Stephanie Cameron is the business operations manager and co-owner of East West Enviroag – a Tamworth-based soil testing lab.

She has been nominated for the 2017 Rex Airlines Regional Women of the Year Awards by a member of the Tamworth community.

Mrs Cameron’s business started from a desire to provide soil and water testing facilities locally, reducing the need to send samples to the city, creating employment and skill development opportunities locally.

Passionate about her community and the environment, she’s also actively involved in several community projects and groups.

She is chairperson of the New England North West Landcare Network and the Sustainable Northwest program, and deputy chairperson of Landcare NSW. She is also a founding member of the Tamworth Urban Landcare Group and the treasurer of the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and Tamworth Club of Zonta.

Mrs Cameron told The Leader she was “very honoured” to be nominated among top women in their field.

“It’s a lovely feeling that someone feels like you do a good job and takes the time to nominate you,” she said.

“It was a bit of a shock, but I feel very humbled and proud.”

Mrs Cameron said her work in the local environment was something that she was passionate about, and it all started when she saw the state of the Peel River about a decade ago.

“I remember driving over there and thinking it looked like a dump and I wanted to do something about it” she said.

“I feel like now when I drive over I can see the trees planted by the river and it’s returned to its natural state and I think we can be proud of what we have achieved.

“I don’t do it for the awards, but the fact that someone has nominated me, it’s a lovely honour just to be a finalist.” To vote for Mrs Cameron, visit www.women.nsw.gov.au, with the winner to be announced in March.