Aboriginal worker named 'woman of the year'

Mingaletta's community development officer Ms Loretta Hardcastle has been named the 2007 Woman of the Year in the Gosford electorate.

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews told the NSW Parliament that, in her current position with Mingaletta, Ms Hardcastle had been involved in developing early childhood programs.

Ms Hardcastle had also been the primary driver behind the first surf awareness program held recently for indigenous people at Umina Beach.

"Despite having family responsibilities, she is currently undertaking a degree in Community Development and Adult Education at the University of Technology, Sydney," Ms Andrews said.

"Ms Hardcastle is a foundation member of Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, established in 2001 by well-known and highly respected Woy Woy Peninsula Aboriginal identity Ray McMinn.

"This organisation is doing tremendous work among the Aboriginal community and is responsible for many innovative programs."

Ms Andrews said that, prior to accepting her position within Mingaletta, Ms Hardcastle worked for the Central Coast Area Health Service for a number of years assisting Aboriginal communities.

"She has a proud and long history in assisting her people locally and in the early 1990s established the first Aboriginal education consultative group on the Woy Woy Peninsula.

"She was also a founding member of Ngampie Aboriginal Housing Corporation."

Ms Andrews said that this was a year of significant anniversaries for Aboriginal people.

"It is the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, the 15th anniversary of the Mabo land rights decision, the 25th anniversary of Link-Up, the 10th anniversary of the tabling of the 'Bringing them home' report in the Federal Parliament and, in July, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee," Ms Andrews said.

"I therefore believe it is quite appropriate in such a memorable year for Aboriginal people that Loretta Hardcastle be honoured for dedicating so much of her time and energy to her culture and the Aboriginal community.

"I convey my heartiest congratulations to Loretta and thank her for being such a caring person among her community and the broader community."

Press release, 5 June 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford