Women who 'Make It Happen' honoured at Hastings Heroines Awards

Women who 'Make It Happen' honoured at Hastings Heroines Awards
Seven outstanding women who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the local community were honoured at the Hastings Heroines - International Women's Day 2015 event on Friday 6 March.

From the field of seven nominees, Janine Buesnel was announced as the Hastings Heroine for 2015 at a fundraising function attended by almost 200 women and men at the St Columba Anglican School's Iona Centre.
Karen Archer, President of the Hastings Business Women's Network, who presented the event with local MP Leslie Williams, said the evening highlighted the inspirational stories of local ladies who have encouraged effective action in advancing and recognising women, in line with the International Women's Day theme, 'Make It Happen'.

"The event had raised more than $4000 for the Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service at the start of the night, with a final tally still to come. Proceeds will go toward the ongoing refurbishment of the refuge," Mrs Archer said.
Member for Port Macquarie and event co-host Leslie Williams said guests were privileged to hear from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Bronwyn Bishop MP who shared stories from her extensive political career and reflected on some of the key issues facing women today.

"Now in its fourth year, the Hastings Heroines event is growing from strength to strength and this year was attended by representatives of all three levels of government, as well as key business and community leaders," Mrs Williams said.

"I believe this growth is testament to the large pool of generous and inspirational women we have within our region and I'm sure the event will continue for many years to come." Karen Archer said it was pleasing to see more local men joining in to celebrate the achievements of local women and show their support for the advancement of women on a global scale.

"The movement for gender equality was originally seen as struggle led by women for women. In recent years men have begun to stand-up in addressing inequalities and discrimination faced by women. As a community we can all work together to 'Make It Happen'," Mrs Archer said. 

"We are grateful for the support of our event sponsor Direct Advisers, and all the generous local businesses who donated prizes, in kind support and assistance in bringing this event to life."

HASTINGS HEROINES AWARDS 2015 WINNER

JANINE BUESNEL

Janine began her career in the publishing industry almost 25 years ago.  For the past 16 years she was based in Port Macquarie as Regional Manager overseeing numerous Fairfax mastheads and websites.

During that time, Janine has been an extremely proactive member of the local community. She has been a Rotarian since 1999 and has been recognised with a prestigious Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship.

She was also an inaugural committee member for the Hastings Business Women's Network, and the Mayor's Sporting Fund. With the Sporting Fund, Janine played a role in supporting many female athletes, including boxer and Commonwealth Games medallist Shelley Watts.
She was a member of the Local Organising Committee for the Australian Ironman for more than four years and involved as a volunteer since triathlon events were first held in our community. She led the team which manages the registration of nearly 2,000 athletes and hundreds of volunteers.

Janine was a member of the Glasshouse Subcommittee and a supporter of the Glasshouse and its role within our community, including providing support and assistance for women in the arts.

Janine was an Advisory Committee Member of the Hastings Business Enterprise Network, the Deputy President of her industry body - the Country Press of NSW, and board member of Country Press Australia.

She was also a committee member of the Hastings Cancer Trust and the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal business committee.

The judges said Janine was an inspirational leader, mentor and role model, and sets a stellar example for all women.

"Janine's ability to improve awareness of women's issues has made a significant contribution to equality and respect for women in our local community.

The success she has achieved in her chosen career portrays women in a professional and capable light, while the spirit of generosity she displayed through her numerous voluntary roles has been inspirational.

Janine has gone above and beyond what most individuals would do and give for their community, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed."