Wednesday, 17 February 2021
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today congratulated social-justice campaigner Dr Cynthia Briggs and rural health advocate Nicole Scholes-Robertson, both from Armidale, on being named finalists in the 2021 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Mr Marshall said the influential women had committed their lives to improving social and health outcomes for rural and regional people.
“The purpose of these awards is to shine a spotlight on the ground-breaking work being done every day by inspiring women across the State,” Mr Marshall said.
“For her dedication to improving education, health and welfare in local Aboriginal communities, Dr Cynthia Briggs has been named a finalist in the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year category.
“A secondary school and TAFE teacher, Dr Briggs has had input into educational support initiatives to improve literacy, numeracy and retention rates of Aboriginal students.
“Dr Briggs is a strong voice on a number of important committees, including the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Gamilaraay Aboriginal Legal Services and the DV NSW Board.
“I thank Dr Briggs for her drive to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people everywhere.”
Mr Marshall said NSW Regional Woman of the Year finalist Nicole Scholes-Robertson was being recognised for her advocacy on behalf of patients with chronic kidney disease.
“Following a kidney transplant herself, Nicole launched the Rural Kidney Association to support others from the bush suffering from kidney disease,” he said.
“Nicole has raised $23,500 for the renal unit at Armidale Hospital and the RPA Transplant Institute by walking 525 kilometres in 21 days, and also launched the ‘Norm Bourke Box’ to supply essential health items to rural home dialysis patients.
“In what has already been a very big year for Nicole, she was named Armidale Citizen of Year on Australia Day for 2021.
“Just being nominated for these awards is a huge honour and I wish both Cynthia and Nicole the greatest success.”
There are seven award categories in the 2021 program, including the new ‘NSW Woman of Excellence’ which highlights women who affected lasting change in her field.
Winners will be announced on 10 March during NSW Women’s Week, at an awards ceremony at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.
Find out more about the Awards and finalists at www.women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/women-of-the-year