The accolades keep piling up for Stanford Merthyr resident and much-loved historian Lexie Matthews.
After winning the Heritage Award at the Cessnock City Council’s Australia Day Awards in January, she’s now been recognised as the 2024 Cessnock Local Woman of the Year.
Coinciding with the 2024 IWD celebrations, the honour acknowledges outstanding woman in their respective communities.
And, Ms Matthews certainly fits the bill.
She’s been preserving the region’s history, via her volunteering efforts as a member of the Coalfields Local History Association and custodian of the Sir Edgeworth David Museum for the past 21 years.
The inspirational citizen attends the museum everyday it is open to the public and conducts tours for groups, including schools, senior citizens and tourists.
Ms Matthews is integral to the running of the Edgeworth David Museum, too, and has dedicated thousands of hours to preserve the Hunter Valley Coalfields’ past and its contribution to the growth and financial wellbeing of NSW.
Since 2019 to present, she’s served as secretary of the Coalfields Local History Association.
A passionate and dedicated volunteer, Ms Matthews has been the coordinator of several community groups, including the Save Jacobs Park and Keep Maitland Road Open as well.
She’s a committee member of Stanford Merthyr infants School P&C.
And, for the past 20 years, she has been involved with the local Home Care Service.
“Lexie’s devotion and passion for our community and preserving local history should be highly commended,” Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said.
“It is a privilege to be able to acknowledge her volunteer efforts and thank her for her hard work and zeal on behalf of everyone.
“Lexie’s long history of volunteering as part of multiple community groups and organisations is to be commended.
“She’s a remarkable woman who embodies community spirit.”
For more community stories:
- Maitland Local Woman of the Year Evelyn Stonham on the ball
- Lifesaver dives into Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year award
- Sister Carmel Hanson 2024 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year
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