Central Coast top 100 Most Influential: #13 Lisa Matthews

THIS civic leader has been a strong voice in the community and advocate for women across the Central Coast.

Lisa Matthews has been named the number 13 Most Influential person on the Central Coast for his services to the community and voice for women’s issues. Picture: Sue Graham.

• Central Coast top 100 Most Influential people as voted by you
• #14: The Politician

CENTRAL Coast Councillor Lisa Matthew has come in at #13, voted for being influential in not only in the community but also a strong advocate for women’s issues.

Mrs Matthews is a councillor for The Entrance ward and was formerly a Wyong Shire Councillor for eight years.

Reader nominations said Mrs Matthews works “tirelessly for women and the community”.

Lisa Matthews is passionate about women’s issues. Picture: Sue Graham

“Lisa does a lot of work for the community, and is a very committed councillor. She has worked with many volunteer organisations in the Central Coast for over 17 years. Lisa performs her duties within the council with passion and dedication, always trying to do her best for the residents.”

#15: The Social Justice Crusader

#16: The Animal Welfare Advocate

#17: The Pole Dancer

Cr Matthews has a strong, vocal passion for women’s issues and has led the charge to form a Women’s Advocacy Group at Central Coast Council.

The mother of two, who grew up in Mt Druitt, leads a busy lifestyle, working as a Department of Education partnerships officer, natural beauty therapist, councillor as well as being a wife, mum and carer.

Mrs Matthews in 2008, when she was elected to Wyong Shire Council, with her children Luke and Mikhayla

In a previous interview with the Express Advocate, Cr Matthews said she quickly learned in life that in order to achieve you had to strive.

“If you want something, you have to go for it,” she said.

“And having a daughter, I didn’t want her to ever feel that she couldn’t be whatever she wanted to be.”

#18: The Environmentalist

#19: The Artist

#20: The Mechanic

When she brought the women’s advocacy group to the council she said she wanted to “carry on the legacy of the former councils and picking up where they left off.”

She said women are still probed about their personal lives when applying for jobs.

“I’m passionate about working with women and breaking through the glass ceiling,” she said. “I want to ensure gender issues come to the table.”

Come back tomorrow to see which politician claimed 12th spot on our 100 Most Influential countdown.