Three high achieving women were recently in the spotlight in the NSW parliament, thanks to their local state MP.
One was Cheryl Paradella, from Beautiful Minds Macarthur, who was named 2025 local woman of the year in the electorate of Macquarie Fields.
Local MP and NSW minister Anoulack Chanthivong commended Ms Paradella for her work in the mental health and education sectors.
Mr Chanthivong told parliament Ms Paradella has been resident of Beautiful Minds Macarthur since 2018.
Ms Paradella, who is committed to improving the lives of those living with mental illness, had previously hosted a series of community mental health forums with Mr Chanthivong.
She is also currently a community representative for the South Western Sydney Local Health District.
In this role, Ms Paradella advocates for carers’ rights and acts as a contact between consumers and clinicians in the mental health space.
Ms Paradella is the community liaison officer at Glenfield Park School and works closely with families across the Hilltop group of schools for special purposes.
In this role, Ms Paradella offers support to families with children of complex needs.
A qualified foster carer and counsellor, Ms Paradella is a passionate advocate for carers.
Mr Chanthivong also recognised Mal Fruean, a strong advocate for Pasifika communities.
Ms Fruean was recently appointed to the Australian Multicultural Council – one of only 14 Australians selected to provide insights and advice to the Commonwealth Government.
Ms Fruean received an Order of the Medal of Australia in 2021 in recognition of her contributions to the NSW Pasifika community.
Manager of South West Multicultural and Community Centre in Minto, Ms Fruean oversees programs for women, youth and emerging Pacific leaders.
Ms Fruean, pictured with Mr Chanthivong at right, is also chair of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities – a peak body for collaborative work with government and Pacific communities across NSW.
In his speech, the member for Macquarie Fields also recognised the contributions of Ingleburn woman, Annamaria Wood, for her long-term commitment to the local disability sector. He is pictured with her at right
Ms Wood was chief executive officer of Disability Macarthur in Minto from 1996 to 2022, where she oversaw support services for disabled adults and children in the local community.
A staunch advocate for people with disability, Ms Wood’s hard work helped establish Disability Macarthur as a wonderful community asset.
“I acknowledge all the women in my community, and in all communities across NSW, who are helping to make a positive difference – big or small,’’ Mr Chanthivong said.
“I congratulate Ms Paradella on being named local woman of the year and commend Ms Fruean on her appointment to the Australian Multicultural Council.
“Our community is all the better for the wonderful women in our local area.”
