LORRAINE Penn, career advocate and long-time volunteer for positive reforms in women’s and mother’s issues, founder of Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network, has been named a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA).
On Saturday 26 September at a gala lunch in Sydney, Ms Penn was presented with the award in the Rural category.
The RIWAs celebrate non-Rotarian women across New South Wales and the ACT who demonstrate outstanding community service and embody the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”.
The Awards acknowledge community service performed by women through their various activities and endeavours.
They recognise the work done by women, the “quiet achievers”, whose actions inspire others and make a difference to their communities.
Nominations are made through a written testimony.
A panel of independent judges from Rotary Districts assess nominees on three key criteria: community service, which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self; achievements; and personal attributes.
Ms Penn said it was an honour to be a finalist and be formally recognised for what she has done and continues to do for the community.
“To be present in a room of 13 other incredibly inspirational women was humbling and rewarding,” she told News Of The Area.
“Over my working life and in retirement, approximately 50 years, volunteering to improve the community has always been my driver, both when I was in Sydney and for the last 18 years in Coffs Harbour.”
Positivity always brings rewards, she said.
“Being nominated for the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards made me feel proud.
“It’s especially meaningful knowing [the nomination] came from one of the other OWN groups in the Southern Highlands, who has worked alongside me as a board member of OWN NSW, as well the regular online meetings with OWN groups around the state where we share ideas with one another, such as what worked well and what didn’t, and importantly, the connections we establish to assist with delivering our objectives.”
Lorraine Penn’s commitment to community service spans decades and reflects a consistent dedication to uplifting under-resourced groups across NSW.
Her journey began as a mother at Frenchs Forest, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where she led the Mother’s Club to secure vital school funding, before becoming Deputy Chair of the Davidson Action Group.
She worked across all levels of government to secure essential infrastructure including medical, education, and transport services for the growing community.
Recognising the lack of leadership opportunities for women in the workforce, Lorraine joined Women in Management, eventually serving as President and growing the organisation to over 1,000 members, an achievement that earned her a Lifetime Membership Award.
Relocating to Coffs Harbour in 2008, Ms Penn broadened her impact significantly.
She joined the board of Enterprise & Training Company Ltd (ETC), contributing to community grant allocation across NSW and Queensland, while also participating on multiple Coffs Harbour City Council community committees.
She simultaneously revitalised the struggling Coffs Harbour Writers Group, serving as President for five years and transforming it into a thriving, financially stable, and incorporated organisation.
From 2012 to 2015, Ms Penn represented the Coffs Harbour region on the Rural Women Connect Network, facilitating connection and resource-sharing for women across NSW.
In 2019, she identified the need for an older women’s hub in Coffs Harbour, leading to the co-founding of the Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network (CHOWN) in 2020, which she continues to coordinate today.
From 2022 to 2025, she served on the Board of OWN NSW, contributing to statewide initiatives benefiting older women.
In 2023, she took on the coordination and Co-chair role of the Elder Abuse Collaborative in Coffs Harbour, reporting to the Australian Disability Commission.
Ms Penn also volunteers with the National Women’s Coalition, advocating on issues of housing, employment, domestic violence, and elder abuse affecting rural, regional, and remote older women across Australia.
By Andrea FERRARI
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