LYNNE GRAHAM NAMED 2024 WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Wagga Wagga Local Woman of the Year 2024 award has been presented to Lynne Graham in recognition of her significant work to support the community.

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, commended Mrs Graham onthe honour, recognising her passion and the positive impact she has made as a powerhouse with Carevan, assisting those in the Wagga community experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, social isolation, domestic violence or hardship.

“This is a well-deserved honour for Lynne,” Dr McGirr said.

“Lynne stepped down as Carevan Wagga manager at the end of last year and leaves behind a tremendous legacy.

“She has established an organisation that has made a profound difference to our community.

“Lynne’s genuine care for others and passion for looking after those in the community less Fortunate than herself is to be admired.”

The Woman of the Year Award is the latest recognition for Mrs Graham, who was named Wagga’s Citizen of the Year in 2020 for her tireless devotion to helping those in need.

Mrs Graham said she was humbled to receive the award and paid tribute to her family and all of the volunteers who assisted over her five years with Carevan.

“It was a privilege to reach out to people who needed a hand up – not just through meals, although that was important – but also to provide that human touch to people who may have been struggling,” she said.

“There are many people in our community with passion and dedication to help others and I was just a part of that, so this award is for all the volunteers and everyone I worked with who made those we helped feel valued and involved.”

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. They selflessly dedicate their time and energy to make a positive difference,” Minister Harrison said.

“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. This is a separate program which runs alongside the prestigious Women of the Year Awards program.

The Local Women of the Year Awards is part of the NSW Government’s initiative to recognise the accomplishments of women as part of NSW Women’s Week 2024, running 4-10 March, coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards will be hosted at the NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on 7 March 2024.