8 March 2024

'Inspiration to all': Women's hard work honoured in Local Woman of the Year Awards

| Claire Sams
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Chloe Pailthorpe (second from right) and Beth Hoskins are two of the women being recognised in their communities for their hard work supporting others. Photo: Supplied.

Women across NSW have been honoured for their work in the Local Woman of the Year Awards for 2024.

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said Chloe Pailthorpe was awarded the honour for her work in the community over a decade.

“When I received a nomination for Chloe, I was blown away by the extent of her work for the community,” he said.

“Chloe and family came to Bungendore only about 10 years ago but in that time she has helped hundreds, engaged the community and been the catalyst for community connections.

“Chloe, Mike and their three children moved to Bungendore 10 years ago with Mike taking up the position as Anglican minister.”

“From then Chloe threw herself into the Bungendore and Captains Flat community. After the Carwoola fires Chloe coordinated donations of food, clothing and household items and following that experience opened a food hub and op shop; with one in each of Bungendore and Captains Flat,” he said.

Her other work has included preparing Christmas hampers, organising food and other assistance for people in need and giving assistance to new residents during COVID lockdowns.

“Chloe has led the way with a group of local volunteers in Bungendore and Captains Flat in making our local communities more inclusive and caring,” Mr Whan said.

“Despite all this, Chloe says she couldn’t do any of it without the support of her community and the amazing volunteers who will stop at nothing to make our area better.

“Chloe is an inspiration to all.”

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In nearby Goulburn, Beth Hoskins was named Local Woman of the Year, after more than 20 women were nominated.

“Beth Hoskins is a remarkable woman, serving on the SNSWLHD [Southern NSW Local Health District] Board since 2017 – where her representation on the Goulburn Community Consultation Committee has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policies and initiatives,” Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said.

“Beth also has a distinguished executive career in accountancy and business advisory services where Ms Hoskins brings a wealth of expertise to her many volunteer roles, ensuring sound financial management and governance practices across various not-for-profit sectors.

Ms Hoskins has served on the SNSWLHD since 2017, and also taken on other roles. Photo: Beth Hoskins/LinkedIn.

Ms Tuckerman said Ms Hoskins’ work in the community had also involved advocating for young people’s education, having a founding role in Country Education Foundation of Goulburn and District.

“Her volunteer work continues with her input to the development of the Country Universities Centre in Goulburn and Beyond the Orphanage, demonstrating her broad-ranging impact and her willingness to contribute to causes that uplift and empower others,” she said.

“Beth has always also been an avid supporter of local arts and music, an active participant across health and fitness pursuits locally – her exceptional leadership, professional expertise, and unwavering dedication to community service make her truly deserving of the title.

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NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated the state’s Local Woman of the Year Award 2024 recipients.

“Women who contribute to local areas are the pillars of their communities,” she said.

“They selflessly dedicate their time and energy to make a positive difference.

“I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions these women are making in their communities with dedication and passion, and thank them for all their amazing work.”

The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program celebrating outstanding women in local communities, a separate program that runs alongside the Women of the Year Awards program.

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