Introducing the 2018 Women of the West nominees

Peggy is the founder of Mooney Real Estate.  She was nominated for her advocacy for tenants' rights, for her use of her professional role to offer advice and support to people in need of housing expertise, and for her establishment of the Schools Matter campaign to improve educational infrastructure for young people in the Penrith LGA.

As Chief Executive of SummitCare for the past 15 years, Cynthia has demonstrated a sustained commitment to delivery of quality and innovative aged care services to the people of Western Sydney. Cynthia has a long history of mentoring work, board memberships, and is an active industry commentator and speaker.

As Founding Director of the Brilliant Group, Deb was nominated for her inspirational leadership and strong commitment to flexible employment opportunities for working parents in Greater Western Sydney.

Fiona was nominated for her implementation of strategic transformational change at a struggling manufacturing site, resulting in strong business growth, staff retention and team development in her role as Head of Site at Virbac and for her contributions to community in her capacity as President of the Kurrajong Community Forum.

As Nursing Unit Manager of a Neurosurgery/Trauma High Dependency Unit, Gail was nominated for her leadership in implementing a new approach to communication and patient care in clinical decision-making, and for her leadership and mentoring of nursing students and early career nurses.

As co-founder of Western Sydney Women, Maria was nominated for her design and delivery of skill development opportunities in financial literacy, job readiness, and health and well-being for women in Greater Western Sydney.  Maria also contributes to business development in an advisory capacity through her membership on a number of professional boards and committees.

Amy is a Western Sydney University student and childhood education and care professional.  She was nominated for her extensive volunteer work and commitment to promoting youth literacy in the Blue Mountains and Greater Western Sydney.

Angelina was nominated for her commitment to improving access to early childhood education and care, with a specific focus on creating safe spaces for children and families at risk.

Nelum was nominated for her extensive initiatives which aim to promote social justice and community engagement in early childhood education and care.

Allison was nominated for her significant work in mental health support and advocacy.  She has been involved extensively in the design and delivery of mental health services with a particular focus on the contextual needs of communities across Greater Western Sydney.

Elizabeth was nominated for her long-term commitment to the Community Greening Program, which seeks to promote the social, economic, and health benefits of community gardens across the areas of Mt Druitt, Macarthur and Penrith.

Martha was nominated for her substantial and sustained contributions to family and community support, education, and legal reform for those dealing with homicide and traumatic crime, including a major initiative to establish a world-leading residential trauma support centre in Greater Western Sydney, Grace's Place, for children affected by homicide.

Maria is the CEO of the national charity Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.  She was nominated for her contributions over the past 25 years to patient advocacy and education in allergic disease recognition, management and emergency treatment.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing, Development and Volunteering at Parramatta Mission, Jo was nominated for her strategic approach to bringing sustainable solutions for at-risk communities in Greater Western Sydney including people facing homelessness, domestic violence and struggling with mental health so that all people can have the opportunity to live life to the full.

As Co-Founder of the Samuel Morris Foundation, Jo-ann was nominated for her work to establish local initiatives and an international support network targeting non-fatal drownings. In addition to this work, Jo-ann is actively involved in parental advisory groups for children's rehabilitation. She has also recently completed a nursing degree.

Angela was nominated for her approach to social justice and her community-focussed work in the areas of migrant language support, homelessness, food security, and cancer fundraising for children.

Marija is a Western Sydney University student was nominated for her work as a publisher, mentor and community advocate. Marija was recognised as the 2017 ‘Law Student of the Year’ at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards last year.