Do you know an inspiring, dedicated and strong woman in Blacktown City? Now is your chance to nominate them for the 2023 Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
The prestigious award is open to any woman who lives, works or volunteers in Blacktown City, aged 16 years and over. Nominations are open until midnight on February 19.
International Women's Day is a global event that commemorates women's achievements and highlights women's equality worldwide.
This year's theme is 'Embrace Equity' and reminds us of the vital need for gender equity to improve the lives and outcomes of women everywhere.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: "Blacktown City is home to around 199,000 women and girls, who make an incredible impact in the community every day through their voluntary or paid work across many fields.
"The significant honour will be awarded to a woman who demonstrates a contribution to their local community and reflects this year's International Women's Day campaign theme of 'Embrace Equity'.
"Potential nominees could be a teacher, a nurse, a social worker or a community volunteer who has made a positive impact on the lives around them.
"The Woman of the Year will be announced and celebrated at a special breakfast and ceremony on International Women's Day."
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,
have inspired or shown innovation and creativity.
Blacktown City Councillor and Chair of the Blacktown Women's Advisory Committee, Julie Griffiths, said: "Women in Blacktown City are working hard to make positive changes in in education, health and welfare, business, emergency services, sport and the arts, to name a few.
"The Blacktown City Woman of the Year Award brings together the community to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of the women of Blacktown City.
"I urge everyone to nominate a woman they know who has inspired, encouraged, mentored them or made a positive impact on their life."
NSW Police Superintendent Donna McCarthy and foster care advocate Kelly Doyle were named joint recipients of the 2022 Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
Supt. Donna McCarthy is the Commander of Riverstone Police Area Command and has served with NSW Police for 35 years.
During the height of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, Supt. McCarthy led her command with great professionalism and aided many local residents in navigating lockdown restrictions and keeping safe.
Kelly Doyle is the founder of children's charity Foster Care Angels, which supports children and young people in foster care, as well as their carers.
Ms Doyle leads a team of volunteers and is actively engaged with the needs of vulnerable children and young people, especially during COVID-19.
To nominate, visit the website here: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Blacktown-City-Woman-of-the-Year-2023#section-1
