Three Mount Isa women have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements and dedication at the Zonta International Women's Day Awards.
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About 450 people gathered at Buchanan Park Entertainment Centre to celebrate International Women's Day on Saturday March 7, which resulted in a night of laughter and recognition.
Early in the evening the Zontian of the Year, Young Woman of Achievement and Woman of Achievement awards were presented with a strong field of nominations.
Zontian of the Year was awarded to Loretta Gladstone for her increasing hard work and dedication to Zonta.
The Young Woman of Achievement was awarded to Charlotte Coghlan, a year 11 student of Good Shepherd Catholic College.
Charlotte was the recipient of GSCC Spirit in Service Award and has been elected on the student representative council for two consecutive years. Charlotte leads many fundraising initiatives within the school and Mount Isa community. She has a strong community ethic, is a member of the Social Justice Group, Catholics in Action Youth Group and is a youth leader for ministry at the Catholic Church every weekend.
Charlotte volunteers her time cooking and preparing food for Jangawala and Mount Isa Watch House, as well as volunteering her time at local festivals, fetes and events. Charlotte has represented her school in netball and has guided younger girls through coaching, umpiring; always encouraging others to be involved in community events.
The Woman of Achievement award was presented to Pauline Heremaia, for dedicating her life to helping others.
After raising six children of her own and losing a daughter to Hirsch Bruns Disease at 5, Pauline and her husband John decided to become foster carers. She has spent the last 20 years caring for the most vulnerable members in our community,namely children with high needs and children in need of palliative care.
She estimated that she has cared for over 400 children in that time. Pauline has had to learn the very complicated requirements of caring for her children and has become so proficient over the years that she trains others in many specialised skills.
After her husband passed away in 2008, her son Jarrod stepped in to help. Advancing years and increasingly poor health have not dimmed Pauline's vocation nor the children's love for her.
After all the formalities, guest speaker and Mount Isa born and bred comedian Stephanie Tisdell took to the stage for some giggly entertainment.
"This event is something special to me. Anytime that anybody gets recognition for working hard, I think that's such an integral thing," Ms Tisdell said during her show.
The night then continued with live entertainment from Pacific Groove into the late evening.
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