They are daughters, mothers, wives, volunteers, mentors and change makers. They are the Unsung Heroines of Circular Head. 

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, Soroptimist International of Circular Head celebrated the power of women at the annual Unsung Heroines Awards last week. 

Also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, the day focuses on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the globe while also calling for gender equality. 

The Unsung Heroines Awards of 2019 are below. 

Julie Grey

Julie is nominated for her longstanding commitment to the Circular Head community, and the national and global community. 

As a founding member of the Western Area Management Committee, Julie has held the role of secretary-treasurer for 34 years. 

She is the treasurer of Hearts ‘n’ Crafts, selling locally crafted items and distributing profits to those in need throughout the community. For many years, she was a member of the Marrawah and Redpa community’s Share and Care Catering Committee, which worked to improve the lives of older residents. 

As a member of Soroptimist International of Circular Head, Julie has held several roles including club and state president. She has attended international events to raise awareness of women’s issues and has participated in fundraising and advocacy for women’s issues on a local, national and international level. 

In their nomination Ross and Ned Hine said: ‘We have always been great mates with Julie and have seen first-hand the contributions she continues to make to the Marrawah-Redpa community, to the entire district, and even on a national and international level with her work for Soroptimist International. She is a tireless contributor and worthy recipient . . .’ 

Christina Hyde

Christina is nominated in recognition of her contributions to the Circular Head community as a role model and mentor to many, supporting others to achieve personal growth and career goals. 

As a key member of the Emmerton Park team, Chris provides a high standard of services in a caring and compassionate manner. She has been involved in Circular Head Pony Club for a number of years, and continues to attend meetings and assist with fundraising and events despite her children no longer participating. 

Chris has been involved in indoor bowls for many years, holding the positions of secretary and treasurer, and helping to establish a number of local teams. 

Chris volunteers with the Emmerton Park Auxiliary, plays an essential part in her Relay for Life team, sits on the Rural Health board and actively supports her church. 

In his nomination Ian Adams said: ‘Chris personifies the aim of these awards. She is a quiet contributor who is constantly putting in much effort, often for little thanks or reward.’

Sue Jennings

Sue is nominated for her commitment to the Circular Head community and its environment, particularly its coastal areas. 

Sue has supported and encouraged local youth to be engaged in the community through both Circular Head Pony Club and Smithton Scouts. She has also supported older residents within the community by gaining a Delta Dog accreditation, allowing her to visit Emmerton Park residents with two of her dogs. 

She is a founding member of Circular Head Landcare Group, where she has initiated projects, applied for funding, and led teams of contractors and volunteers over the years – all on a voluntary basis. She took part in a project to successfully remove pampas grass and is currently working with a team to eradicate ricegrass in Duck River. She actively participates in seasonal shorebird counts and is working with the University of Tasmania to monitor sand levels at Godfrey’s Beach in Stanley. 

As Helen Schuuring said in her nomination: ‘Sue always shows enthusiasm to involve and include all with like-minded interests to learn, understand and preserve our environment. Only with Sue’s tenacity will this succeed!’

Jan Krom

Jan is nominated for her care of others on a local and global scale and her commitment to music education. 

With her husband Paul, Jan has undertaken missionary work in Pakistan, Africa, Thailand and Indonesia. This has seen her share her love of music, care for orphans and volunteer physical labour. When her health no longer allowed this, Jan decided to teach piano locally, allowing others the chance to share their musical knowledge overseas. 

For many years she has volunteered her time at Treasure Chest and to teaching values-based scripture lessons at Smithton Primary School. Now with her sister Maree, she organises the Emm and Friends choir at Emmerton Park every Friday. 

In her nomination Dawn Wells said: ‘Retirement is in her thoughts but she will never stop playing the piano and using her God given gift when and where she can.’

Glenda Maher

Glenda is nominated for her giving spirit, care of others and ability to overcome hardships. 

Glenda’s care for her family is all-encompassing and giving in every way, having cared for two late husbands, children, grandchildren and now foster children. 

Through her work with the Wedge Street Community House, Glenda brings together people from all areas of the community to take part in projects such as a community garden, cooking and nutrition classes, arts and craft classes and after school and holiday programs. She is always on the lookout for new ideas and is innovative in her ways of connecting people, engaging people and helping the community to be the best that it can be. 

In their nomination Cherylle Pedley and Julie Oates said: ‘Glenda is a caring, kind and compassionate person who welcomes everyone she meets with an open, unconditional loving heart.’

Monica O’Neil

Monica is nominated for her lifelong passion for teaching and the sharing of knowledge. 

Monica spent her younger years growing up in Queensland during a time when it was uncommon for women to attain a higher education. Not one to be easily deterred, she attended university to study to be a teacher and speech pathologist at night school, all while working and raising five children. 

During her diverse career she moved to Papua New Guinea with her children and lectured at university while also providing music lessons to local children.

Monica generously shares her wealth of knowledge by volunteering as a tutor and mentor with Libraries Tasmania’s literacy program. Monica’s specialty is in helping new migrants  to improve their English. She has also volunteered at local schools, assisting students who are struggling with reading and writing. 

In her nomination Anne Shepherd said: ‘Every time I speak to Monica I learn something new. Her bright and generous manner means that we can never ask too much of her when someone is looking for help.’

Cheryl Sharrock

Cheryl is nominated for the mentorship, care and support she offers so generously to her staff, as well as her behind-the-scenes support to individuals and organisations throughout the community. 

As a small business owner, Cheryl has taken many staff members under her wing, showing a genuine interest in their lives, hopes and dreams. When asked, she gives advice on tricky topics and importantly, encourages and promotes self-confidence and self-belief. 

Over the years Cheryl has served the community faithfully, often working tirelessly for long hours. She has always been willing to host events and will go out of her way to help and support the community in any way she can.

In her nomination Stacey King said: ‘Cheryl has been a wonderful role model in my life and I believe that I am only one of many in this community who have been impacted by her caring heart and selfless nature.’

Mary Spinks

Mary, known to most as Molly, is nominated for her longstanding commitment to supporting her community and for demonstrating that age really is no barrier. 

Molly is a founding member of the Irishtown Community Centre. For more than three decades she has maintained the community centre’s garden beds, and played a pivotal role in Irishtown winning the Tidy Town award in the late ’90s. 

Over the years she has worked in the Irishtown Football Club kiosk and assisted with tea nights. She continues to clean the changerooms and offers to make soup ready for game day on Saturday. Proud of and committed to the development of the club, Molly also helps out the juniors where she can. 

In her nomination Jan Bishop said: ‘Molly has devoted herself to family and community her entire life and continues to contribute as a respected senior of our Irishtown village. She is one of our Unsung Heroines of Irishtown.’

Barb Wells

Barb is nominated posthumously for a life filled with a generosity of care, laughter and community spirit. 

Born and bred on the farm, Barb was no stranger to hard work, doing what had to be done when it needed to be done. She maintained this mentality throughout her life. 

She was a founding member of the Rotaract Club and later discovered that when a husband or a wife becomes involved with a service club or committee, so too does the other. This was very much the case with Barb as her catering and organisational skills provided support to a number of clubs and committees of which Chris was committed to. 

Barb and Bomber’s love of cooking saw them spend a day in the kitchen every week making casseroles, savouries, cakes, biscuits and muffins. Much of this would be given to others who were going through a tough time. 

In her nomination Adie Cole said: ‘This is a small way of saying thank you Barb for the joy, the caring, the kindness and the love you have shown not only to your family and friends, but to our community.’ 

Our Unsung Heroines of Circular Head for 2019: (back from left) Ella, 11 months, with mother Bec Burley representing her late mother Barb Wells, Chris ‘Bomber’ Wells representing his late wife, Mary Spinks, Cheryl Sharrock, Monica O’Neil, Glenda Maher, Jessica Blackwell with children Eli, 1, and Torah, 4, representing her late mother, (front) Julie Grey, Christina Hyde, Sue Jennings and Jan Krom. Picture: Ashleigh Force.