Nominations are now open for the 2022 Blacktown City Woman of the Year award.
The annual award recognises the outstanding achievement of women within the local community through voluntary or paid work and is presented on International Women's Day, 8 March.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale is encouraging people to nominate an inspiring woman in their community.
"Blacktown City has scores of incredible women who make wonderful contributions to their community every single day," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"This Award celebrates the passionate, dedicated and inspiring women who live or work in our City, often without recognition.
"Blacktown City Council is proud to celebrate these wonderful women on International Women's Day and highlight the many achievements of women in Blacktown City."
The Award is open to women aged 16 years and over who currently live or work in the Blacktown Local Government Area.
Nominations are encouraged for women who: have made an outstanding contribution to their local community, inspired others to contribute to their local community, risen above adversity to reach their goals, consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership, mentored and inspired other women and demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.
Chair of the Blacktown Women's Advisory Committee, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said this year's Award was a chance to recognise the tireless efforts made by women during an extremely challenging year.
"There is no doubt that 2021 was a difficult year for us all, but thanks to the work of so many women, whether that be in frontline work or in volunteer roles, our community came together to tackle every challenge thrown our way," Cr Griffiths said.
"This Award celebrates this dedication and I urge everyone to nominate a woman they know for their efforts during this challenging time."
Tireless volunteer Rissa McInnes and domestic violence advocate Harinder Kaur were joint winners of the Award in 2021.
Rissa was recognised for her outstanding community fundraising work, which has raised more than $250,000 for local and international groups since 2013.
For many years, Rissa has dedicated her time to the Ponds Lions Club, Blacktown City Lions Club, Philippine Community Council and Aguman Capampangan Australia.
Harinder, who works at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, is a passionate crusader for women, especially those who have experienced domestic violence.
Along with her husband, she founded the Harman Foundation and has been instrumental in creating a new refuge, telephone support line and material aid services for women in need.
International Women's Day is a global event that commemorates women's achievements and promotes women's equality worldwide.
This year's theme is 'Break the Bias' and calls on communities, workplaces, schools and universities to fight for a gender equal world.
Nominations close at noon on Friday, 18 February, 2022.
To nominate, visit Council's website: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Blacktown-City-Woman-of-the-Year-2022
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with 2021 Blacktown City Woman of the Year joint winners Rissa McInnes (left) and Harinder Kaur (right).
