Women of the West 2011

Women of the West Awards Announced

One hundred years ago, on the 19 March 1911 more than one million women and men attended International Women’s Day rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.

100 years on UWS is recognised this centenary milestone with a special International Women’s Day event and the announcing of the 2011 Women of the West Awards on Friday 11 March  at Parramatta campus.

13 women from across the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) region were nominated for their contributions to local charities and the not-for-profit sector, community development, cultural awareness, health, education and sport. Nominations once again demonstrated that GWS is enriched by community-minded women who give their all in the assistance of others.

The winner of the ‘Women of the West’ award was Dr Helen Somerville. Helen, a paediatric doctor with the Western Local Health Network and Allowah Children's Hospital, was awarded the 'Woman of the West' award for her commitment to the care of people with disabilities.

The winner of the ‘Young Woman of the West’ award was Najeeba Wazefadost. Najeeba, an Afghan Youth Support Officer with the Bamiyan Association and ambassador for Amnesty International, was awarded the 'Young Woman of the West Award' for her advocacy of human rights issues.

Paying tribute to the nominees and winners was special guest speaker Brigid Dixon, Chair of the Young UN Women Sydney Chapter.

The Young UN Women Sydney Chapter is a branch of UN Women - the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women - which was established in July 2010 to accelerate progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women.

As Chair of Young UN Women Sydney Chapter, Ms Dixon acts as one part of an active and engaged group of young women and men committed to raising funds and awareness for gender and development.

In addition to hosting its own International Women's Day event, UWS has welcomed the opportunity to become a partner with UN Women Australia and support its coordination of centenary celebrations across Australia.

The full list of 2011 Women of the West nominees included:

• Debbie Roberts of Harrington Park: Nominated for her work as CEO of the youth drug and alcohol prevention charity Youth Solutions, as well as her community work with the Rotary Club of Narellan and her strong advocacy for organ donation.
• Hanan Dover of Bankstown: Nominated for her commitment to making life better for the Muslim communities of Greater Western Sydney through the not-for-profit community organisation Mission of Hope (MoH) and psychological counselling service PsychCentral.
• Helen Somerville of Birchgrove: A paediatric doctor with Westmead Hospital, Westmead Children's Hospital and Allowah Children's Hospital in Dundas, nominated for her contributions to improving the care and outcomes for people with disabilities.
• Lee Hughes of Raby: Nominated for her role in St Vincent de Paul and Rotary Club of Ingleburn charity functions, which have assisted many disadvantaged people in the local community.
• Norma Shelley of Liverpool: An Elder in the local Aboriginal community, nominated for involvement in numerous community groups such as the Cerebral Palsy Association and Aboriginal Carers, as well as for her commitment to mentoring and supporting Indigenous young people.
• Randa Kattan of Bankstown: Executive Director of the Arab Council of Australia, nominated for her commitment to building a more humane and inclusive society, in particular her advocacy for women's rights issues and anti-racism.
• Sharyl Scott of Denham Court: Principal of Bringelly Public School and Secretary of the Zonta Club of Macarthur, nominated for improving opportunities and outcomes for young women and raising awareness of health, education, employment and human rights issues.
• Shirley Smith of Kurrajong: Nominated for her key role in ensuring the success of Food Services Hawkesbury and Colo Meals on Wheels, to ensure that elderly people in the Hawkesbury area have access to essential food services and support.
• Tanyia Harris of Glen Alpine: Nominated for her valuable contributions to the Campbelltown community over more than 27 years as a volunteer for various organisations including Rotary, Lifeline Macarthur, The Salvation Army, and the NSW Harness Racing Club.
• Veronica Necyporuk of Panania: Principal of East Hills Girls Technology High School, nominated for work in the Padstow Rotary Club as well as for her dedication to public education and commitment to ensuring that all students are provided with the broadest range of educational opportunities.
• Wendy Waller of Cartwright: Mayor of Liverpool City Council and Manager of South West Child and Family Services, nominated for being a passionate advocate of the Liverpool region as well as for various volunteer community roles and unwavering support for women and families in crisis.

The 2011 'Young Women of the West' nominees were:

• Dani Samuels of Guildford: World Championship winning athlete, nominated for her sporting achievements and community work which has provided inspiration for other young athletes in Greater Western Sydney.
• Najeeba Wazefadost of Granville: Nominated for sustained work in not-for-profit organisations including the Bamiyan Association and Amnesty International, raising awareness of the plight of refugees and providing tutoring and support for Afghani people in Greater Western Sydney.

Please visit the Women of the West website for more information.