Six Highlands women to recognise for positive impacts on the community

This year's theme is to embrace equity, and the importance of inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Here are six women, who are among the many that have made a positive difference in the Highlands.

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Passionate playwright Melanie Tait has shared her love of Robertson in her successful play The Appleton Ladies, which has been adapted for the silver screen. She is passionate about regional storytelling and showcasing the beauty of the Highlands.

Vicki Miller is the CEO of the Parkinson's research foundation Shake It Up Australia. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and has been involved with the Black Dog Institute, Barbara May Foundation and Quest for Life Foundation.

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Former Wiggle and children's entertainer Emma Watkins is passionate about creating accessible content for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The recent author hopes to incorporate more sign language into other books.

Inga Scwaiger and Kerrie O'Grady are two Balmoral Village residents who were recognised for their work in the community, at this year's Wollondilly Shire Council Australia Day ceremony. Inga was nominated for two awards and won Environmental Citizen of the Year for her work with rescuing wildlife. Kerrie O'Grady was recognised for her work in the aftermath of the Green Wattle Creek fires in 2019/2020, which devastated the area.

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From the moment Erin Reedie grabbed her teddy bears and put on plays for classmates instead of doing maths in primary school, she knew it was something she wanted to do for a living. For the children's entertainer from Renwick, her get-up is a fairy dress, floral garland and wings, or cowgirl outfit, as she captivates audiences with her business Piccolo Ponies.

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