Abermain’s Catherine Parsons is a deserving Local Woman of the Year, according to the man who nominated her, Cessnock MP Clayton Barr.

It follows her exceptional contributions to the community, via the arts and civic duties throughout the city.

From the early 1980s until her retirement this year, she has been the secretary and convener of the Abermain Eisteddfod.

It’s enabled Ms Parsons to become one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the arts sector due to her leadership and dedication.

Her efforts have also ensured the continuation of the Abermain Eisteddfod as a cultural highlight of the Hunter Valley, providing competitors with the opportunity to grow in expertise and confidence in their chosen art performance.

For more than 30 years, she’s volunteered with the Central Hunter Community Broadcasters, where she’s still the 2CHR association secretary, program manager and office manager.

Her work behind the scenes has contributed to the continuation of the great community asset, too.

Ms Parsons served as a councillor on Cessnock City Council for two decades, including a term as Deputy Mayor and was the community representative to Hunter Health, NSW Forestry and Newcastle Port Authority.

“I’m incredibly proud to see Catherine recognised as a role model in our community,” Mr Barr said.

“Her dedication to arts and her tireless contributions to the community is both admirable and inspiring.”

Ms Parsons’ other achievements include:

• Secretary of Abermain Plaza Hall Management Committee
• Member Cessnock City Seniors Week (now Seniors Festival, Advisory Committee)
• Awarded Premier’s Award for contributions to the education of senior citizens
• Special Religious Education teacher in local schools for 25 years
• Lecturer Australian Institute of Management Newcastle
• Foundation member of Abermain Heritage Preservation Society in 1998
• Patron of Edgeworth David History Museum
• Founder of Abermain Neath Tidy Towns and President of group for many years 2000 Olympic and Para Olympic Games Volunteer 

For more community stories:

• Newcastle surfer Philippa Anderson inspires the next generation of girls
• Viv Allanson OAM named Charlestown’s Local Woman of the Year
• Imohgen rings bell to mark end of brave battle with rare blood cancer

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