International Women’s Day: celebrating our local legends
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the wonderful work of inspiring local women from across the state.
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To celebrate International Women’s Day, we wanted to highlight the fantastic work of inspiring women in our community.
We asked you to send in tributes to women who were making a difference in your local area.
Here they are — the local legends helping make our communities a better place:
Nina M
Nina is an inspirational woman. She has recently opened up Nina’s Preloved Goods in South Windsor and dedicates her time to helping people in the community. She started a roadside library for the local neighbourhood. She is an amazing woman and cares for everyone. She has a beautiful soul. - Melissa Monteleone, Box Hill
Ellissa N
Leaving a corporate career following two spine fusions, Ellissa established Mountains Pilates in Springwood NSW in 2016. Ellissa found that pilates had given her strength and focus after her surgeries and was inspired to share this with the Mountains community. A safe and gentle form of exercise, Ellissa has worked with hundreds of clients to help regain their strength, self esteem, and mobility. Ellissa shows that doing what makes you happy breeds success. - Grant Hilder, Springwood
Caro R
Caro’s contribution to the local and global community is through her digital work in getting people outdoors (lotsafreshair.com) and using that platform to share messages of conservation, care for the environment, betterment of self, post fire recovery, and more. That, combined with her volunteer work as a senior member of the Bush Search and Rescue unit of the SES, is why I’d like to nominate her as an inspiring woman. - Dylan Jones, Blackheath
Lucky S
You are feeding homeless people and helping them. You are teaching others to help needy people. You made a big team and we appreciate that. You are the best woman in this world. - Anjali Lakhanpal, Glenwood
Susannah C
The Fisher’s Ghost Youth Orchestra has served the local community for 33 years. Susannah is integral to the operations of the orchestra as the manager. She provides the first point of contact for new members. She arranges rehearsals, performances, workshops and masterclasses. She liaises with conductors, tutors, musicians, parents and carers, supporters, granters, sponsors, local council, and the media, and is the glue that sticks the volunteer committee together. Without her, the music doesn’t happen! - Jennifer Beh, Rossmore
Kaylene E
When Kaylene accepted the role of Treasurer of Fisher’s Ghost Youth Orchestra, she probably didn’t know what she was in for! A local institution for 33 years, the FGYO accounts need constant love and attention, and Kaylene is absolutely on the ball! FGYO provides casual employment for many local musicians, and has multiple running costs that need to be kept on top of … and Kaylene does all that and more. What a gem! - J ennifer Beh, Rossmore
Fiona J
After witnessing friends coping with family members with dementia, Fiona created the DCaf program and successfully ran Waitara DCaf for 15 months. She was also instrumental in setting up other DCafs in St Ives, West Pymble, Ryde and Galston, and liaised with a regional NSW community group. After feedback from participants/volunteers, a new enhanced program – with a new name (DCaf Connections), location and independently run – has been developed in 2020 for the original Waitara group. - Robert Jenkins, Wahroonga
Lyndi L
Lyndi is making a huge impact in the lives of local people with disabilities. She founded the first Scuba Gym in Australia (thescubagym.com.au) and has already seen incredible results in her clients. Scuba Therapy allows exercise in a weightless environment, giving people with disabilities the ability to increase their strength and flexibility in ways not possible during normal workouts. Lyndi has worked tirelessly to get this program up and running. She is an inspiration. - Em Blamey, Umina Beach
Debbie H
Debbie has worked tirelessly for over 35 years as a Volunteer Leader for Mortdale Girl Guides. Inspiring young girls to strive to be the best version of themselves; providing life skills, guidance, and foundations to be strong, resilient and confident young women. Debbie works tirelessly enhancing the lives of these girls and the reputation of Girl Guides within the community. - Leanna Atkins, Barden Ridge
Kerrie S
Kerrie works as both a business owner and in voluntary leadership roles across the Hills’ business community. Her authentic care, passion and drive to make small business easier for small business owners helps to connect business owners to each other and to the right tools, services and networks for the right job at the right time in their business journey. She is an inspirational business leader in our business community. - Tim Sheaves, Rouse Hill
Marissa E
My daughter Marissa has worked tirelessly in the local community, promoting businesses, connecting people and networking with her community for over four years. Marissa is an inspiration to her family and friends as she is so passionate about her work, helping people in need, and being a source of information to over 14,000 people through her social media account, Maroubra Community, while also being an advocate for Adults on the Autism Spectrum. - Myree Ely, Maroubra
Renee C
Renee is an incredible woman and CEO for #AdoptChange, exploring permanency options for children in long-term out of home care in Australia. She travels the country advocating, while being a mum herself. She has the support of celebrities like Hugh Jackman on the importance of making adoption easier in Australia. She is worthy of the biggest admiration. Inspirational! - Alison Jones, Narwee
Robyn H
Robyn is such an active member of the Wagga United Soccer Club. She has managed teams of both young children and senior men, and is active in getting children with a disability to come and play on Saturday afternoons for friendly games. She even put on the boots at 50 to play women’s football. She does so much more for the club (including) organising social activities. - Trish Wright, Estella
Kerrye K
Kerrye is a gifted judoka, 11 time national champion, multiple Oceania Champion and Olympian. She is the Head Junior Coach of Budokan Judo Club in Castle Hill and a member of the Judo NSW Coaching team. Kerrye is a selfless coach who instils her Olympic values in each of her junior athletes, encouraging them to be successful on a daily basis. It is little wonder that she is known as the “Queen of the kids”. - Scott Young, Castle Hill
Dale K
One of the founding members of Budokan Judo Club in Castle Hill some 25 years ago, at 74 years young Dale still supports the club’s Under 9, Under 14 and Senior sessions. She is one of the NSW Kata instructors running weekly sessions and also a State Kata Coach. A member of the National Senior Grades Commission and a 6th Dan black belt, Dale is a great female role model. - Scott Young, Castle Hill
Ashlea H
Helping children/people inside and outside of school is something she’s always doing! She’s absolutely amazing and she is the reason my son is doing so well in school! YOU ARE AMAZING ASH! - Mel, Penrith
Lynne W
Lynne has a huge heart for others. She leads a team of volunteers each fortnight feeding and supporting the disadvantaged. Lynne inspires me and others with her positiveness, her energy and love helping others less fortunate. Great work Lynne! - Jen Simmons, Beaumont Hills
Jenni B
Jenni runs a fitness and nutrition group in The Ponds. You only have to look around the group to see what a massive impact she is making on her tribe. So many women have stuck with her for years and have become empowered due to the lifestyle, fitness and nutrition changes that Jenni regularly encourages. She is so much more than a trainer! - Melissa Brugman, Quakers Hill
Kristine G
Kris is co-founder and chair of local charity Our Community Cares. She has worked tirelessly for many years helping cancer sufferers, the elderly and homeless of the Penrith Local Government Area. Through her charity she organises and participates alongside her keen volunteer base in regular fundraising events and programs which include Aged Connect (school visits to nursing homes), Aged Toolbox (maintenance, cleaning and gardening assistance for elderly), Christmas Giving and Personal Care Packs. - Lisa Uren, Glenmore Park