Community leaders and educators were honoured as 2017 University Fellows recently, among them, Gerringong’s Sandra McCarthy.
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The former Kiama mayor, was recognised alongside, Ian Brown, Christine Thompson and Paul Sharrad when they were presented with University Fellowships in recognition of their excellence, leadership, service and impact, the highest recognition at the 2017 University Fellowship and Alumni Awards.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive the recognition of Fellow of UOW,” Mrs McCarthy said.
“I am a graduate of the university and proud of the contribution our world class university has made to the Illawarra.
“The award has recognised my service to local government as mayor of Kiama, the health plan and the importance of considering the impact on health and social wellbeing when making planning decisions.
“I believe the award also recognises our great community of Kiama Municipality.”
Sandra McCarthy – Summary of Citation
Deeply committed to social justice, Sandra McCarthy has spent her career creating meaningful connections and building and sharing knowledge to enhance human health, both locally and globally.
Sandra served as Mayor of Kiama Municipal Council (KMC) between 2000 and 2012, following a five-year term as Deputy Mayor. Sandra remains Kiama’s longest serving Mayor, bestowed the honorary title of Emeritus Mayor in 2012 in recognition of her enormous contribution and impact. She was also named NSW Local Government Kiama Woman of the Year in 2012.
In 2014, she was one of just 30 high-performing rural women to receive a new scholarship offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors with the aim of lifting female representation on boards. She shares her expertise as a board member of Healthy Cities Illawarra, Community Options Illawarra and Blue Haven Aged Care Facility in Kiama.
Sandra is deeply engaged with the University and driven to strengthen its connections with community to improve public health. An Honorary Senior Fellow with the UOW Centre for Health Initiatives (CHI), she undertakes collaborative research in social marketing and dementia friendly initiatives. She has tutored and presented guest lectures at UOW for Public Health, Social Sciences, University of Wollongong Sydney Business School and CHI, and served as a member of the University of Wollongong Council from 1998 until 2001.
She holds a UOW Master of Public Health and Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies Administration, and is a BOSTES accredited teacher with more than 25 years teaching experience at secondary and adult education level. Sandra is a vocal advocate for the importance and benefits of lifelong learning, and is sought after as a speaker at conferences both in Australia and abroad.
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