Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

MEDIA RELEASE

Monaro Woman of the Year 2025 - Elaine Lollback

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

The winner of the Monaro Woman of the Year 2025 is Elaine Lollback. Elain and her team are well known in Queanbeyan and the surrounding area for the work of St Benedict's Community Centre.

Based in the former Annie's Place site, St Benedict's has been assisting our community for several years with housing and food security. It is wholly volunteer run and relies on funding from donations and government grants.

Since I was last the member, I've noticed a decline in the availability and affordability of housing not just in Queanbeyan, but across Monaro. This isn't to say it wasn't an issue when I was last in Parliament, but the situation has become more dire of the years.

That's why someone such as Elaine is a wonderful role model for our society - someone who runs on faith, goodwill, and chocolate to ensure the people who come to St Benedict's are receiving as much assistance as humanly possible. My staff have mentioned receiving calls on weekends and after hours where is still busily working away, fighting for a good outcome.

Elaine never asks for anything in return, and never judges anyone or their circumstances. She is inspiring, and someone we could all learn from. This is why I have awarded her the title of Monaro Woman of the Year 2025.