Sally Everett: Dubbo electorate Woman of the Year

A local hero who has made a significant impact to the board of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation has been recognised as the Dubbo electorate’s Woman of the Year. Here’s her story.

Sally Everett promoting the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Photo: Supplied

A local hero who has made a significant impact to the board of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, along with Narromine Jets Rugby League Club and the Narromine MS Support Group, has been recognised as the Dubbo electorate’s Woman of the Year.

Sally Everett was also named Narromine’s Citizen of the Year at the 2023 Australia Day celebrations and says she is “overwhelmed” by the constant support she has received.

Mrs Everett told The Dubbo News she lost her father in November 2021 to melanoma after a three-month battle.

“My dad was one of the most sun safe people that I knew so it wasn’t something that we saw coming,” Mrs Everett said.

Mrs Everett confirmed her father’s diagnosis was internal which their family had “no idea” about.

Sally Everett volunteering for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Photo: Supplied

“It was really cruel – it was horrific for him and everybody else,” she said.

“When that happened, we kind of made a pact in the family saying that we didn’t want to see anybody else suffer like he did or watch a loved one suffer like we did.”

Mrs Everett started to volunteer with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation and was soon asked to join its board.

Through her volunteering with Mission Melanoma – Doing it for Lionel, she realised that her “passions and values aligned” with other board members.

According to the NSW Government, the Western NSW Local Health District is the fifth hotspot of melanoma in the state.

As the only regional voice on the board, Mrs Everett aims to use her voice in the board to spread awareness to “get it at the front of people’s minds”.

“Especially to tradies and farmers who work outside in extreme conditions, it is important that they are aware of the dangers,” she said.

Mrs Everett has also made an impact with Narromine Jets Rugby League Club through, helping the club support mental health awareness and other local needs.

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders with Sally Everett. Photo: Supplied

In 2022 the club won NRL Community Club of the Year and NSW Rugby League Club of the Year.

Mrs Everett also volunteers with the Narromine MS Support Group and contributes to the park run when she can.

“Of course, we don’t do it for the awards, but it is nice to be recognised because of the community work that we do,” she said.

“So many women do so many incredible things, so I feel completely overwhelmed that I have won the award.

“I don’t do it on my own – I have a great network around me that are always helping me.

“I feel really proud.”