People’s Choice – Community Hero Finalists Announced

May 10, 2012

Minister for Women Pru Goward today encouraged people across the state to get involved and vote for their NSW Woman of the Year.

Six wonderful women have been shortlisted for the 2012 NSW Women of the Year Awards in the People’s Choice – Community Hero category.

“This year we received more than 200 nominations from across NSW showcasing wonderful women who have made a significant contribution to their local community – including the quiet achievers, local heroes and volunteers among us who deserve to be recognised,” Ms Goward said. 

“It was a tough task for the judging panel in selecting a shortlist of candidates for the People’s Choice – Community Hero Award.

“We had a very difficult job in selecting finalists because the calibre of nominations was so high.

“It was inspirational to read these extraordinary women’s stories and find out about the great work that they are doing throughout the state.

“These women truly are the backbones of their communities and are fantastic role models.

“It’s now up to the community to choose the 2012 People’s Choice winner by voting online at www.womenoftheyear.nsw.gov.au,” Ms Goward said.

Ms Goward said she was pleased to announce the finalists in the People’s Choice – Community Hero category as:
 
• Jenny Armstrong from Marsfield – dedicated volunteer with Riding for the Disabled NSW.

• Elsie Gordon from Dubbo – Murrawarri woman, teacher and advocate for domestic violence victims and women’s health.

• Yvonne Keane from Kellyville – dedicated volunteer with Hear the Children and founder of Reach for the Rainbow.

• Rose Lehmann from Lockhart – dedicated volunteer in Lockhart for more than 60 years.

• Shirley Nelson from Byron Bay – founder of Feros Care Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation providing aged care.

• Sheila Turnbull from Cessnock – advocate for women’s equality, passionate about helping women and girls to fulfil their potential. 

“I encourage the NSW community to get behind these local heroes and vote now.”

Profiles of the shortlisted nominees are available online at www.womenoftheyear.nsw.gov.au and NSW residents can vote until midnight on Monday 14 May 2012.

Minister Goward said the judging panel also had some difficult decisions to make in selecting finalists for the Premier’s Woman of the Year Award, which celebrates amazing women who inspire us with their achievements and contributions.

The finalists for the Premier’s Woman of the Year category will be announced on 
12 May 2012.

Winners of both awards will be announced by the Premier of NSW at a special reception on Wednesday 30 May.

The judging panel was led by the Minister for Women Pru Goward and included:

• Jodie Fox - Co-founder of Shoes of Prey and Sneaking Duck, Telstra Businesswoman of the Year 2011, Hudson Private Award 
• David Gallop - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Rugby League Commission 
• Major Paul Moulds AM - Director Mission and Resources Social, The 
Salvation Army 
• Jeni O’Dowd – Editor at Large and Saturday Editor for the Daily Telegraph 
• Cath Webber – Editor, thetelegraph.com.au.