Nambucca's June Riemer is one of thirty of the state's most influential women named as finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards.
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This year's awards shine a spotlight on some of the state's most inspirational women after a year like no other.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the awards were a fantastic way of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of proud Gumbaynggirr-Dunghutti woman June Reimer.
"June spent forty years championing the rights of First Nations People and those living with a disability," Ms Pavey said.
"Ms Riemer was instrumental in developing films, tools and templates for people with a disability, drawing on Aboriginal artwork, storytelling and culture. This included the first research on autism in Indigenous communities.
"Ms Riemer led national conferences and workshops on working with Aboriginal people inclusively and delivered culturally appropriate access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
"An accomplished speaker, Ms Riemer shared insights from rural and remote Aboriginal communities at the United Nations. She is also an active member of the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum and Pacific Disability Forum."
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the tenth anniversary of the awards had seen an increase in nominations, reflecting so many outstanding contributions.
"Women were among the hardest hit by fire, flood, drought and COVID-19, yet so many stepped up and gave their all to benefit their communities," Mrs Taylor said.
"These finalists are an inspiration to others, each one is leading the charge and showing others what it takes to make a difference and help build a safer and stronger NSW."
There are seven award categories in the 2021 program, including the new 'NSW Woman of Excellence' which highlights women who affected lasting change in her field. Winners will be announced on 10 March during NSW Women's Week, at an awards ceremony at Sydney's International Convention Centre.
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Dr Cynthia Briggs, Walgett consultant and trainer
- Helen Duroux, Tenterfield Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Dixie Link-Gordon, Women's Legal Service NSW
- Kristy Masella, Aboriginal Employment Strategy
- June Riemer, First Peoples Disability Network
- Dr Lynette Riley, Sydney School of Education and Social Work
- Dawn Smith, Bourke Aboriginal Legal Service
Aware Super NSW Community Hero Finalists:
- Donna Ciccia, Endometriosis Australia
- Chris Cleary, StreetMed Incorporated and StreetPet
- Johanna Leader, LeaderLife Dubbo
- Theresa Mitchell, Agape Outreach Incorporated
- Sharon Robertson, Dilly Drought Drive -
- Jean Vickery, Lions Club of Woolgoolga
NSW Regional Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Grace Brennan, #BuyFromtheBush
- Nicole Scholes-Robertson, Rural Kidney Association
- Lucy Taylor and Lucy Samuels, ExtraOrdinary Outback Stories podcast
- Christine Welsh, Sapphire Community Projects
NSW Woman of Excellence Finalists:
- Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer
- Alison Covington, Good 360 Australia
- Erika Gleeson, Autism Swim
- Amala Groom, Artist
- Kim-Louise Liddell, Non Destructive Excavations Australia Pty Ltd
- Kristy Masella, Aboriginal Employment Strategy
- Amanda Rose, Western Sydney Women
Harvey Norman NSW Young Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Reburdah Dennis, Walgett Shire Council
- Emma Finemore, St Paul's College Walla Walla Livestock Show Team
- Shelby Lacey, Oak Flats Gymnastics & Acrobatics
- Darian Lenton, We, Future Leaders
- Emily Milton Smith, Girl Guides
- Dr Samantha Wade, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute---
Find out more about the awards and finalists at women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/women-of-the-year.
