This year, 93 women were nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week (2-8 March); an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.
Award recipient Kathleen Nichele was nominated by Greg Warren MP for her outstanding work in the community through Kathy’s Kitchen at Blairmount Public School.
Kathy is an icon of the Blairmount PS community. She provides students with affordable, nutritious lunches and constantly puts a smile on the faces of everyone that she meets.
Her motto is “made with love”, and this drives absolutely everything that she does. She loves her community and her school and does so much to support them.
When cost of living pressures are high on families, Kathy does her best to ensure that all students have the chance to buy food from the canteen and are given the opportunity to try new things.
Each Local Woman of the Year award recipient will receive their certificates at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.
Recipients who volunteer and live in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW will also be added to the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll; a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women who volunteer their time and energy to help others.
Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren said: “Kathy is an outstanding individual who is incredibly deserving of this honour. For more than two decades Kathy has been an integral part of our Campbelltown community, supporting students to eat healthy and affordable food.”
Melanie Macmillan, Blairmount Public School Principal said: “Kathy has been an integral member of our school community for over 18 years. She has been leading Kathy's Kitchen, our school canteen for over 15 years providing our students, staff and community with freshly made high quality products. Kathy loves our school and our students, often giving food to any child in need and the whole community loves her back! We are all so very proud for Kathy to receive this well-deserved award and honour of Campbelltown Woman of the Year!”