‘A perfect night’, was how Women Out West president Jan Grady has described Saturday’s awards presentation.
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The Women Out West awards are given to those who show outstanding achievements in various fields, not only business, but home life as well.
They range from Outstanding Aboriginal Leadership, to Outstanding Team Spirit, to Outstanding Family Leadership, to Integrated Family and Business.
Three women were also named as Women Out West ambassadors.
Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre manager Linda Christof was announced as the Orana Women Out West ambassador. For the Central West region it was Karla McDiarmid, and Vicki Hadfield will be promoting the organisation in the Far West.
The theme for 2016 was Broadway, making the women involved feel as though they were transported onto the theatre stage.
“I honestly believe we could not have done any better,” Ms Grady said.
“The big thing was that people that night learnt about so many women they had no idea about. I think that’s the magic of these awards: unexpected stories that are told.
“And everyone partied madly.”
Ms Grady said one of the touching moments of the night was the story of one lady who cared for five of her own children, and had another five who had come to her as foster children.
Another woman had cared for about 50 foster children throughout her life, Ms Grady said.
“We as a committee feel the only sad part is we can’t shine the light on everybody. It’s just not a possibility for us,” she said.
Even those who were not chosen as the winners of their category or given the highly commended award should feel very proud to be finalists, Ms Grady said.
“It was very obvious right throughout the night that no one knew their name was going to get called out as the winner.
“For them to be chosen as a winner was an incredible honour.
And it was hard for the judges to even choose a winner. Those who didn’t win were just as amazing as those who won are.”
Australian journalist and television presenter Sandra Sully was the “perfect pick” for MC, Ms Grady said.
The event organiser said she was extremely grateful to the sponsors of the event and for the work of all the committee members.
2016 Women Out West Award Winners
Outstanding Carer: Lyndal Cook, Dubbo.
Outstanding Aboriginal Leadership: Natalie Barnes, Dubbo.
Outstanding Woman Employee: Carissa Hutton, Dubbo.
Outstanding Team Spirit: Dubbo Blood Bank Donor Centre, Dubbo.
Outstanding Community Leadership: Annette Gainsford, Bathurst.
Outstanding Achievement: Joanne Maree Holland, Gilgandra.
Outstanding Family Leadership: Jackie Odendaal, Dubbo.
Outstanding Young Entrepreneur: Teyarna Mayne, Dubbo.
Outstanding Organisation: Hear Our Heart Ear Bus Project, Dubbo.
Outstanding Integrated Family and Business: Amanda Myhill, Dubbo.
Outstanding Arts and Creativity: Hayley McKernan, Dubbo.
Outstanding Vision and Innovation in Business: Karla McDiarmid, Bathurst.
Outstanding Inspirational Leadership: Lynn Field, Dubbo.
Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Jessica Richards, Orange.
Outstanding Optimism: Vicki Hadfield, Broken Hill.
Lifetime Achievement: Roz Townsend, Bathurst.