Celebrate the achievements of women in our region

WoW 2013 winners

Do you know an extraordinary woman?  Nominations for the annual UWS Women of the West Awards are now open.

Join the University of Western Sydney in celebrating the many inspirational women in Greater Western Sydney who endeavour to make our communities a better place.

The Women of the West and Young Women of the West Awards were established by UWS to recognise the significant contributions of women from the Greater Western Sydney region.

UWS Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Reid says the annual awards, which were established in 2005, are a particular highlight in the University calendar, with the ceremony coinciding with International Women’s Day.

“The University established the awards to show our appreciation for the many, often unsung, women in our local communities who are helping to change people’s lives for the better,” says Professor Reid.

“Each of the winners have come from a diverse range of fields and backgrounds, but all have made their mark on the Greater Western Sydney region, and have used their drive, passion, and commitment to make a difference.”

“The awards have received strong support from our local community over the years, and we hope that once again people will consider nominating a woman they know to be doing something truly special for the benefit of the people of Greater Western Sydney.”

2013 winner, Alison McLaren says receiving the award in recognition for her advocacy and community work was a wonderful surprise.

“The award offered me the opportunity to meet and connect with fabulous and influential women throughout Greater Western Sydney, and to use my prize to help very worthy groups within the region such as Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen and the Blue Mountains Women’s Health and Resource Centre,” says Ms McLaren.

The Young Women of the West 2013 winner, Mariah Okeroa, says she was honoured and humbled to have received the award.

“Winning the Young Woman of the West award has been enormously beneficial and has greatly assisted me in continuing my work within the community," says Ms Okeroa.

"Not only has it helped me meet other inspiring young people, it has also enabled me to become a greater part of the broader community – amongst many empowering role models.”

Nominations are open for both the 2014 Women of the West and Young Women of the West categories. Young Women of the West is for women aged 18-28 years.

The winners of each category will receive a grant of $5,000 to further develop their leadership and advocacy work in their local community.

To suit the Awards criteria, nominees must live and/or work in Greater Western Sydney,demonstrate leadership in their field of endeavour, and contribute to improving the lives of people in the region.

For an official nomination form and more information, visit the Women of the West website.

Ends 

5 December 2013

Contact: Tanya Patterson, Media Officer 

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