Kathy Sajowitz from Oberon is the Bathurst Electorate Local Woman of the Year 2025.

The Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.

Kathy Sajowitz, a former Councillor and Mayor of Oberon, has been heavily involved in the local community for decades. Whether it be as President of the Friends of Oberon Library or driving the Oberon Community Care Car, Mrs Sajowitz is a well-known face amongst the community and a much-loved local. She was also chosen as Oberon Citizen of the Year in 2023.

Her commitment to the community was exemplified in a successful nine-year tenure on Oberon Council receiving the annual Local Government NSW Excellence Award in 2022. Mrs Sajowitz then moved into a new way of serving her community by joining some of Council's community committees and taking on more substantial roles in several community organisations including the Oberon Health Council and time on the Board of the Oberon RSL.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he has known Kathy for many years and is an outstanding recipient of this prestigious award.

"I'm so proud to have Kathy as an exceptional role model in our community, dedicating her efforts to making Oberon a better place for all women and inspiring others to work towards a brighter future," Mr Toole said.

"Kathy is an unsung everyday hero that the community, who she has done so much for, wants to shine a spotlight on as a way of thanking her for her contributions.

"International Women's Day is just one day a year, but we should be celebrating and recognising the outstanding women who do some much for our community every day."

Local Woman of the Year Kathy Sajowitz said it was an honour to receive the award.

"With so many inspirational women achieving amazing things in the Bathurst Electorate and particularly in Oberon, to be singled out for this award is a privilege I appreciate," Mrs Sajowitz said.

"Whatever I have achieved has always been with the support of many other women. I gratefully accept this award on behalf of us all. I firmly believe that "Women who make a difference - make all the difference to other women" and I strive to make a difference with everything I do."

This year, 93 women have been nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women's Week (2-8 March), an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.

Each Local Woman of the Year award recipient will receive their certificates at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.

Recipients who volunteer and live in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW will also be added to the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women who volunteer their time and energy to help others.