Glen Innes local Mary Hollingworth has been named the 2023 Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year at the NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Mary Hollingworth is a proud community advocate in the Glen Innes, Deepwater and Tenterfield regions, a long-time volunteer with the Rural Women’s Network and was the 2022 Chairperson of the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering.
She has worked collaboratively (and tirelessly) to deliver 500 events, seminars, functions and information and training sessions for rural women and families in the Glen Innes, Deepwater and Tenterfield regions. Among her many roles and past experiences, she is an active member of numerous local organisations including CWA, Far West Red Cross, Deepwater Hall Trust and View Club. Mary was also a member of the Glen Innes Show Society Ladies Auxiliary for 25 years, serving as president from 2004-2008.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the award was thoroughly deserved.
“Mary is the absolute embodiment of what a community hero is and everyone who knows her will agree this award is justly deserved,” Mr Marshall said.
“Mary is incredibly active across a range of groups and causes in the community and hence, she is one of Glen Innes’ most recognisable faces.”
“She is one of the most energetic and positive people around the district and I am so proud of her and that her selfless dedication to the community has been recognised in this way,” he said.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor congratulated Mary Hollingworth and praised her collaborative approach to deliver improved outcomes for women from the Northern Tablelands region.
“A Country Women’s Association of NSW legend, Mary has demonstrated her long-term dedication to building connections and strengthening her local community by holding more than 500 events, seminars, functions and sessions for rural women and families – most recently the 2022 NSW Rural Women’s Gathering,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I want to thank Mary and all of our nominees for their tireless work to improve the state of the world around us, building up our communities and our women, and showing us new and pioneering ways forward.”
The Aware Super NSW Community Hero is awarded to a role model who works tirelessly for her community, the first to roll up her sleeves to help others and motivates those around her to contribute to their communities.
NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, 6 March to Sunday, 12 March. For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/womens-week
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