NOMINATIONS are being called for the 2027 International Women’s Day (IWD) Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award.
This award celebrates exceptional women in the region of the Bellingen Shire and the Coffs Harbour City Local Government Areas who have shown innovation, dedication, and significant contributions to empowering the local community.
Since its inception by the IWD Planning Committee in 2015, this award has recognised women who have made meaningful impacts in various fields including voluntary, community, going above and beyond in their business, and professional work.
The award celebrates a woman who actively engages with the community, improves the lives of others, and promotes economic, cultural, or social wellbeing through her role.
Past recipients include inspiring women such as Christina Monneron (2015), Charlotte Young (2016), Jane Tavener (2017), Aunty Bea Ballangarry (2018), Shelley Lowe (2019), Lily Isobella (2020), Emma Aspden (2021), Jade Naidu (2022), Doris Cowan (2023), Falak Othman (2024), Tiga Cross (2025) and Angela Martin (2026).
In 2018, a runner-up award was introduced, with Nicola Mackie and Penny Westman being joint winners in 2026.
The awards ceremony will take place during the 28th IWD Breakfast on Friday 5 March 2027. This event, to be held at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club, is organised by three leading women’s groups—the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc., BPW Coffs Coast and BWN Coffs Coast.
All Woman of the Year finalists are recognised for the vital and inspiring work that they do, and the winner and runner-up will receive an engraved trophy. The main award-winner receives $1,500, sponsored by The North Coast Hotel Group, while the runner-up will receive $1,000, sponsored by One Agency Coffs Harbour.
Both cash prizes allow the women to continue to advance their objectives.
The 2026 IWD Woman of the Year winner, Angela Martin, CEO of Lifeline North Coast, said that the award opened doors for her and her organisation.
“I’m deeply thankful to you for creating the platform that made this possible,” Ms Martin said.
“I’m excited to pay it forward in a way that uplifts and empowers young women and strengthens our region’s future workforce.”
IWD committee member Jenny Wiseman paid tribute to the broad importance of women.
“The women of the Coffs Coast play a vital role in enriching our community across volunteer, community, business and professional fields,” Ms Wiseman said.
“It’s truly rewarding to continue highlighting the incredible impact these women have on our local area.”
Nomination forms can be submitted electronically through the website iwdcoffscoast.org.au
The closing date for nominations is 18 November 2026.
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