Prominent Hunter business identity Pennie Kearney has been named Maitland Woman of the Year as part of International Women's Day.
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Ms Kearney, CEO of Hunter disability service the Mai-Wel Group, received the award at a Women's Network Hunter NSW gala dinner on Monday night.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison presented the award to Ms Kearney.
“Pennie is an outstanding and inspirational leader in our community," Ms Aitchison said.
"Her work for and with people with disabilities is an inspiration to all.
"She has provided leadership in the NDIS and demonstrates the ability to embrace change for the good of her clients to ensure they have great and meaningful lives.
"Her passion for the people across the Mai-Wel business is evident to all who know her and she is a wonderful advocate and fundraiser.”
The former school teacher began her community work at the age of 16, when she raised money for the local swimming pool at Merriwa.
Ms Kearney spent 12 years working with unemployed people.
She joined the Mai-Wel Group in 1997 and became CEO in 2000.
Since then, Ms Kearney has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Mai-Wel and has been a strong and positive role model of community service in Maitland.
“Pennie’s fundraisers for Mai-Wel have become community institutions, with people looking forward to the Mai-Wel Comedy Debate, the Gala Ball, and Play Well for Mai-Wel amongst others," Ms Aitchison said.
“Pennie has ensured through the many and varied programs delivered by Mai-Wel that people with disabilities in Maitland are able to participate fully in our community.
“As I go about my work in Maitland I am always inspired by the women in our community and this year, for me, Pennie was a standout.
"But every day women of all ages across Maitland make immense and valuable contributions to their community, and these annual awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate these inspirational women.”
