Emma Husar (Lindsay, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Once again this year I was proud to host an annual International Women's Day event, the Women of Lindsay Awards, in my electorate. It was a great day. We had 130 people come along to a venue that can only fit 120, with a waiting list. I think that shows the strength and courage of the women in my local area to stand up and be counted. Jane Caro was our special guest speaker, who came and inspired everybody who was present at the breakfast.

We weren't just joined by women in the electorate. There were a few blokes there to support our women, and I'm very pleased to say that they were also included. The Women of Lindsay Awards go to people in our electorate who have demonstrated leadership in advocating for and enhancing the lives of women in our community. I'm pleased to announce this year's Women of Lindsay Awards and to read these women's names into Hansard.

Educator of The Year goes to Mandii Clark, who is a student at WSU studying a Masters of Teaching. She's also dedicated her time to run a number of projects which have benefitted both students and members of the community and students. The most notable, for me, was Who Bleeds Wins, an event that encouraged university students to donate blood to the Red Cross. Coming into the long weekend, I would encourage everybody who can donate blood to do so.

Young Woman of the Year goes to a younger person this year—quite often we overlook young people, but I think young people doing amazing things are quite exceptional. Georgia Wood, from Caroline Chisholm Society, has raised funds to purchase and assemble welcome packs for clients of the Haven women's shelter. As I said to Georgia on the day, and I'll repeat it here, it's often the case when you're young that it's hard to be different from your peers. To be different from your peers and to stand out from them sometimes means taking a risk, and sometimes standing up for other people when you're 15 is not the cool-kids things to do. So I applaud Georgia for all of her work.

Emma Hogan was Junior Woman of the Year. I've known Emma since before I was elected. She's the JDRF advocate in my electorate. She's doing amazing things. She comes to me with a scrapbook and adds all the things she's been doing, including visiting overseas, coming into parliament as a delegate, and supporting and fundraising for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Businesswoman of the Year went to Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton, who is the amazing woman behind Two Red Shoes mortgage broker. She's challenging the status quo of the male dominated mortgage broking industry, and she's doing great. She also holds a voluntary position on the Haven.

Sportswoman of the Year went to Linda Cerone. Over many years, Linda has served her local club as a volunteer and the association as a well-respected employee. She's the deputy chair of a Football NSW standing committee and sits on the steering committee for the development of the entirely new Nepean Referees Group. She has a special interest in developing female referees.

Artist of the Year went to Celeste Cannell, who is the author of Emily and the VERY Big Feeling and director and creator of Project Emily. She's an ambassador for RU OK? That book is incredible, and I urge you all to have a look at it when it comes out.

Volunteer of the Year went to Nat Ballard. She's a lawyer, a mum and a champion for many community organisations in our electorate.

There are so many amazing women that I'll have to come back and read you the next lot.

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