In recognition of her dedication and hard work in the Ku-ring-gai community, Alister Henskens SC MP has named Wahroonga’s Dr Yvonne McMaster as Ku-ring-gai’s 2018 Local Woman of the Year.

Mr Henskens said Dr McMaster’s commitment to bringing positive change to Ku-ring-gai through working tirelessly to advocate for improved funding and palliative care services made her an outstanding candidate.

“It speaks volumes for Yvonne’s dedication to the community that, after retiring as a doctor in 1998, rather than taking a well-earned break, she immediately signed up to lead a support group for people with advanced cancer,” Mr Henskens said. 

“Through ‘Push for Palliative Care’, since 2011 she has been fully engaged in organising petitions and media campaigns, meeting with doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and politicians, writing countless letters and delivering speeches across the State.

“I also personally benefit from her experience and insight in her capacity as the NSW Cancer Council MP Liaison representative for Ku-ring-gai.” 

Minister for Women Tanya Davies said the NSW Women of the Year Local Awards celebrate the contributions and successes of women who are often quiet achievers.

“The Local Awards are designed to acknowledge women who are making a significant impact in the places where we live and work, and in the lives of people around them. Local award winners exemplify the spirit of their communities,” Mrs Davies said.

Dr McMaster will attend the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney on International Women’s Day, Thursday, 8 March with Mr Henskens and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

State-wide Award winners, as voted by the public, will be announced at the Awards ceremony. To view the full list of Award categories and finalists go to www.women.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards program recognises remarkable women across the State who have achieved inspiring things in their careers, in business or in their communities.