Well-known Bateau Bay resident, Judy Townsend, has been awarded Local Woman of the Year at the NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards.
Townsend was presented with the prestigious award ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney that coincided with International Women’s Day.
A passionate member of the community, Townsend is known for her work on the local environment, particularly as the driving force behind the community-led initiative to improve pedestrian safety and beach access along Bateau Bay Road.
Townsend established the Bateau Bay Safe Path Project which is a community campaign to build the missing link in the Bateau Bay Coastal Track which now runs from Shelley Beach to Crackneck Lookout.
She has also been responsible for organising for a local Aboriginal midden on the track to be registered by the Darkinjung Land Council, confident that the new path prevents further degradation of the heritage site.
Townsend said it was an honour to represent the many volunteers who made the Bateau Bay Safe Path Project happen.
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that a community pulled together to keep everyone safe on busy Bateau Bay Rd and it is such a joy to know it is so popular with locals and visitors,” she said.
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan MP attended the awards ceremony alongside Townsend.
He explained that the project’s achievements, led by Ms Townsend, have been twofold.
“Firstly, the campaign has improved pedestrian safety along a popular stretch of road used daily for people who exercise and visitors accessing the beach.
“Secondly, the project promotes protection of the bush environment in a sustainable way that has encouraged locals to get involved and feel proud of their area.
“We are so proud of Ms Townsend who has inspired this progress, and I am delighted I can honour her for her achievements on this occasion,” he said.
Nicola Riches