INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations were held in Kempsey on Tuesday with a number local women awarded for their contributions to the community.
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IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
Kempsey Family Support Services coordinator June Wilson said the events have been celebrated in the Macleay for the past six years.
“The day is about acknowledging what happens quietly in the community but also acknowledging the women that came before us who made it possible to have these types of celebrations,” Ms Wilson said.
“We have women in the Macleay and Kempsey who just do it because it has to be done and for them it’s not about being recognised.
“Celebrating their achievements is the perfect opportunity to bring some of that recognition into their lives even though they don’t do it for those reasons.”
This year's celebrations saw the return of the “Women of The Macleay Awards” where six local women were selected from a range of nominations to be recognised for their contributions to the community The women selected were recognised as strong leaders, advocates of change, volunteers, quiet achievers and women who stand strong in the face of adversity.
This year the “Women of The Macleay Awards” were awarded to Melville High School teacher and youth sports supporter Evelyn Jacobs, Lifeline and RSPCA volunteer Di Waterhouse, animal wildlife advocate Carol Riley, child protection activist Karen Hall, improved mental health campaigner and support worker Kay Clarke and Dunghutti Elder and advocate against domestic violence Margaret Ridgeway (Aunty Moog).
Award winner Evelyn Jacobs, who has been a teacher at the Melville High School for over 34 years and is widely known as a youth sports advocate, said it was a privilege to be recognised by the community.
“I feel privileged to be in the company of amazing women as many are not recognised here in the Macleay,” Ms Jacobs said.
“I didn’t feel like I have done much compared to what the other women awarded have done, but we all do what we do and some things are more important than others.”
Ms Jacobs said her passion is to support and help children who want to play sport but don’t have the necessary means to get out there in their chosen activities.
“I try to give the kids something to build their confidence,” she said.
“I believe a good grounding for kids is important and a lot of them are not getting that and they need something to get them out in the community.
“This is a great reward for my efforts however, the reward is greater when a child comes up to you and thanks you for including them in something they enjoy.”
