Murrawarri woman and Dubbo TAFE teacher Elsie Gordon is one of six finalists in the 2012 NSW Woman of the Year, People’s Choice Community Hero award.
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Nominated by her TAFE colleagues, the teacher has spent more than 20 years championing the conditions of woman and children faced with domestic violence situations and homelessness.
Through the Safer House Project Elsie covered the rural and outback communities of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Bourke and Wilcania, training support workers.
The finalist has been involved in organising community events that address women’s issues such as Reclaim the Night, International Women’s Day events, Breast Cancer Awareness Big Breakfast and the domestic and family violence 16 days of activism campaign.
As well as volunteering for a variety of committees, Mrs Gordon has won numerous awards over the years for her contributions.
In 2010, she received a Women Out West (WOW) Award for inspirational leadership. In 2005 she received the NSW Law and Justice Foundation Aboriginal Award for outstanding committment to improving access to justice for Aboriginal people in NSW.
In 2011 she was presented with a TAFE Western Institute Director’s Award in recognition of significant contribution to TAFE Western.
She has also been awarded certificates of excellence in welfare related areas.
Mrs Gordon, who teaches Certificate 4 in Social Housing at TAFE Western, has been described by colleagues and friends as someone who is “approachable, real and honest”.
Mrs Gordon said the nomination held more weight for her because it came via her work mates.
“I felt honoured that my co-workers respected me enough to nominate me, that they think I am worthy,” she said.
“It’s also an honour to be one of the six finalists for such a prestigious award.”
While the nomination was flattering, Mrs Gordon said she was not motivated by personal recognition.
She was driven by the desire to help people to live better, safer lives.
“I love the work I do, that’s why I do it,’” she said.
“I have achieved a lot but you don’t do it all on your own, you also have the people you work with who help you get there,” she said.
To vote for Mrs Gordon in the award go to:
Voting closes midnight, May 14.