Maeve Brown from Harris Park has been named the Parramatta Local Woman of the Year for 2026.
The Local Women of the Year Awards celebrate visionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates, and trailblazing role models who make a meaningful difference in their communities.
This year, a total of 94 inspiring women have been nominated by their local Members of Parliament as part of NSW Women’s Week – a week-long celebration that empowers women and promotes gender equality across the state.
Brown was nominated by State Parramatta MP Donna Davis in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community as a leader in the community sector.
She is committed to social justice and the empowerment of migrant and refugee communities. She has served in the community sector for 21 years. This includes leadership roles as Assistant Country Director at Jesuit Refugee Service Australia and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.
“I’m incredibly proud to see Maeve Brown recognised as a role model in our community. Her dedication to improving life in Parramatta and empowering women is both admirable and inspiring,” Davis said.
“Meave’s work with refugee communities has provided culturally specific services to people starting over in a new country – giving a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people during tough times.”
Meanwhile, Parramatta can be extra proud with the nomination of Carolyn Campbell-McLean as a New South Wales Community Hero.
The NSW Community Hero Award shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community.
Drawing on her lived experience of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Campbell-McLean is a powerful advocate, mentor and leader whose impact is felt across NSW. For almost 30 years, she has worked in adult education, the disability sector, government and for-purpose organisations.
A research associate on the first evaluation of individualised funding, she has supported people with disability as a Living Life My Way Champion; Senior Facilitator at My Choice Matters’ leadership program; and Training Facilitator with the Council for Intellectual Disability and the Physical Disability Council NSW. She has built networks that reduce isolation, foster resilience and self-advocacy.
“Carolyn’s fearless advocacy has inspired others to come forward and live their life to the fullest,” Davis said.
“It is so important people with lived experience like Carolyn can shape policy and practice in the disability sector.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated all the winners: “The Local Woman of the Year 2026 recognises and honours the contributions of everyday women and girls across New South Wales who are making a difference in their communities.”
“Congratulations and thank you to every Local Woman of the Year – this recognition is truly well deserved.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.