Women from all walks of life, their struggles, inspirations and the services that help them were championed during one of the Port's International Women's Day celebrations this week.
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A capacity crowd turned out to a breakfast hosted by MPs Meryl Swanson and Kate Washington in Williamtown on Monday.
So big has the event grown, swelling to 230 people this year, that it moved to Murrook Culture Centre's new conference room after two years of being staged at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.
"I'm delighted that Meryl and I have created something that's so appealing," Ms Washington said. "And not just that but something that supports women in our community."
The event once again saw school leaders from Tomaree, Irrawang and Hunter River high schools form a panel who answered questions about their passions, inspirations and where they see themselves in five to 10 years.
Attendees also heard Yacaaba Centre and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services speakers about the work they do for the women of the area.
The event raised $5000 which will be split between the two services and Murrook. Each said the funds would be used for their women's services.
During the event, Ms Washington announced the winner of the Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year.
Taurie Lalor, who has been a member of the Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group since 2003, received the recognition.
"Taurie is someone who has worked quietly for a long time, supporting people in the community. Taurie and her team have done tremendous work in the community and I wanted to recognise that," Ms Washington said.
As part of the annual International Women's Day celebrations, women across NSW like Ms Lalor are awarded for their commitment to improving the communities in which they live by their local member for parliament.
Ms Lalor started driving for the Nelson Bay-based not-for-profit support group in 2003.
In the years since she has held the positions of treasurer, vice president and president. She was elected president of the group in 2012, a position she held until the start of this month (March).
Speaking at the International Women's Day breakfast on Monday morning, Ms Lalor said she was honoured to accept the award but did so on behalf of all the group's volunteers who "have worked so hard with our breast cancer patients" on the Tomaree Peninsula.
"We have assisted over 300 people with two being men and far too many being under 50 years of age," Ms Lalor said. "We are always looking for volunteers."
Contact the group through tomareebreastcancersupport.com.au.
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