State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr, MP is pleased to announce Catherine Parsons from Abermain is the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for the Cessnock Electorate.
The Local Women of the Year Awards celebrate visionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates, and trailblazing role models who make a meaningful difference in their communities.
This year, a total of 94 inspiring women have been nominated by their local Members of Parliament as part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March) – a week-long celebration that empowers women and promotes gender equality across the state.
Award recipient Catherine Parsons was nominated by Mr Clayton Barr in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community due to her dedication to the arts and her tireless contributions to the local Cessnock City community.
From the early 1980s until her retirement this year she has been Secretary and Convener of the Abermain Eisteddfod. Catherine has become one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the local arts community due to her leadership and dedication.
Catherine’s efforts have ensured the continuation of the Abermain Eisteddfod as a cultural highlight of the Hunter Valley, providing competitors with the opportunity to grow in expertise and confidence in their chosen art performance. Without her dedicated efforts the Eisteddfod would have been unlikely to have survived to become the showcase that it is.
For over 30 years, she has volunteered with the Central Hunter Community Broadcasters, where she continues to be the 2CHR Association Secretary, Programme Manager and Office Manager. Her tireless work behind the scenes as well as presentation of radio programmes has contributed to the continuation of this great community asset.
Catherine served as a Councillor on Cessnock City Council for 20+ years, including a term as Deputy Mayor and was the community representative to Hunter Health, NSW Forestry, and Newcastle Ports Authority.
Catherine’s other achievements include:
- Secretary of Abermain Plaza Hall Management Committee
- Member Cessnock City Seniors Week (now Seniors Festival, Advisory Committee)
- Awarded Premier’s Award for contributions to the education of senior citizens
- Special Religious Education teacher in local schools for 25 years
- Lecturer Australian Institute of Management Newcastle
- Foundation member of Abermain Heritage Preservation Society in 1998
- Patron of Edgeworth David History Museum
- Founder of Abermain Neath Tidy Towns and President of group for many years
- 2000 Olympic and Para Olympic Games Volunteer
All Local Women of the Year will be recognised during the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March.
Women who volunteer and reside in regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW will also be honoured through inclusion in the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll – a public tribute acknowledging the countless women who generously give their time and energy to support others.
Learn more about the Women of the Year Awards and watch the livestream by visiting www.nsw.gov.au/wotya26.
For more information about the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll.
Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said:
“The Local Woman of the Year 2026 recognises and honours the contributions of everyday women and girls across New South Wales who are making a difference in their communities.
“Local MPs have nominated exceptional women whose efforts inspire us all.
“Congratulations and thank you to every Local Woman of the Year – this recognition is truly well deserved.”
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see Catherine recognised as a role model in our community.”
“Her dedication to arts and her tireless contributions to the community is both admirable and inspiring.”