CONTRIBUTION HONOURED: NSW Local Government Minister Don Page, left, with Gunnedah Shire councillor Gwen Griffen, Minister for Women Pru Goward and Gunnedah Shire Council's waste management superintendent Sheridan Cameron.
TWO northern region women who work in local government have been recognised at the sixth annual Minister’s Awards for Women in Local Government.
Gunnedah shire councillor Gwen Griffen was named the winner of the award for “Elected representative from a rural or regional community” and Gunnedah Shire Council employee Sheridan Cameron was the winner of the “Women in non-traditional roles – rural or regional council”.
Cr Griffen was first elected to Gunnedah Shire Council in 1995 and was the first Aboriginal to be elected onto the council.
In her time on council Cr Griffen has been involved in a number of committees including crime prevention, environment and development, Australian Local Government Women’s Association executive, Australia Day, Healthy for Life (Hospital) and the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Ms Campbell is Gunnedah shire’s waste management superintendent.
The awards, hosted by NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward are held annually as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Parliament House.
Ms Goward said the awards were designed to celebrate the unsung heroes of local government.
“Whether it’s a councillor or a council employee, these women are called on each day to respond to their communities by delivering services,” she said.