BATHURST Regional Council is looking to recognise more women of the past with its Pillars of Bathurst monument.
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Each year on Proclamation Day, new plaques are added to the monument to recognise people who have contributed to and shaped the Bathurst community.
There are currently 47 names on the pillars, but only 13 of these are women.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said there was a focus in 2017 to recognise more women and that focus will continue in 2018.
“While there is a focus on women, both nominations for men and women are accepted for consideration,” he said.
Members of the community are able to nominate people for the pillars all year around, however nominations need to be received by the end of November to be considered for 2018 inductees.
Cr Hanger said people should try to nominate unique people.
“The Pillars commemorate Bathurstians who have added something special to the story of the Bathurst region, ideally offering inspiration to living and future Bathurstians,” he said.
“Having an unusual story makes for an interesting read.”
Previous inductees have come from a wide range of backgrounds and have included activists, sportspeople, historians, writers, musicians, Aboriginal leaders and business people.
Councillor Monica Morse is extremely passionate about women and recognising their accomplishments.
There are lots of interesting women, so we’ve got to find their history and put them forward.
- Councillor Monica Morse
She said women often downplay their achievements, which is likely why so few women have been recognised on the Pillars of Bathurst to date.
“It is time we put more women forward for these awards and recognise their achievements,” she said.
“There are lots of interesting women, so we’ve just got to find their history and put them forward.”
Council will add up to 10 plaques to the monument in 2018, however plaques can bear more than one name.
To nominate a person for the honour, visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/pillars and fill out the nomination form.
Hard copies of the form are also available to download and print.
The website offers nomination guidelines and a list of previous inductees.