North Coast’s Naomi Moran, Elly Bird, Emma Bracken and Lucy Trease named as 2023 NSW Women of the Year finalists

An inspiring selection of northern NSW women have been named as 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards finalists. Read their inspiring stories.

Four North Coast women have been named in the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards, from L: Elly Bird, Naomi Moran, Emma Bracken and Lucy Trease.

A selection of inspiring northern NSW women have been named as finalists in the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The contenders include two women from Lismore, one from Alstonville and a fourth from Suffolk Park in Byron.

There are seven award categories in the 2023 program, including the Premier’s Award for NSW Woman of the Year, which is selected from pool of category winners.

The North Coast finalists are:

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award – Naomi Moran

A dedicated pillar of her community, the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social wellbeing of Aboriginal people in NSW.

Naomi Moran. Picture: Elise Derwin

General manager of the only fully Indigenous-owned and managed newspaper in Australia, the Koori Mail, Naomi Moran is a passionate advocate in the region.

Naomi Moran is a humble, yet vocal leader in the Lismore community. She helps others because she is a confessed “bloody good person” and it’s “the right bloody thing” to do.

When the Lismore stalwart was asked about being a finalist, she praised her community.

“Personally, how I feel about this is that it wasn’t about the individual but it’s absolutely a reflection of the people that support you and the people that rallied behind you,” Ms Moran said.

She spoke of “the amazing Bundjalung women and Indigenous women that have been on the ground with us … that were very much a part of the beginnings of the flood hub with us.”

Ms Moran and about ten volunteers were instrumental in the establishment of the Koori Mail flood hub and the Koori Kitchen.

“I don’t kind of consider that it’s just about me,” she said.

“I’ve always considered the people I surround myself with that want to support what we’re doing, so it’s a really lovely acknowledgment.

“It’s always about the community and the people behind you.”

Ms Moran said it was “really special” that both herself and esteemed Indigenous news anchor Natalie Ahmat have both been nominated for Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

“It’s not about who takes home the accolade in this particular context, because I am very much about empowering our own,” she said.

“If something happens to one of us, it happens to all of us.

“It’s quite special for me to be considered alongside Natalie in this particular category given that we both work in Indigenous media.

“It’s pretty deadly.”

Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year Award – Elly Bird

Elly Bird works tirelessly for her community. She’s the first to roll up her sleeves to help others, and motivates those around her to contribute to their communities.

Elly Bird.

Established in the Northern Rivers district as a driven community leader, Elly Bird is another passionate Lismore woman making a difference in the place she loves.

Ms Bird continues to represent her community in various roles within council and is well known for spearheading community responses to disasters that have impacted the area.

Her actions have resulted in her nomination and progress to finalist in the Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year Award.

“Fundamentally, I am very honoured to be recognised for the work I’ve been doing over the last year,” Ms Bird said.

“It has been really big work supporting the community and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Ms Bird said the nomination also recognised many people in the community she has worked with.

“To be a part of all the incredible people that have been nominated for this award is a massive privilege,” she said.

NSW Minerals Council Regional Woman of the Year Award – Emma Bracken

Emma Bracken is another local contender in the awards showcasing extraordinary woman living in NSW.

Emma Bracken with Logan Paisley at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina.

Fondly known as Emmy B in Da froth, this Byron Shire based chief executive and founder of Ability Surf is a NSW Minerals Council Regional Woman of the Year Award finalist.

Ms Bracken shares her passion for surfing with people of all abilities, helping them to live life to the fullest.

The occupational therapist and surf coach worked hard to get her business up and running with the right permits and insurance to launch in 2019.

“I see this huge need for people with a disability in the community to access more activities that are tailored to them,” Ms Bracken said.

“I feel really grateful and honoured to be nominated … ,” Ms Bracken said.

“A lot of the work and energy I have put in to being of service to others, specifically through Ability Surf and other areas of service too, has been behind the scenes – hours and years of unseen work.

“I have never expected recognition for this because it is my passion to support others and I have a big vision to humbly lead my life with purpose.

“To have this acknowledgment feels really special that the effort and energy I have put into the lives of others is making a difference.”

Advocate for Children and Young People One to Watch Award – Lucy Trease

Lucy Trease is in line for the Advocate for Children and Young People One to Watch Award.

It recognises girls and young women aged seven to 17, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help and support those around them.

Lucy Trease.

Ms Trease, 17, of Alstonville has juggled quite a bit amid her schooling, but played down her achievement.

“It’s an award that focuses on acts of kindness, strength, courage, and giving to the community,” she said.

“Honestly, I am so honoured and grateful. I can’t believe I was nominated, let alone a finalist.”

For six years running Ms Trease has volunteered to coach her little brother’s soccer team.

It’s just one example of her community work.

“I’ve coached them since they were five and I genuinely love having them and teaching them because I love soccer and seeing them love it makes me enjoy my sport even more,” she said.

The teen runs a business with brothers Lachlan and Noah, Tallnbakehouse. It was part of a recent collaboration with Bus Stop Films for smartphone documentary Childboss.

“During the floods we were able to provide loaves of bread to evacuation centres and help out in our community providing this staple that no one had at the time,” Ms Trease said.

She is also part of Alstonville Swimming Club and is a student representative.

“I just love opportunities and working with other people,” Ms Trease said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the 34 remarkable women and girls in the running were making a significant impact across the board, from science to education, health, industry, culture and community.

“I’m always inspired by the calibre of women nominated for these awards and the outstanding contributions they are making in their communities across the state,” she said.

“There were almost 400 nominations, showcasing incredible women from all walks of life who are championing positive change.

“These finalists are an inspiration to us all and it’s wonderful to see them getting the recognition they deserve.

“On behalf of NSW, I extend a massive congratulations to all the finalists.

“You are all incredible individuals who make enormous contributions to our communities.”

Winners will be announced on March 9 at the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

The awards are part of NSW Women’s Week, held from March 6-12.