Four remarkable women are in the running for the 2016 Lifeline Upper Hunter Steel Magnolia award, which will be announced this week.
The accolade recognises and honours a resident from the Greater Cessnock or Upper Hunter region for her strength in the face of adversity and commitment to the community.
Those in line for the 2016 crown include Cessnock’s Kelly Moylan, Chic (Anthea) Taylor of Scone, Pauline Carrigan (Bunnan) and Sarah Dunn (Singleton).
The winner will be determined by an independent judging panel and announced at a fundraising high tea luncheon at Sacred Spaces in Singleton on Friday, November 11.
Ms Moylan is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer and a long-time volunteer and fundraiser for Cancer Council events such as Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day.
Since her diagnosis, she has increased her contribution, working tirelessly to support Cessnock Relay For Life as a member of the committee and a team captain.
Ms Moylan said she was “absolutely thrilled” that her fellow workers at Hunter/Central Coast Cancer Council nominated her for the Steel Magnolia award.
“I had no idea and it was a huge shock when I was informed,” she said.
“In fact, for once in my life, I was speechless!
“I don't expect to win, but it is a great honour to be nominated.”
Ms Taylor is a support worker at Overton House, a respite house and day program centre.
She organises the All Stars in conjunction with St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen students to provide a week of activities and drama workshops for people with a disability.
Ms Taylor has not let losing her father stop her from giving to the community. She has also volunteered for Upper Hunter Peer Link and TransCare.
Ms Carrigan is co-founder of Where There’s a Will, a not-for-profit charity established in the Upper Hunter in 2016 to address significant mental health issues facing the community.
She lost her 24-year-old son Will to suicide on Christmas Day 2015.
Ms Dunn lost her son Harry, aged nine, in an accident which left her other son seriously injured.
In partnership with St Catherine’s College where Harry attended, she set about creating Harry’s Climb, a multi-level children’s climbing gym.
Ms Dunn regularly undertakes rides to fundraise for Camp Quality, last year raising more than $14,000.
She also fundraises for Singleton Family Support and Ronald McDonald House.
When her friend Sharon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Ms Dunn organised two events that raised more than $20,000 to support Sharon and her family.
Limited tickets for the event remain and are now on sale.
To book, phone 4940 2000 or email fundraising@lifelinehunter.org.au.
