Awards winners

Outstanding Public Service medal

Annette Gallard, former Community Services Chief Executive, has been awarded a Public Service Medal for her outstanding work and commitment to the Agency.

Since 2002, Annette has played many roles at Community Services, including heading the Operations unit – managing service delivery through a network of 80 local offices and the Child Protection Helpline. Thousands of children in NSW have benefited from her dedication and commitment.

In 2009, Annette was appointed Chief Executive, and remained CE until her retirement in June 2011.

Annette has guided significant operational changes at Community Services, including the response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection in NSW and implementation of the Keep Them Safe reforms. Some of her greatest achievements include the implementation of Brighter Futures, and design and implementation of Community Services client record-keeping and information-management platform.

Australian local hero

Community Services carer/mother Lynne Sawyers has won the Australia's Local Hero 2012 award.

Lynne, 68, and her husband Ken have been authorised foster/relative carers with Cowra Community Services Centre (CSC) since 1996. They’ve cared for more than 200 children and young people on an emergency/short-term basis and raised many on a longer term basis.

For Lynne and Ken, providing a supportive environment for vulnerable children means preparing up to 15 meals a day, as well as washing, sewing, baking and fundraising.

Lynne says she had a great childhood and became a carer because she wanted other children to have a safe place when growing up. Staff at Cowra CSC speak highly of her commitment to kids in care.

“Lynne’s dedication comes from the heart, and she cares for each child as if they were her own,” says Amber Hunter, Manager Cowra Out-of-Home Care Team.

Nominate now for the NSW Women of the Year Awards

The NSW Women of the Year Awards acknowledges the important role, achievements and contributions of women across the State.

Awards are given in two categories:

• Premier’s Woman of the Year, for either:
  • woman who has demonstrated excellence in her career, field or passion
  • inspirational role model for women in NSW
  • significant achiever in a traditionally male area
• People’s Choice – Community Hero, for either:
  • local hero and/or volunteer
  • quiet achiever who has made an outstanding contribution to her local community.

A panel of judges will choose the Premier’s Woman of the Year and select a shortlist of candidates for the People’s Choice – Community Hero, with the community voting for the People’s Choice (voting opens 19 April).

The selection panel is led by Pru Goward, Minister for Women and Minister for Community Services, and other high-profile women and men who support the awards.

The NSW Women of the Year will be announced by the Premier at Parliament House in May 2012.

Submit your nomination for a woman who has made a significant contribution to her local community by Friday 23 March 2012. More information is available at www.womenoftheyear.nsw.gov.au.