State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr, MP is pleased to announce Liz Riley from Nulkaba is the 2025 Local Woman of the Year for the Cessnock Electorate.
The Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
This year, 93 women have been nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week (2-8 March); an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.
Liz Riley is recognised for her decades of dedication to sustainability and oenology, she is a multi-award winning and renowed national viticulturalist who established her consultancy business Vitibit in 2000. As well as her work as a consultant, Liz also oversees the family vineyards Scarborough Wine Co. She is a board member of several industry boards including Wine Australia, Freshcare Ltd, SAAFE CRC, and Landcare NSW and is an educator at Tocal College.
A trailblazer in her field Liz was awarded the prestigious Graham Gregory Award in 2020 which recognised her over 30-year contribution to the NSW Wine Industry. She is the first woman to win this award. Her expertise in pest and disease management, agrochemicals and biosecurity are widely recognised.
Liz’s current industry roles include National Viticulture Biosecurity Committee, Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Assocation (HVWTA), Wine Industry Agrochemical Reference Group, Fungicide Resistance Project. Previously she was a Director for the Australian Wine Research Institute, Vice President (Chair of Research & Development) for NSW Wine Industry Association, and consultant for Wine Australia.
In 2017 Liz was recognised as Viticulturist of the Year by the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology. The award recognised her expertise in using scientific research to improve vineyard sustainability and fruit quality with sustainability the heart of her work.
Liz is widely regarded as an important figure of Australia’s wine industry. In 2021 the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association acknowledged her contributions with the Award for Excellence for her efforts in coordinating the wine industry’s response to the bushfire challenges of 2020.
Other achievements include: 2022 The Wine Magazine Viticulturist of the Year, 2023 HVWTA award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, and the 2023 Wine Communicators Australia Legend of the Vine award where she was honored for her contributions to the wine industry.
Liz has also spent time volunteering for local groups including the Cessnock District Netball Association, Cessnock Multipurpose Children’s Centre, and Hunter Valley Wine Country Landcare.
Each Local Woman of the Year award recipient will receive their certificates at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.
Recipients who volunteer and live in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW will also be added to the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll; a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women who volunteer their time and energy to help others.
To learn more about the Women of the Year Awards program and view the livestream, click here. For more about Hidden Treasures click here.
Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said:
“The Local Woman of the Year 2025 recognises, celebrates, and honours the contributions of women and girls across NSW. Local MPs across the state have nominated stellar women in their communities whose contributions are an inspiration to everyone.”
“Congratulations and thank you to all the Local Women of the Year – this is recognition you deserve.”
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“I’m so proud to honour Liz as an exceptional role model in our community, dedicating her efforts to making the Cessnock Electorate a better place for everyone and inspiring others to work towards a brighter future.”
“Liz often works quietly behind the scenes, however her contributions to the wine industry and community are immeasurable and long lasting.”