TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley was the guest speaker at the Camden Region Economic Taskforce’s 2020 International Women’s Day dinner, but the night belonged to a local legend, Debbie Roberts.
Ms Roberts, who is the executive officer of the taskforce, was named Camden woman of the year.
Camden MP Peter Sidgreaves, whose job it is every year to select the local woman of the year in his electorate, said Ms Roberts was a deserved winner in 2020.
“Ms Roberts has been recognised for her outstanding work and significant contribution to the Camden and wider Macarthur business and volunteer community,’’ Mr Sidgreaves said.
“She has been instrumental as the executive officer of the taskforce since it was established in 2017, and has worked tirelessly in supporting businesses in our area.
“Her leadership has ensured that the taskforce has developed into the highly regarded organisation that it is today.
“Debbie is the glue to the taskforce and a highly successful and hard working professional who is an asset to Macarthur,’’ the MP said.
Ms Roberts has also been an active volunteer within our community, having served on the boards of the South Western Sydney Local Health District, the Rotary Club of Narellan and the Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She was the community representative on Western Sydney University’s school of medicine year 3-5 curriculum committee, is an active organ donor advocate, and has been a mentor to many younger women during her career.
She developed and implemented the youth homelessness meal program at Pete’s Café in Campbelltown and was CEO of two charities, Ronald McDonald House Westmead and Youth Solutions.
Ms Roberts accepted her award in front of almost 200 people at the International Women’s Day dinner, pictured above, held at Camden Valley Inn last week.
Highlights included local sporting hero Sarah Ryan interviewing Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
Camden Region Economic Taskforce’s chair, Adriana Care said that with Camden being one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, the taskforce was aiming to attract more high calibre keynote speakers to our region.
In celebration of the many inspiring women of the Camden region, a short video was also launched on the night, highlighting the importance of International Women’s Day and the many roles of women in our community.
