While the nomination came as a complete shock to Edwina Sharrock, the Birth Beat founder is embracing the opportunity with both hands, and is urging locals to get online and cast a vote.

Late last year local Westpac Rescue paramedic Stuart Harris saw that nominations were open for the 2019 NSW Women of the Year Awards, and immediately thought of his former co-worker.

“Edwina and Birth Beat are filling a massive hole in rural and remote health – those services are shutting down – we see it every week,” he said.

“Not only is she really forwarding regional and rural health, but she has also taken a big risk and then worked really hard to get there – it is all passion.” 

Meanwhile even local member Kevin Anderson has urged the community to get online and vote for the “woman making a difference in our community.”

“This year’s finalists are just a handful of the thousands of women who make a difference in our communities, and I urge everyone across our region to show their support by viewing these remarkable stories online and submitting their vote,” he said.

For Mrs Sharrock being named a finalist is just another opportunity to pursue a lifelong passion for better health outcomes for regional families.

“It is a real honour to be named alongside some of those other women,” she said.

“Most of all it gives me another platform to put the focus back on regional health.

“It would be great to see the community get online and support me and my cause.”

Click here to submit your vote or read more about the finalists.