Over the past 10 years Devonport City Council has celebrated more than 230 local women through its Diamonds of Devonport awards, with nominations for 2021 now open.
The annual awards coincide with International Women’s Day (8 March) and this year the finalists will be acknowledged at a cocktail event held on Thursday, 11 March at 6pm at the paranaple convention centre.
A week-long program of events will be released on Monday, 15 February and tickets for all events will be available via Council’s website.
Event patron, Mayor Annette Rockliff initiated the Diamonds of Devonport and said the week-long program was about celebrating the quiet achievers who dedicate their time to supporting the community.
“We all know an amazing woman out there that is always volunteering her time to a club, committee or charity without a fuss – they’re the women we want to recognise, and we encourage the public to please nominate,” Cr Rockliff said.
This year’s ambassador for Diamonds of Devonport is Sylvia Sayers, and Cr Rockliff acknowledged Sylvia as a great example of giving back to community for over 30 years.
“Sylvia has been a real champion for Devonport, volunteering her time on boards and committees and community groups such as Meercroft Aged Care, Zonta International and Sugar and Spice and she was a founding member of the Devonport Business and Professional Women’s Club,” Cr Rockliff said.
“She served on a number of Devonport City Council committees and was an executive member of the Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over 18 years, serving as the Chamber’s first female president. Sylvia also formed the Devonport Chamber of Commerce Young Leaders Group and a Devonport Retailers Committee at the Chamber.
“Sylvia is a true leader, encouraging those around her to progress with their ideas and assist them where possible; she was responsible for many good ideas to promote Devonport.”
For Sylvia, the honour of being the 2021 Ambassador for Diamonds of Devonport, sparks memories of being a new resident in the Devonport community when she moved here in 1981 from New South Wales, five years after leaving her homeland of Germany.
“I love Devonport, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I love the community and what it means to live on the North-West Coast of Tasmania, we are incredibly lucky,” Sylvia said.
“When my children were young, I was able to support their school through fundraising and sporting committees and served as treasurer and committee member at the Our Lady of Lourdes annual school fair.
“I also started and chaired a junior committee at the Devonport Tennis Club for three years and we held regular junior tournaments.
“I’ve always had a passion for supporting my community and I am able to continue that passion today in my role as General Manager of Radio 7AD and SeaFM.
“If you know an extraordinary woman of Devonport that deserves a nomination in this year’s Diamonds of Devonport, please nominate them.”
Nominations will be accepted in the following categories: Personal Achievement, Business Achievement, Community Achievement and Young Achiever (under 30 years).
Nominations can be made via Council’s website [1] and close 5pm Wednesday, 3 February 2021.
03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 | [email protected] [2]