Kempsey Families CEO June Wilson said the awards are an opportunity to honour local woman who have made a positive difference to the lives of many through volunteering, strong leadership or advocating for change.

“The Women of the Macleay Awards recognise the quiet achievers, the change-makers, women who have overcome adversity and those who strive for a safer, more inclusive world,” Ms Wilson said.

The winners of the Woman of the Macleay and Young Woman of the Macleay (25 and under) Awards will be announced on International Women’s Day, Friday March 8, at a morning tea hosted by the Kempsey Domestic and Family Violence Monitoring Committee.

“This free community event starts at 10.00am at Riverside Park and everyone is invited to come and celebrate the 2019 International Women’s Day theme of ‘Balance for Better’,” Ms Wilson said.

“We encourage you to nominate someone for the Women of the Macleay Awards to help us highlight the achievements of local women as part of the global movement towards a gender-balanced world,” Ms Wilson said.

The event will be held at the future site of an artistic bench seat that will reflect the inspiring stories of the women of the Macleay Valley for many years to come.

“We’ll be launching our fundraising campaign at the event and asking local businesses, groups and individuals to help raise the money needed to install this commemorative and functional seat for the community to enjoy,” Ms Wilson said.

The seat will be designed by local mosaic artist, Francessca O’Donnell, and has received support from Kempsey Shire Council and the Macleay Valley Business Women’s Network.

Nominations close 12pm Tuesday March 5. Nominate online at www.kempseyfamilies.org.au/women-of-the-macleay-awards-2019 or send in 200 words or less to PO Box 420, Kempsey NSW 2440.

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