2022 NSW Minerals Council Regional Woman of the Year Award

2022 Finalists 

Anna Barwick - Winner

Electorate: Tamworth

As a PhD student and practising pharmacist, Anna Barwick is particularly focused on rural health and women’s health. She started PharmOnline with the goal of connecting every household in Australia to accessible pharmacy services.

PharmOnline clients include new parents, patients with disabilities/chronic diseases and people in geographically isolated areas that require assistance to manage and optimise safe medication use when required.

Mrs Barwick is also a partner of NSW StreetSmart, has mentored young women through the Country to Canberra leadership initiative and was named the PSA 2021 NSW Pharmacist of the Year. 

Rebel Black

Electorate: Barwon

Rebel Black is a human agronomist, rural entrepreneur and founder of THE Rural Woman, a member-owned enterprise that provides geographically isolated rural women in business with community and support via an online platform.

Since its launch, THE Rural Woman has supported more than 12,000 rural women through tailored online programs, training, events, coaching and networking.

Ms Black also created The Seed Scheme, which focuses on creating economic security for women via start-ups and growing businesses, and Plateful, which teaches regenerative agriculture practises. 

Ms Black is motivated by her connection to family, community, land, and culture. She continues to encourage growth in people and communities by pushing them out of their comfort zones.
 

Julie Brady

Electorate: Myall Lakes

Julie Brady is a self-confessed ‘serial volunteer’ who established the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter (GLWS) in an area with high domestic violence rates.

Drawing on her background in business and government, as GLWS president Ms Brady oversaw the shelter’s creation; sourcing premises, securing three grants and recruiting staff. The facility, which can house up to five women and 15 children, has almost never had a vacancy.

Ms Brady then went on to acquire land, raise over $2.2 million and oversee the construction of a new ten bedroom shelter in Forster. 

She has also volunteered at Forster Neighbourhood Centre for many years. Motivated by her desire make a difference, Ms Brady goes by the mantra ‘show me where it says I can’t!’

Jody Ekert

Electorate: Tamworth

Jody Ekert is a queer, neurodivergent, solo parent who is challenging stereotypes about regional living and creating a safe space for diverse identities in Tamworth.

In 2021 Ms Ekert staged the first ever Mardi Gras event in Tamworth. She has also built awareness and support for queer people in regional NSW as a member of the Tamworth Pride Committee and as Volunteer Oceania Outreach Co-ordinator for Global Pride. 

Ms Ekert also founded Tamworth True, an online support and information group for her local community with more than 4,500 members.

Ms Ekert is passionate about sharing her intersecting identities to demonstrate how unique and multi-faceted women are in regional NSW.