Two Sutherland Shire women have been recognised for their outstanding community contribution.
Megan Barnes and Dianne Townsend were named Woman of the Year for Cronulla and Miranda electorates respectively, and nominated for the NSW award.
Minister for Ageing and Disability Services John Ajaka presented Ms Barnes’s award at a function at the office of Cronulla MP Mark Speakman.
It recognised her campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
An online petition Ms Barnes launched to have the drug Abraxane listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has attracted 25,000 signatures so far.
Monsignor Kerry Bayada, who retired last month as parish priest at Our lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah, was the Cronulla 2015 Local Senior of the Year.
Miranda MP Barry Collier presented the Miranda Woman of the Year award to Dianne Townsend, who has been Jannali Neighbourhood Aid manager for 15 years and her work includes co-ordinating the efforts of 60 volunteers.
Professor Minoti Apte, a leading researcher in the field of pancreatic cancer, was named NSW Woman of the Year.
Premier Mike Baird said Professor Minoti was leading pre-clinical studies, which aimed to create a new combination therapy to improve pancreatic cancer treatment.
‘‘She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal last year for her service to medical research, tertiary education and the Indian community,’’ he said.
Do we do enough to recognise our community ‘‘heroes?’’
