Do you know a local woman who should be recognised for their contribution to our community?

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison MP, needs your help and is calling for nominations for the Maitland 2027 NSW Local Woman of the Year award.

The NSW Local Woman of the Year award recognises a woman for her outstanding contribution to the local community as a businesswoman, role model, volunteer, leader or mentor and one woman from each electorate across NSW receives the award.

The award is about recognising every day, women of all ages, professions and backgrounds across Maitland making immense and valuable contributions to our community, of which Maitland has many.

The 2026 recipient was Barbara 'Barbie' Bird in recognition of her 40 years of service to the Maitland District Netball Association (MDNA). a true stalwart of the MDNA and a much-loved member of our local sporting community. Barbara has volunteered at both club and association level, longer than anyone else in MDNA’s history, mentoring and supporting generations of Maitland women. 

The 2025 recipient was 102-year-old Joan Palmer in recognition of her significant work to support the Maitland and the broader Hunter community over decades in education, Legacy, Maitland Repertory Society and Maitland Golf Club.

All nominees for the 2027 Maitland NSW Local Woman of the Year award will be invited to a special event hosted by Ms Aitchison and the Women's Network Hunter to be held on 26th February 2027 for International Women’s Day. The winner will also be invited to the NSW Woman of the Year Awards Ceremony at the ICC Sydney on 4th March, 2027.