Sue Whitford wins South Coast Woman of the Year Award

The award was a part of the NSW Women of the Year awards announced during NSW Women's Week, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre on Wednesday evening, March 10.

Mrs Whitford said it was a very unexpected surprise.

"It was only when I got an invite about three weeks ago that I had been invited to the event, it wasn't until Shelley Hancock's office rang me to see if I was going," said Mrs Whitford.

"I didn't realise I was actually the winner of the award until yesterday, I didn't expect it!"

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Mrs Whitford earned her bronze in surf lifesaving in 2004, has coached the junior march past team since 1995 and has been involved in nippers since 1990. She is also the only woman to have a life membership at the Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club.

A jack of all trades, Mrs Whitford has also been involved with the Junior Rugby League Committee since 1991, and is now a registrar and life member. She is also a teacher and life member of the Junior Gymnastics Committee too.

For the past nine years, Mrs Whitford has also taken her educational surf lifesaving program to local schools.

Motivated by her six children, Mrs Whitford said every bit of help makes a difference in the local community.

"I have six children and they've all played all sorts of different sports. It just makes it so much easier when everyone gets involved and helps out, so that's why I do it," she said.

Mrs Whitford was nominated for the award by Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock for the Gilmore Electorate.

"About time Sue is recognised and thanked for all her decades of selfless volunteer work with various sport and community groups, but particularly Surf Life Saving NSW," said Mrs Hancock.

"Well done Sue and well deserved."