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- 8 March 2006
Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year Award
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Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [5.50 p.m.]: I draw the attention of honourable members to the Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year award, which I had the pleasure of announcing on 8 February 2006. It is rather ironic that I am speaking about it in the House today, the very day when representatives from all around the State are being recognised at Government House.
Mr Bryce Gaudry: We weren't invited.
Mr THOMAS GEORGE: No, I was not invited, but on Monday the Minister's office let my office know that someone had cancelled and I had a position if I wanted it. However, I am on duty and I cannot go. But that does not stop me from recognising the 18 wonderful women who were nominated by various organisations in my electorate. Bronwyn Watson, who is the Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year, has worked tirelessly for the Lismore Deaf Community for more than two decades. In her capacity as a teacher consultant for deaf and hearing impaired at the North Coast Institute of TAFE she has assisted countless deaf people to access education, training and employment opportunities. Rebekka Battista was nominated for her leadership in the business and local community. She co-ordinates the charity Our Kids, which works to improve health services for children in the Northern Rivers.
Lynette Bolin is a nurse at the Urbenville multipurpose service. She worked tirelessly on her family farm and took on the role of joint secretary to the Richmond River Beef Producers Association. Chaplain Janet Gates has made a valuable contribution to the success of the counselling and training centre at Lifeline in the Northern Rivers. Lisa Gava has worked for the Department of Community Services for many years. She is committed to her work and spends extra hours assisting her clients. Julie Gerrish has worked actively in our community in both paid and unpaid positions for more than 30 years. Currently she works with youth at risk.
Mandie Hale is dedicated to working with victims of domestic violence and assisting in child protection in the Nimbin community. Christine Hartley is Captain of the Tuncester Brigade of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. She also is a member of the Bentley Brigade. She is an outstanding leader with the Tuncester Brigade and is concerned at all times with her crew's safety. Helen Hargreaves has been involved with Girl Guides in the area for more than 20 years. She has been regional commissioner and international adviser for Australian Girl Guides and has undertaken overseas trips in that capacity.
Judith Light works with people of all cultures and backgrounds to promote the equality of men and women. On moving to the North Coast she established a community centre known as the Life Resources Exchange. Jenny London, the parent of a child with disabilities, has faced many challenges. She is the manager of RED Inc, which she has expanded from nine participants to 45. Diana Roberts is a founding member of the Nimbin Community Development Association, and has worked tirelessly for that community.
Lorelle Schrofler has been a volunteer home visitor for more than five years and supported many families during that time. Dot Smith has been the chief executive officer of Maranoa for more than 30 years, in which time it has grown from a small home to a large nursing home. At a time when most people are contemplating retirement, Shirley Smith was asked to form a medical transport team to service people in the community unable to access government transport. Liz Terracini is President of the Zonta Club of the Northern Rivers, which provide services to women. She works also to raise awareness of cancer and is mentor and patron to a number of cancer support groups. Colette Tierney is responsible for the establishment and ongoing co-ordination of the Channon Youth Group. Gloria Wilton has been an active and loyal member of the Wiangaree Red Cross for more than 30 years. Her dedication was recognised last year when she received the Kyogle Citizen of the Year award.
That is but a brief description of the women who were nominated. I am very proud that women of this calibre were recognised for their contribution to the community and the electorate of Lismore. Their contribution, and the contribution of all women, has made the community one that I am proud to represent. They have assisted people from all walks of life. They have assisted Meals on Wheels, provided transport and guidance, and many other forms of community assistance. Their contribution to their community is outstanding. As I said at the award ceremony, sadly there can be only one winner, but to my mind every one of the 18 is a winner.
Mr BRYCE GAUDRY (Newcastle—Parliamentary Secretary) [5.55 p.m.]: As the honourable member for Lismore said, it is appropriate today to recognise women and the contributions they make in every community across the State to business, households, relationships and every aspect of life. This recognition is a reminder of their everyday contribution to our community, whether it be Lismore or Newcastle. It is a good day to celebrate. We should celebrate it every day.
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