International Women’s Day: Moemoana Schwenke, Cath Daly, Jodi Edwards recognised in Illawarra

Three outstanding Illawarra woman who have spent countless hours advocating for their community have been recognised on International Women’s Day.

Three outstanding Illawarra woman who have spent countless hours advocating for their community have been recognised on International Women’s Day.

Keira – Cath Daly

2022 Keira Woman of the Year Cath Daly with Keira MP Ryan Park. Picture: Supplied

Cath Daly has been recognised as Keira’s Woman of the Year for her work with the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre.

Ms Daly works tirelessly for her community as the co-ordinator of the Bellambi’s neighbourhood centre.

The past year has been particularly challenging due to the pandemic, but Ms Daly has provided outstanding leadership to her community through the Covid lockdown and was also integral in co-ordinating a pop-up vaccination hub together with NSW Health at the neighbourhood centre.

“Cath has made a wonderful contribution to our community, in particular the community of Bellambi,” Keira MP Ryan Park said.

“She has a genuine want to help and assist those community members who are less fortunate.”

Wollongong – Moemoana Schwenke

The electorate of Wollongong’s 2022 Woman of the Year Moemoana Schwenke. Picture: Facebook

Moemoana Schwenke made headlines last year for travelling to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old Samoan-born Wollongong resident addressed the conference as part of The Pacific Climate Warriors.

The University of Wollongong student wants to bring Pacific Islands culture to her community and raise awareness of the impact climate change is having on Pacific Island nations.

“Wollongong has a rich history of activism that has had national and international influence and helped create change,“ Wollongong MP Paul Scully said.

“Moemoana has again put Wollongong on a world-stage with her activism and advocacy on behalf of the Pacific Island nations, and her dedication to promoting Samoan and Pacific Island culture among our community.“

Shellharbour – Jodi Edwards

Dr Jodi Edwards was named Shellharbour’s 2022 Woman of the Year. Picture: UOW

Indigenous woman Dr Jodi Edwards has been named Shellharbour’s Woman of the Year for her ongoing contributions to the Shellharbour community and the broader Illawarra region.

Dr Edwards has been a longstanding member of a number of culturally significant committees over the years, and is responsible for helping to establish Gumaraa Aboriginal Cultural Education and the Illawarra Flame Trees Aboriginal Performing Arts Group.

She currently works as a curriculum advisor for Aboriginal Education with the NSW Education Standards Authority, providing expertise and advice to support the curriculum reform and delivery process.

“She continues to make incredible contributions to our community with an unwavering passion towards revitalising the Dharawal language in the Illawarra,“ Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said.

“Her ultimate goal is for the Dharawal language to be taught and spoken in Illawarra schools.

“Jodi has dedicated her life to ensuring that local Aboriginal people have access to quality services, continuation and understanding of cultural practices and language, and educating the public on the history and significance of our local area.”