MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has congratulated two Armidale women who have been named finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Dr Annette Cowie is a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award while Penny Lamaro is a finalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year category.

Dr Cowie is a professor at the University of New England and has a background in soil science and plant nutrition.

She has a particular interest in sustainable resource management and has many advisory and research accolades to her name.

Ms Lamaro is the chief executive officer at the Women’s Shelter Armidale. She is the leader of this community-owned crisis service which supports women fleeing violence in regional NSW.

As part of her work at the WSA, Ms Lamaro has established a free meals project, a health clinic and a birth certificate and ID program. She also spearheads Armidale’s Youth Hub which provides a safe space for young people.

“It is excellent to see both of these women recognised as finalists in the NSW Women of the Year,” Mr Moylan said.

“Dr Cowie and Ms Lamaro are very deserving of these honours. I would like to congratulate both women for their commitment and dedication to their respective fields.”

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan with NSW Regional Woman of the Year finalist Penny Lamaro.

The awards feature six categories; NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years), and Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years).

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 6 March at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

The awards are at the centre of the NSW Women’s Week which runs from Sunday, March 2 and Saturday, March 8.