Soraiya Gharahkhani

Campletown-Macarthur Advertiser

THE University of Western Sydney's 2010 Women of the West Awards had the cream of the crop recognised for their dedication in the community. And Macarthur women were at the forefront of Monday's ceremony.

Sister Kerry MacDermott, who lives in Minto, was announced as the Women of the West joint winner with Aunty Mae Robinson, at the Parramatta campus. Sister Kerry was absent at the UWS awards ceremony because she had to attend an annual healing day and she did not want to ``disappoint anyone''.

She said she was "shocked and overwhelmed" to have won the award. "I guess my work with the Aboriginal community and my work supporting them in their daily lives helped me win the award," she said. Sister Kerry has volunteered her time to a number of community groups including Minto Residents Action Group, Muru Nanga Mai Women's Group, Aboriginal Working Group in Minto and the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee.

Werriwa MP Chris Hayes, who nominated Sister Kerry, said she was a Minto resident for 26 years and the award was a tribute to hard work and dedication. "What strikes me most about Sister Kerry is her ceaseless devotion to the principles of social justice and equality, particularly in relation to the local Aboriginal community," he said. "Over the years Sister Kerry has become a well-respected and much-loved figure within the Campbelltown community. Her compassion and empathy know no bounds, nor does her capacity to advocate for those who feel they have no voice."

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