LESLEY FLANNERY - LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) — Lesley Flannery has recently been recognised in the Maitland Local Woman of the Year Awards for her strong contribution to the Maitland community for more than four decades. Lesley is a committee member and founder of Maitland Cancer Appeal which provides a linen service to people in the Maitland LGA living with a terminal illness. She has served as the secretary since 1987. She was also treasurer for the Maitland branch of Friends of Palliative Care for 16 years. This year alone Maitland Cancer Appeal donated $400,000 to cancer research in the Hunter. Without Lesley's input and hard work these things may not have been as successful. Despite turning 87 this year, Lesley is still working and on the committee as secretary. Her life has revolved around helping people in her community with her current project, organising World Day of Prayer for the local Anglican Church. Lesley is a truly remarkable woman who has spent a lifetime caring for and supporting those in need. Lesley is a woman worthy of highly commended recognition for her sustained service to the Maitland community.