing Pamela is recognised for her exemplary service since 1976 and volunteered for Meals on commitment to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Wheels for 20 years. For 48 years, she has volunteered at the Broken Hill Base Hospital, visiting each week to provide Anne-Louise O’Connor patients with essentials and support. Nominated by Mr MP (Kiama) Anne-Louise, editor of the Shoalhaven Mona Luxton Heads News, is recognised for her invaluable Nominated by Mr John Flowers MP (Rockdale) contribution to charity and community groups Founder of the Bay City Women’s Support including the Rural Fire Service, Community Centre, Mona is recognised for her remarkable Forum and Chamber of Commerce. efforts to help women and children experiencing domestic violence and other abuse. Suzanne O’Connor Nominated by Mrs MP (Mulgoa) Sarah MacFarlane-Eagle Suzanne is recognised for her exceptional Nominated by Mr MP work as a teacher at Glenmore Park Public (Northern Tablelands) School. Dedicated to her students, she teaches Sarah is recognised for her commitment to photography in her own time and makes it raising awareness of the impacts of mental possible for classes to enjoy visits around the illness through Walking Feat, a project she local area to take photographs. founded following the loss of her brother.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards Christine Prouty Helen Rose Nominated by Mr Charles Casuscelli MP Nominated by Mr David Elliott MP (Strathfield) (Baulkham Hills) Christine is recognised for her leadership at President of the Crestwood Lions Club and Homebush West Public School and outstanding Secretary of the Lions Nurses Scholarship volunteer work with refugees, families in need Foundation, Helen is recognised for her and victims of domestic violence. outstanding service to community organisations.

Vicki Quinlan Kim Rosen Nominated by The Hon. MP Nominated by The Hon. Donald Page MP (Ballina) (Wakehurst) Kim is recognised for her exemplary leadership Vicki is recognised for her dedication to and involvement in many community improving the lives of women and children who organisations, including the Brunswick Heads have experienced domestic violence. Her work Chamber of Commerce and Brunswick provides affordable and sustainable housing, Village Committee. where families can live free from abuse. Yvette Rutherford Pamela Richardson Nominated by Mr MP (Maroubra) Nominated by Dr Andrew Cornwell MP Yvette is recognised for her outstanding (Charlestown) dedication to South Maroubra Surf Life Pamela is recognised for the inspiring Saving Club. For more than 30 years, she has contribution she has made as Principal of contributed to her community as surf lifesaver, Kahibah Public School. Her nurturing approach organiser and Club leader. and deep commitment to education has benefitted generations. Val Ryder Nominated by Mr Glenn Brookes MP (East Hills) Pamela Richardson Val is recognised for her 40 years of voluntary Nominated by Mr MP (Heffron) service to the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. A leader in the community renowned for her Her support and care for patients, including personable approach to volunteering, Pamela those in intensive care, and her bookwork is recognised for her commitment and work program are legendary. supporting older people. Jan Savage Pam Rimmer Nominated by Mr Andrew Gee MP (Orange) Nominated by Mr MP (Keira) Jan is recognised for her dedication to improving The President of Make-a-Wish Australia health care for rural and regional communities. Wollongong, Pam is recognised for her Her work at Cancer Care Western NSW includes outstanding community work and support fundraising, lobbying, and providing support of families with children facing life- and information. threatening illnesses. Lydia Scuglia Tracey Roberts Nominated by The Hon. MP Nominated by Mr MP (Drummoyne) (Ryde) Tracey is recognised for her extraordinary Lydia is recognised for her leadership in fundraising for Sydney’s Royal North Shore business and commitment to her community Hospital, raising $120,000 for new wheelchairs through volunteer work with local business for people with paralysis. groups, Macquarie Community College and Rotary.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards Coralann Shead Shirley Templeton Nominated by Ms MP (Menai) Nominated by Mr Chris Holstein MP (Gosford) Coralann is recognised for her commitment to Shirley is recognised for the extensive volunteer the community through her involvement with the work she undertakes within her community Sandy Point Progress Association and Sandy including supporting the Country Women’s Point Community Hall Management Committee. Association, Meals on Wheels, Girl Guides and Lifeline. Betty Siegman Nominated by Mr Chris Spence MP Vicki Tiegs (The Entrance) Nominated by Ms Noreen Hay MP (Wollongong) Betty is recognised for her outstanding Vicki is recognised as a role model for young contribution to the Bateau Bay Croquet Club. women. A member of several charities, her work She is a driving force in raising funds for club for the Farmhand Appeal helped raise more than upgrades and helps organise social outings, $20million for drought relief. gatherings and tournaments. Joan Treweeke Helen Slater Nominated by The Hon. Kevin Humphries MP Nominated by The Hon. MP (Barwon) (Bega) Joan a volunteer with the Royal Flying Doctor Helen is recognised for her active community Service and the Yawarra Meamei Women’s involvement with local primary schools, sports Group, is recognised for her exceptional groups, church and her generous work with the contribution to rural NSW. Bega and District Nursing Home Auxiliary. Sonia Trichter Lisa Smajlov Nominated by Mr MP (Tweed) Nominated by Mr Jamie Parker MP (Balmain) Sonia is recognised for her commitment to Lisa is recognised for her unwavering animal welfare. Under her leadership, Friends commitment to her community, both in her of the Pound continues to build its profile and work at Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, and in attract more members and volunteers. volunteering with the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life. Faye Urquhart Nominated by Mr Andrew Fraser MP Anthea Maree ‘Chick’ Taylor (Coffs Harbour) Nominated by The Hon. George Souris MP The recognised voice for residents of local (Upper Hunter) residential parks, for years Faye has actively An advocate for people with a disability, ‘Chick’ campaigned on behalf of older people and is is recognised for her work at Integrated Living recognised for her community leadership. Australia and Overton House. Judy White Trudy Taylor Nominated by Mr MP (Bathurst) Nominated by Mr MP (Monaro) Judy is recognised for her selfless dedication A dedicated local Councillor, Trudy is recognised to community service. As a general practitioner, for her support of community organisations she supports people achieve a better quality of including Rotary Club, Queanbeyan Park Tennis life and helps those in need. Club and the Queanbeyan Show Society. Lynn Yeh Nominated by Dr Geoffrey Lee MP (Parramatta) A successful business woman, respected leader and role model, Lynn is a recognised for her commitment to community and philanthropy.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards