Pru Goward med rel: NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2015 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The search is on to celebrate remarkable women with Minister for Women Pru Goward announcing the nominations for the fourth annual NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open.

Ms Goward said for the first time in the history of the awards a new category acknowledging regional women has been added.

“The new Rex’s Regional Woman of the Year Award will champion women from regional and remote areas, celebrating outstanding commitments to local communities,” Ms Goward said.

“This new award joins the prestigious NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year, A.H. Beard’s Community Hero Award and Harvey Norman’s Young Woman of the Year Award, which all celebrate the excellent achievements of women from across NSW.”

Ms Goward said she is calling on NSW communities to nominate brilliant women from all walks of life who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements.

“Every NSW community is made up of women who stand out with their remarkably inspiring success stories,” said Ms Goward.

“The Women of the Year Awards are a chance for the NSW Government and the community to officially recognise the phenomenal contribution they make.”

Winners will join an honour-roll of inspirational alumni, including mining engineer and burns survivor Turia Pitt, leading scientist Dr Cathy Foley and migrant communities advocate Faten el Dana.

Ms Goward said now is the time to nominate an impressive woman you know.

“Don’t miss out on acknowledging a remarkable woman. Entries close 11pm 18th December 2014 – so start nominating!” she said.

The award ceremony will be held at Parliament House in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Nominations are now open for 2015 NSW Woman of the Year Awards at www.women.nsw.gov.au.

MEDIA: Emma Mellow – 0407 748 965

The award categories and criteria for the 2015 Awards are:

Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year
This award is specifically for:
· demonstrated excellence in a career, field or passion; and/or
· a significant achiever in a traditionally male-dominated area.

A. H. Beard’s Community Hero Award
This award is specifically for:
· community heroes and/or volunteers; or
· a woman making an outstanding contribution to her local community.

Harvey Norman’s Young Woman of the Year Award
This award is specifically for:
a positive and inspiring role model to other young women
someone with drive, determination and motivation in her chosen field, or
a young woman who has made significant achievements and/or contributions to the community.

REX airlines’ Regional Woman of the Year Award
This award is specifically for a woman from a regional area who is:
a significant achiever in an area important to rural or regional communities; or
a woman making an outstanding contribution to resolving issues faced by a rural or regional community; or
a significant achiever in a traditionally male-dominated field within the rural community.