Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has announced Penny Lamaro as the Northern Tablelands Electorate Local Woman of the Year for 2025.
The Local Woman of the Year recognises and honours women and girls from across NSW whose contributions to their communities are an inspiration to everyone.
Ms Lamaro is the chief executive officer at the Women’s Shelter Armidale, a community-owned crisis service which supports women fleeing violence in regional NSW.
As part of her work at the WSA, Penny has established a free meals project, a health clinic and a birth certificate and ID program.
She is also spearheading the planning and production of Armidale’s Youth Hub, aimed at providing a safe space for young people.
Before taking on the leadership role at the Women’s Shelter, Penny spent nearly a decade working in youth homelessness where she wrote and developed therapy programs, including a dog therapy program.
“Penny has worked tirelessly at bettering the lives of people from all different backgrounds,” Mr Moylan said.
“Penny has never sought recognition for her work; she just wants to better people’s lives.
“I am proud to have Penny as a role model in the Northern Tablelands community and making it a better place for everyone.
“On behalf of the Northern Tablelands, thank you Penny for your dedication and commitment to helping women and young people from across the region.”
Ms Lamaro was humbled to receive the honour and said it is a celebration of all the people who dedicate their time to making the community stronger.
“It is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate all of the work that gets done behind the scenes and the people, like my team, who dedicate massive chunks of their time, their energy and their life to make our community strong, to make our community feel safer and feel supported,” she said.
“I am always amazed by people who have done it really tough who go on to become such changemakers.
“Their lived experiences can be so precious to our communities.
“Regions are full of amazing people who get shit done and that is my favourite part of being from of a regional area; being creative, being innovative and getting it done.
“That is a really nice thing to be part of.”
Ms Lamaro will receive her certificate as the Northern Tablelands Local Woman of the Year at the 2025 Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this Thursday, 6 March.
Ms Lamaro is also a finalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year category as part of the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan announced Penny Lamaro as the Northern Tablelands Electorate Local Woman of the Year for 2025.