CHRISTINE O’Mahony has been selected as a finalist in a category of the NSW Woman of the Year competition.
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Ms O’Mahony, from Wallerawang, is one of four finalists for the title of REX Regional Woman of the Year.
The quiet and humble woman’s work for local groups and charities spans more than three decades.
Through her extensive involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society, Ms O’Mahony has been able to touch the lives of those less fortunate by being able to offer support when needed.
Recently she was appointed president of her region, giving her further opportunities to assist people in Bathurst, Wallerawang, Portland, Lithgow, Oberon, Kandos and Rylstone.
She is also a regular volunteer for the Portland Agriculture Show Society.
Mrs O’Mahony has been an active member of the Portland/Wallerawang Social Justice Group for the past 16 years, and holds the position of secretary-treasurer.
She has been the driving force behind raising money for numerous social justice programs, arranging guest speakers to raise social justice awareness, and even became qualified to assist with funerals and church services when there was a shortage of clergy in her town.
Ms O’Mahony’s involvement across so many different areas was a domino effect of her work with St Vincent de Paul.
“One thing has just led into the others,” she said. “Becoming part of the social justice group just came as part of my involvement with the St Vincent de Paul Society.”
Mrs O’Mahony was surprised when she heard she was a finalist for the award.
She said she doesn’t do the things she does for recognition.
“Just being shortlisted was rather overwhelming, but at the same time it is a great honour,” she said.
Mrs O’Mahony says she would not be able to do any of the projects she does without the dedication of others.
“I’ve always found in all the projects I’ve been involved in that the people you work with are just so wonderful and helpful,” she said.
“Everything we do is team work.”
The REX Regional Woman of the Year award will be decided by a public vote.
Voting closes at 11.59pm tomorrow, with the winner to be announced on March 4 at NSW Parliament House.
Visit www.women.nsw.gov.au/women _of_the_year_awards and follow the links to cast your vote.
