Jenny Ware (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 8 March, the women of Hughes came together to celebrate International Women's Day at the beautiful Como Hotel, and I take this opportunity now to mention all of the fabulous winners of the Hughes woman of the year awards for 2024.

First of all, there was a posthumous honour for Kim Livingstone, who had demonstrated exceptional contributions as a nurse and educator throughout her life. Despite her many personal health challenges, including cystic fibrosis and a double-lung transplant, Kim's advocacy for organ donation remained steadfast until her unfortunate passing in January of this year.

The Young Woman of the Year for 2024, Natasha Ransford, has overcome challenges of addiction and homelessness to manage Cafe Y, a social enterprise in Menai, where she uses her experience and leadership to assist around 40 disadvantaged teenagers each year to complete hospitality training and work placements.

The Woman of the Year was Paula Smith, for her advocacy and support work with victims of partner abuse—particularly her educational initiatives on abusive behaviour and coercive control.

Last but certainly not least, the Senior Woman of the Year was Jane Bell, for her 40 years as an ESL teacher, her creation of a community hub at the Boatshed at Woronora, her charity work for the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation and also her work for World Vision, Men's Health and Beanie for Brain Cancer. Congratulations to all.