Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

Media Release

Chloe Pailthorpe honoured with Monaro Local Woman of the Year 2024 Award

Thursday, 7 March 2024

The Monaro Local Woman of the Year 2024 has been awarded to Chloe Pailthorpe in recognition of her significant work to actively support the community.

Steve Whan commended Chloe on the honour, recognising her passion and the positive impact she has made in the Bungendore and Captains Flat area.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

"When I received a nomination for Chloe, I was blown away by the extent of her work for the community. Chloe and family came to Bungendore only about 10 years ago but in that time she has helped hundreds, engaged the community and been the catalyst for community connections.

"Chloe, Mike and their three children moved to Bungendore 10 years ago with Mike taking up the position of Anglican Minister.

"From then Chloe threw herself into the Bungendore and Captains Flat community. After the Carwoola fires Chloe coordinated donations of food, clothing and household items and following that experience opened a food hub and Op Shop. With one in each of Bungendore and Captains Flat.

"Her commitment to helping families includes food and other assistance for people doing it tough, Christmas Hampers and, during COVID lockdowns, assistance and food for families including people who were new to the area. 

"She manages 50 plus generous volunteers, volunteers at the school Breakie Club as well as organising training and many other things.

"It's incredible to see someone who gives their time so tirelessly to their community. Chloe has led the way with a group of local volunteers in Bungendore and Captains Flat in making our local communities more inclusive and caring.

"Despite all this, Chloe says she couldn't do any of it without the support for her community and the amazing volunteers who will stop at nothing to make our area better.

"Chloe is an inspiration to all."

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated the state's Local Woman of the Year Award 2024 recipients.

"Women who contribute to local areas are the pillars of their communities. They selflessly dedicate their time and energy to make a positive difference," Minister Harrison said.

"I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions these women are making in their communities with dedication and passion, and thank them for all their amazing work."

The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program celebrating outstanding women in local communities. This is a separate program which runs alongside the prestigious Women of the Year Awards program.

The Local Women of the Year Awards is part of the NSW Government's initiative to recognise the accomplishments of women as part of NSW Women's Week 2024, running 4-10 March, coinciding with International Women's Day on 8 March.

Recipients of the Local Woman of the Year Awards will be hosted at the NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on 7 March 2024.