State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr, MP is pleased to announce Mrs Kim Sweeny is the 2021 Local Woman of the Year for the Cessnock Electorate.
The NSW Woman of the Year awards will be held in Sydney on Wednesday 10 March 2021. The annual awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, communities and society.
Kim Sweeny’s nomination recognises her outstanding dedication to children and their education through her 40+ years working as an educator.
Mrs Sweeny has worked at many local schools including Branxton Public School, Kurri Kurri Public School, Newcastle and Maitland District Office of Public Schools, Abermain Public School and Cessnock East Public school for 18 years.
As Principal at Cessnock East Public School for 13 years, Kim was responsible for the implementation of many programs including REAL project (Rigorous Engaging Authentic Learning) and Cessnock Academy of STEM Excellence (CASE) a partnership between local high and primary schools.
Kim Sweeny has been recognised with awards from Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools (CCGPS) Education Week Awards 2017 for Excellence in leadership, as well as being a finalist for Principal of the Year – Government, in the inaugural Australian Education Awards 2018.
In simple terms, Kim Sweeny transformed Cessnock East Public School and this led to this wonderful local school being a finalist for primary school of the year, innovation in learning design and best use of technology at the 2018 education awards.
Mrs Sweeny retired in September 2019, however, her legacy lives on in her students and former co-workers who continue to implement programs to help students and support members of our community.
“Kim Sweeny is a shining example for what an educator should be, showing great leadership and expertise,” said Clayton Barr.
“Kim’s focus was always on her students but also their families and how to bring out the best in all of them,” said Mr Barr.
“It is a privilege to be able to acknowledge Kim’s hard work and her success.”