Earlier this month on March 8 we celebrated International Women’s Day. This is a day when we celebrate the achievements that women make to our local area.
Local firefighter, Tanya Deger, has made an outstanding contribution to our region. Tanya is the Deputy Captain at Wamberal Rural Fire Brigade and regularly puts her life on the line to help protect people and properties from danger. She also trains and mentors new volunteer firefighters, particularly the younger female members of the Brigade.
Not only does Tanya work tirelessly as a volunteer, she also runs her own small business called ‘Coastal Cake Co’, whilst raising two young children. Truly an inspiration to so many!
In recognition of her commitment to our community, I was delighted to recently nominate Tanya as the Terrigal electorate’s 2018 local Woman of the Year.
Congratulations also to Suzy Miller, who has been recognised as a top four finalist for the New South Wales Business Woman of the Year Award. Suzy is a Central Coast local from Macmasters Beach, and was selected from hundreds of nominations across New South Wales!
Suzy is the Director of ‘Leadership Within’, a locally-based business which provides executive coaching and leadership development. After working for over two decades in a large financial institution, Suzy shifted her focus to making our local area a better place. She is now actively involved with organising the annual 5 Lands Walk and is also a participant in the Cancer Council’s 2018 Stars of the Coast.
Suzy is an inspiration to all full-time working men and women – her own career path is living proof that it is possible to be based on the Central Coast and succeed in the corporate world.
With so many hard-working people in our region who rarely receive the praise they deserve, this year’s International Women’s Day was an opportunity to say “thank you” to all who strive to make a difference.
At a celebratory event held on International Women’s Day to recognise the contributions of Tanya, Suzy, and many others, I was joined by our Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Women Tanya Davies.
As a Government, we are committed to ensuring all women and men across New South Wales have the opportunity to achieve their ambitions and goals.
In fact, ABS Labour Force statistics show that female employment in New South Wales has increased five per cent in the past year alone – more than double the 10 year average! The State Liberal Government’s balanced budget and record infrastructure investment is helping to create more opportunities for workers and their families in every single community.
These positive labour force figures are certainly testament to the hard-working women right across the state.
So, to all women on the Central Coast: thank you for all that you do! Congratulations Tanya, Suzy, and thank you to everyone in our community who goes above and beyond to make the Central Coast a great place.
Adam Crouch is State Member for Terrigal.
