Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, has congratulated Lee Watts of Scone on being the Upper Hunter Electorate’s Local Woman of the Year for 2025.
“Lee has made a tremendous contribution to Scone and the Upper Hunter Shire, so it is only fitting that her efforts are recognised and applauded with this award,” Mr Layzell said.
“Lee has shown care and compassion for the community through her work at the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre and she has gone the extra mile to represent and advocate for the community as an elected local councillor.”
Lee was elected to Upper Hunter Shire Council in 2005 and served as its first female Mayor.
Her achievements as an elected representative include chairing the meeting that led to the creation of the undercover arena at White Park, Scone and serving as the Chair of the Australia Day Committee.
Whilst carrying out civic duties, Lee worked on her other passion, as manager of the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
“The Scone Community Pantry, Morning Bites Breakfast Van, community laundry, and showers were all established to provide assistance to those in need,” Lee said.
“Then there’s the community support services encompassing volunteer support, seniors technology, and event planning for community-wide events, including Christmas in the Park and family fun days, to foster community spirit and cohesion – there are very few things that can top being passionate about your community.”
The Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
This year, 93 women were nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week, which is the annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.
Lee Watts was among the Local Woman of the Year award recipients who received their certificates at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning.
To learn more about the Women of the Year Awards program at: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards
PICTURE CAPTION: Lee Watts receives her Local Woman of the Year Award at the NSW Women of the Year Awards in Sydney.
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