Western Weekender January 30

PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP

weekender the western FRI 30 JAN 2015 • Issue 1188

Printed on 100% recycled paper

The footy is back!

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

B U S I N E S S T I PS Advice, tips and profiles on the best local businesses p.30-31

Our Woman of the Year She just keeps winning: Jessica Fox takes out prestigious honour DALE DRINKWATER

Auckland Nines kick off the 2015 NRL season p.33

Finding jobs via Facebook p.22 COMMUNITY Penrith celebrates 200 years with range of events p.27

@daledrinkwater

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essica Fox’s impressive work in and out of the water has landed her the honour of being Penrith’s 2015 Local Woman of the Year. Ms Fox was presented the award by State Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres and Minister for Women, Pru Goward on Wednesday. Ms Goward said that even though the award is to recognise women who don’t have a major public profile, it’s also just as important to give it to women who act as an inspiration to other women. “Jess’ is the story of ‘work, work, work and you can get there’ and I think Jess is a great role model for young women in this region,” she said. “We need to keep encouraging girls to take a risk, to have ambition, to want to be the best.” Ms Goward commended her on her 99.1 mark in the HSC, and her efforts in studying psychology and communications through university online. “We have a young woman that is not only at the top in her sport in the world but also recognises that she’s got to set herself up to be independent,” she said. “I’m afraid a lot of young women don’t always think of that last part, they don’t aspire to independence, they think Prince Charming is going to look after all of that.” Mr Ayres said it was difficult to turn down a local world champion for the award, but agrees it’s about much more than that. “To be able to say to people that you can follow your personal dreams as well as build a professional career I think is the main reason why we

Stuart Ayres, Jessica Fox and Pru Goward at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Photo: Melinda Jane should recognise her for her fantastic work,” he said. “We talk about role models a lot in society, I think Jess does that without really thinking about it, whether it’s her dedication to her sport, her dedication to her community, she’s someone who’s continued to study,”

Ms Fox said the award was humbling and that it meant a lot to be recognised in such a way. “When I’m competing and representing my country and community I’m not thinking about these kind of awards. I’m just out there to do the best I can to represent the people who support me,” she said.

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