Western Sydney University has launched a new awards program to celebrate extraordinary women in the region.
The Women of Western Sydney Awards 2024 will honour the significant contributions made by women of all backgrounds who live and work in Western and South Western Sydney.
One of the biggest Western Sydney University campuses is located in Campbelltown, in the heart of the Macarthur region, home to some amazing high achieving women, including Narellan chamber boss Anne Parnham (top) and federal MP Anne Stanley (above).
Nominations are now open for six categories that will showcase the strength and diversity of women who have a meaningful impact on the development of the region.
Members of the community are encouraged to nominate women in the categories of Woman of Western Sydney (Arts), Woman of Western Sydney (Community), Woman of Western Sydney (Indigenous Leadership), Woman of Western Sydney (Social Enterprise) and Young Woman of Western Sydney (for women 18-28 years of age).
The Jennifer Westacott AO Woman of the Western Sydney Award will recognise significant leadership contributions made to Greater Western Sydney in the business sector, in honour of Western Sydney University’s chancellor.
Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, pro vice-chancellor, engagement and advancement at Western Sydney University said the inaugural Awards will shine a light on extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds.
“The university is proud to provide a platform to highlight the dedication, advocacy and contribution that women make to the business and community sectors in Western Sydney,” said Prof Possamai-Inesedy.
“There are so many stories of inspiring women from across the region that we want to share, so I invite everyone to nominate a remarkable woman they know.”
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday, February 11, and the winners will be announced at the inaugural Western Sydney University international women’s day celebration, held in partnership with the Centre for Western Sydney, on Friday, March 8.
For more information including the award criteria and how to nominate, please visit the Women of Western Sydney Awards website.
It is great that women are being recognised and I hope they remember the women who went before them like my beloved sister Joan M Bielski AO and AM who was nominated for senior of the year in the year of her passing for her lifelong campaign for equality for women in Education, politics and society. Read her obituary in the SMH and women will realise that Joan changed the education system so that now women make some 59% of all graduates, not less than 25% when Joan started her work