TWO determined and passionate women who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in our local community were recognised at the Hastings Heroines – International Women’s Day event on Friday 7 March at the Port Macquarie CWA function room.
Janette Hyde and Beverly Buckridge were inducted into the region’s Hastings Heroines hall of fame at a fundraising event for the Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, attended by more than 100 people.
Hastings Business Women’s Network president Kelly Lamb, who hosted the event along with local MP Leslie Williams, said the event highlighted the inspirational stories of these local women who have quietly and generously given their time to make a real difference to the community.
“Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the event raised more than $4500 through ticket sales, a raffle and other fundraising efforts, with proceeds going to the ongoing refurbishment of the refuge,” Mrs Lamb said.
Port Macquarie MP and event co-host Leslie Williams said guests were privileged to hear from several guest speakers who have achieved success in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“We heard stories of breaking through barriers and inspiring change from NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, NSW Forestry senior manager Tamara Campbell, and Belinda Carey from Expressway Spares,” Mrs Williams said.
“This was the third annual Hastings Heroines event, and we are fortunate to have such a deep pool of generous and inspirational women in our region that I am sure the event will continue for many years to come.”
JANETTE HYDE
For almost 40 years, Janette Hyde has worked tirelessly within the Hastings community supporting and promoting local events.
She did this firstly through her role as community relations manager with Port Macquarie Panthers and she continues to do so even though she has officially retired.
Janette remains actively involved with the Port Macquarie Tourism Association as president and is a board member of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, as well as Port Macquarie Panthers.
Janette is also involved in the co-ordination of several local events including the Beatles Festival, Tastings on Hastings, the NSW Touch Football Cup and the local Christmas parade.
She is also an active and contributing member of the HBEN, the HBWN and Rotary groups.
Janette has a huge array of awards under her belt including the Port Macquarie News Employee of the Year Award in 2008 for her role with Port Macquarie Panthers.
Janette is known as a humble, quiet achiever who works diligently behind the scenes as she strives for perfection and ensures everything comes together on the day.
BEVERLY BUCKRIDGE
After a tragic accident involving her son, Bev Buckridge realised that there were several families in the community that were caring for young people with acquired brain injuries. She became determined to improve the quality of life of both the young people and their support networks.
Bev completed a diploma in social science community services at TAFE Port Macquarie with the sole purpose of learning how to successfully advocate for people with a disability and to discover how to access relevant funding.
It was during this study that she earned the award for the North Coast Student of the Year in 1996.
That same year, she established Hastings Headway, a Community Access Program for people with an Acquired Brain Injury, with a grant of just $18,000.
Today, 18 years later, Hastings Headway provides day programs and accommodation support to 14 clients. Bev still serves on the management committee of Hastings Headway, applies for funding grants for resources, assists with policy development and continues to provide support for local families.
