Katie Newcombe of Old Bar was been named Young Health Worker of the Year in the 2020 Rotary Inspirational Women Awards.
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The Rotary Clubs of NSW hosted the awards on Sunday, November 22 over Zoom from seven locations: Dapto, Lightning Ridge, Maitland, Norfolk Island, Taree, Orange, and Sydney where the Award Patron, the Hon Margaret Beazley AC QC joined the celebration to congratulate the finalists and the awardees.
Katie was nominated for the award for her three years of volunteer service in the SES Harrington unit and her two and a half year's work in aged care, by a fellow volunteer in the SES.
She knew she was one of four finalists in her category, but was surprised that she was named the overall winner.
"I seriously couldn't speak. I was standing next to mayor David West and he was trying to talk to me and I just couldn't speak. I was so sure I lost it!" Katie said.
The Awards recognize community service throughout NSW. Judging focuses on the level of commitment, dedication, perseverance and proactivity in improving the lives of others. The Awards are open to all women across NSW who aren't connected to Rotary.
In keeping with Rotary's motto of 'Service Above Self', these Awards acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women. They are the "quiet achievers", whose actions inspire others and make a difference to their communities.
Katie embodies the 'Service Above Self' motto and is passionate about making a difference to the community.
"I really like helping people. It's just always been something I wanted to do. And then I got into the SES and I got to help people and it was fun. And with aged care, I always wanted to do something in that and I got into that, and I'm still passionate about it. I couldn't just sit by, I always wanted to do something," Katie said.
Her next step is to make a career out of helping people. She has been accepted to Charles Sturt University to study for a Bachelor of Nursing degree next year.
"I'm very excited for my next challenge," Katie said.