An initiative of Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter, the award recognises women in the Upper Hunter and Greater Cessnock regions for their strength in the face of adversity and commitment to the community.

Last year’s winner Debbie Templeton of Sawyers Gully is nothing short of inspiring – she’s a State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service volunteer, and finds time to knit clothes for premature babies and crochet beanies for cancer patients.

Yet through all this giving, Debbie has had her own hardships to deal with: the daily challenges of home life as a loving mum to three children with Asperger’s; the struggle of nursing her mother through serious illness; and the sadness and stress of her husband’s bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment.

If you know an inspirational woman who is worthy of recognition, why not nominate her today at www.lifelinehunter.org.au.

The winner will be announced on November 6 at an elegant luncheon Sebel Kirkton Park, which will also be a fundraiser for Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter’s Telephone Crisis Supporter training, face-to-face counselling service and suicide prevention programs.

For further information, nomination forms or tickets, call Emma Askew on 4940 2000.