SHANELLE PESCUD

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Shanelle Pescud was a recent nominee in the Local Woman of the Year Awards for the Maitland area. She has made a considerable contribution and impact to both Maitland and its surrounds by volunteering her time to support community events and organisations that need it most. She regularly participates in local agricultural shows and recently became a director of her local show, to continue her passion for inspiring youth and women in agriculture and to support events at the Maitland Showground. After becoming a Rural Achiever Finalist last year, Shanelle is now also an honorary committee member of the Newcastle Show. Shanelle also volunteers her time for Hunter Volunteer Centre through their companion program, volunteering her time each week at Calvary Mt Carmel in Rutherford to provide social support and friendship to the elderly. She also volunteers at Kookaburra Kids, empowering young people impacted by family mental illness to thrive through activity days, connect and camps and supporting mental health education. Shanelle has a passion for community engagement, and her involvement in the community reiterates this.