International Womens Day

International Women's Day 2011

On Friday March 11, UWS  celebrated the global centenary year of International Women’s Day at its annual International Women's Day Celebration.

Special guest speaker was 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.

Winners of the UWS Women of the West and Young Women of the West Awards for 2011 were announced.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid AM congratulated the 13 women from across the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) region who were nominated for their contributions to local charities and the not-for-profit sector, community development, cultural awareness, health, education and sport.

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.

Hanan Dover was highly commended for her work with the not-for-profit community organisation Mission of Hope and her extensive work in the community.

Debbie Roberts received the commended award for her work as CEO of Youth Solutions and community work with the Rotary Club of Narellan.

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.

International Women's Day 2010

On Monday March 8, UWS hosted its annual International Women's Day Celebration.

As part of the special occasion the winners of the UWS Women of the West and Young Women of the West Award for 2010 were announced.

Guest speaker was Councillor Karen McKeown from Penrith City Council. Councillor McKeown is also an ambassador for the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government, an initiative aimed to raise awareness of the opportunities and benefits of increasing the participation of women in leadership and management roles within local government.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, AM paid tribute to the 30 nominees for the UWS Women of the West Award, and announced the joint winners for 2010, with the judges recognising the achievements and dedication of both Aunty Mae Robinson from Mt Pritchard and Sister Kerry MacDermott from Minto, awarding each the title of 'Woman of the West' for 2010. Highly Commended awards were presented to Prue Gregory of Campbelltown and Commended awards were also presented to Yvonne de Vries of Leura, Robyn Kassas of Castle Hill, and Faten EI Dana of Mt Pritchard.

The 'Young Woman of the West' award was presented to Michelle Fenech of South Camden, the High Commended Award was presented to Tarsha Gavin of Bonnyrigg Heights

• International Women's Day 2009
• International Women’s Day 2008
• International Women’s Day 2007
• International Women’s Day 2006
• International Women’s Day 2005

International Women's Day 2009

On Friday March 13, UWS hosted its annual International Women's Day Celebration.

As part of the special occasion the winners of the UWS Women of the West and Young Women of the West Award for 2009 were announced. 

Jane Caro was guest speaker at the event. Jane is a senior lecturer in Adverstising with the School of Communication Arts at UWS. As well, Jane is a panel member on the ABC's - The Gruen Transfer.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, AM paid tribute to all of the nominees for the UWS Women of the West Award for 2009, and announced Jan Nicoll of Macquarie Fields as the winner of the UWS Women of the West Award and Samah Hadid as the winner of the UWS Young Women of the West Award for 2009.

Rosemary Kariuki received the highly commended award, as well Joyce Bellchambers and Barbara Curtin were commended for their commitment and contribution to Greater Western Sydney.

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International Women’s Day 2008

100 Years of Active Women in Paid and Unpaid Work

UWS celebrated the achievements of women and their contribution to Greater Western Sydney at the Sir Ian and Nancy Turbott Auditorium, Parramatta Campus.

The Hon Barbara Perry, the then Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Auburn was guest speaker.

Women of the West winner for 2007, Juliana Nkrumah delivered the Women of the West Address.

The Vice-Chancellor presented the 2008 Women of the West Awards to Helen Walker, OAM, Manager of Great Community Transport; Councillor Judith Hannan, (former Mayor), Wollondilly Shire Council; Judith Field, Development Manager, Lend Lease and Theresa Howe, Proprietor of Chapel Hill Retreat. 

Winner of the inaugural UWS Young Women of the West Award was presented to Lavinia Vaifo'ou. 

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International Women’s Day 2007

UWS celebrated 2007 International Women’s Day in the Community and Administration Building on Penrith Campus.

Dr Patrice Derrington, Chief Executive Officer of Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, was guest speaker. Dr Derrington led the economic revitalisation program in New York City following the events of 11 September 2001.

Dr Elizabeth McCusker, neurologist and Service Director for Sydney West Huntington Disease Service and winner of the 2006 Award, delivered the Women of the West address.

The Vice-Chancellor presented the 2007 UWS Women of the West Award to Juliana Nkrumah of Centrelink. Sister Vivienne Claxton of Kalon House was highly commended and Councillor Helen Westwood AM of Bankstown City Council was also commended.

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International Women’s Day 2006

UWS celebrated 2006 International Women’s Day in the Community and Administration Building on Penrith Campus.

Inaugural winner of the Women of the West Award, Sister Mary-Louise Petro, Chief Executive Officer of Mamre Plains Ltd at St Marys delivered the Women of the West address.

The Vice-Chancellor presented Dr Elizabeth McCusker, Neurologist and Service Director, Sydney West Huntington Disease Service, Westmead with the 2006 Award. Elizabeth was nominated for her leadership in establishing and directing clinical outreach and research programs for the treatment of Huntington's Disease.

Councillor Mollie Thomas of Campbelltown City Council was highly commended for her work in the region.

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International Women’s Day 2005

Approximately 180 members of the community and staff attended the University of Western Sydney’s International Women’s Day function, which was held at the University’s Penrith (Werrington North) campus. Several special guests, including the Hon. E.G. Whitlam AC QC and Mrs Margaret Whitlam AO also attended the event.

Ms Nancy de Vries was guest speaker for the function. Nancy was a great friend to UWS and a great supporter of higher education opportunities for Indigenous people.

The Vice-Chancellor presented the 2005 UWS Women of the West Award to Sister Mary-Louise Petro, Chief Executive Officer of Mamre Plains Limited, a non-profit company of the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy. Councillor Dianne Finch of Hawkesbury City Council and Denise McGrath, Chief Executive Officer of Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation were highly commended for their work in the region.

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