2026 Coffs Coast Woman of the Year establishes Women of Impact Scholarship to support local women

THE 2026 Coffs Coast Woman of the Year, Angela Martin, CEO of Lifeline North Coast, has used the prize money from her award to establish the Women of Impact Scholarship.

The scholarship will support local women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving mental health, wellbeing and community connection across the North Coast.

Originally intended to support two recipients, the program was expanded to three after receiving an exceptional number of high-quality applications.

Inspired to encourage local women who are passionate about making a positive difference in our community through their personal and professional development, Ms Martin said selecting the recipients was one of the most difficult parts of the process.

“The standard of applications was incredibly high.

“We met women from across our region who are already making a significant contribution to their communities, each with a unique vision for how they hope to support others in the future.

“Choosing just two recipients simply didn’t reflect the calibre of applicants, so I made the decision to extend the scholarship to a third recipient.”

The inaugural Women of Impact Scholarship recipients are Jenn Klufas, Emily Cavagnino and Cherie Timms.

As part of the scholarship, each recipient will complete Lifeline North Coast’s Crisis Support Volunteer Training, equipping them with the skills to support people experiencing crisis while contributing as volunteers within their communities.

They will also receive mentoring and leadership support to further develop their personal and professional goals.

Ms Martin said receiving the Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award was a tremendous honour and establishing the Women of Impact Scholarship was her way of, “paying that recognition forward by investing in women whose passion, lived experience and commitment to helping others will have a lasting impact”.

As well as financial assistance, the scholarship provides mentoring, leadership development and practical opportunities to help these women build on the work they are already doing.

“Through their Crisis Support training and ongoing support, they will be well placed to make a meaningful contribution to mental health and wellbeing across our region,” Ms Martin said.

The recipients will be supported throughout the program by a group of respected local business and community leaders, including Krystal Brown, Kyra Brown, Michelle McFadyen, Blyde Neser and Angela Martin, who will provide mentoring, coaching and guidance as each recipient develops her own area of community impact.

Jenn Klufas is completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Southern Cross University and will commence Honours in 2027.

A mother of two with a background in outdoor leadership, Jenn is developing a nature-based program to support women recovering from trauma by combining evidence-based psychology with the restorative benefits of nature and peer connection.

Emily Cavagnino is also studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Southern Cross University while balancing motherhood and her work as a mindfulness and yoga teacher.

Her long-term goal is to become a registered psychologist and develop accessible wellbeing programs that integrate psychology with mindfulness and somatic practices to promote resilience and early intervention.

Cherie Timms has built a career supporting people through community transport, disability and healthcare services.

Motivated by her own lived experience and a commitment to reducing stigma around mental health, she hopes to use her Crisis Support training to assist people experiencing crisis, social isolation and mental health challenges while continuing to advocate for greater community awareness and inclusion.

The Women of Impact Scholarship reflects Lifeline North Coast’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more connected communities by investing in local people who are dedicated to supporting others.

By Andrea FERRARI