The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:05): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)on the eve of International Women's Day, 7 March 2024, the Tamworth Family Support Service [TFSS] held an award ceremony in Armidale to mark International Women's Day;

(b)the awards recognised the importance of country women in their communities and the crucial roles they play in rural and regional New South Wales;

(c)the local women's awards were a way of celebrating remarkable women from across the Armidale community; and

(d)the awards recognised exemplary volunteers, young leaders and businesswomen who make a positive contribution to their community.

(2)That this House notes that:

(a)the award ceremony was attended by:

(i)the Hon. Barnaby Joyce, Federal member for New England;

(ii)Councillor Susan McMichael, councillor on Armidale Regional Council;

(iii)Belinda Kotris, CEO of Tamworth Family and Support Services and staff;

(iv)Bernie Shakeshaft, founder of BackTrack Youth Works;

(v)Tina Rimpici, recipient of the Award of Resilience;

(vi)Tanja van der Walt, winner of Outstanding Community Businesswoman;

(vii)Kimaree Drury, runner-up of Outstanding Community Businesswoman;

(viii)Brooke Turner, winner of Outstanding Young Community Woman (16-24yrs);

(ix)Helen Browning, winner of Outstanding Community Woman;

(x)Lynda Lynch and Tammy Marriott, runners‑up of Outstanding Community Woman; and

(b)the award ceremony acknowledged TFSS staff nominations of Ces Cromie and Fiona Ramsey.

(3)That this House notes that the theme for International Women's Day 2024 was "Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress" and these awards go some way to that theme.

(4)That this House calls on the Government to continue to support and recognise International Women's Day every day and not just one day of the year.

Motion agreed to.