Our 2025 Central West Mummy Awards was an afternoon overflowing with joy and celebrating remarkable people in our community.
The 5th Annual Mummy Awards delivered a truly unforgettable afternoon filled with celebration, connection, and a fabulous atmosphere from start to finish. Our guest speaker, Julie Cross, took the room on a rollercoaster of laughter, a few tears, and powerful inspiration as she reminded us how to reframe life’s toughest moments and discover the #luckyme in every experience. Her message about “giving to the karma bank” — and the idea that what we put out into the world finds its way back to us — resonated with everyone in the room. Funds were raised for Veritas House to support the mental health needs of children and their families as well.
It was a beautiful celebration of community, resilience, and the extraordinary women who make the Central West shine.
Honouring Excellence Across Categories
Our judges had the difficult task of selecting finalists from a pool of exceptional nominations. Their thoughtful deliberations led to the recognition of inspiring individuals and programs who make a difference in their communities every day.
Reactions of Joy and Gratitude
For many winners, the announcements brought surprise and heartfelt gratitude.
Philippa Mitchell, Owner/Director of The Fitting Studio who won the Business of the Year, shared: “It was such an honour to receive the Business of the Year award and to be recognised for my work. I would like to thank Ami for the way she has created such a supportive and respectful community across the NSW Central West”.
Melissa Theobald, owner of Psych Solutions who won the Outreach Program of the Year, shared:
“We had a fabulous day and feel honoured to be recognised as ‘Outreach Program of the Year”, thank you.
Alicia King, winner of Mum of the Year shared: “I am incredibly honoured to be named the Central West Mummy of the Year for 2025. This recognition means so much to me and my family. It isn’t just an award, it’s a reflection of the love, strength, and purpose that has shaped our journey after losing our son. The honour belongs to both my beautiful children Huxley and Lainey”.
Meet the 2025 Mummy Awards Winners and Finalists Presenting Partner – Hansen Optometrists.
Mum of the Year
Sponsor: MONEYQUEST ORANGE
- Winner: Alicia King – Through unbearable loss, Alisha turned her grief into purpose — founding Huxley’s Helping Hand so no family faces cancer alone.
- Finalists:
- Kate Wilson – Honourable recognition as a runner up to this award – Kate’s extraordinary strength shines through every role she plays — as a caring sonographer, fierce endometriosis advocate, and fearless entrepreneur, she uplifts her community with heart, grit and grace
- Yan Cai – Yan embodies unwavering compassion and resilience — raising her three daughters with strength, investing in her multicultural community, and turning life’s challenges into generosity and hope.
- Veronica Robertson – Veronica Robertson is a powerhouse of love and dedication — a step-mum, foster-mum, grandmother, and tireless advocate who’s fought to keep her family together and build a home full of care, resilience, and stability.
- Vicki Strangwidge – Vicki Strangwidge is the quiet pillar of strength — a former psychiatric nurse, cancer survivor and devoted carer, whose compassion and courage light up her family and community.
Angel of the Year
Sponsor: PETER SMITH TERRYWHITE CHEMMART
- Winner: Sally Rosin – Sally Rosin is stubbornly committed and determined to save lives — bringing women together, sparking vital conversations about breast screening, and rallying her community through creativity, connection, and compassion.
- Finalists:
- Bev Williams – Bev leads with heart and dedication — strengthening her community through tireless volunteer work at FoodCare and supporting those in need across Orange.
- Katie Rogers – Katie inspires through quiet courage — supporting people in crisis as a Lifeline volunteer and giving animals a voice as President of the Animal Welfare League Orange, ensuring no one feels alone.
- Maria Ryan – Maria gives selflessly to new parents — leading her local Australian Breastfeeding Association group with compassion, expertise, and tireless dedication to supporting mums and their families.
- Maddi Baker – Maddi brings calm expertise and heartfelt care — as a newly qualified ABA Breastfeeding Counsellor, she devotes her time to supporting new parents through the helpline, workshops, and community connection.
Educator of the Year
Sponsor: GOWRIE NSW EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Winner: Sue Dean – Sue is a dedicated educator and community champion — with 20 years at James Sheahan, she inspires students, supports colleagues, and fosters wellbeing and connection across the school and wider community..
- Finalists:
- Lauren Swiatkiwsky – Lauren brings heart and purpose to the classroom — a deeply caring, student‑centred teacher who nurtures belonging, growth and trust in every child she teaches.
- Jenny Correa – Jenny is a passionate and inspiring early childhood educator — fostering joy, curiosity, and respect in children while leading by example and nurturing her colleagues and community at The Willows.
- Amelia Bennetts – Amelia brings creativity, kindness and calm to early childhood education — weaving dance, drama and connection into her teaching while inspiring both children and colleagues
Business of the Year
Sponsor: BURMAC INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
- Winner: Philippa Mitchell from The Fitting Studio – Philippa has built The Fitting Studio into a trusted, innovative business — delivering expert bra fittings across regional NSW, supporting schools and sports teams, and giving back through initiatives like Support The Girls and the McGrath Foundation.
- Finalists:
- Hamlet & Fields – Fee May empowers regional businesses to grow with confidence — through Hamlet & Fields, she provides hands-on social media, content, and coaching support, all while championing sustainability, collaboration, and community in the Central West.
- CosMedic Collective – As Orange’s first medical-cosmetic clinic, CosMedic Collective combines expertise, holistic care, and community spirit — empowering clients, supporting local initiatives, and driving sustainable growth with heart and professionalism.
- Kumiai Ryi High Impact – Kumiai Ryu High Impact Martial Arts has spent 16 years building confidence, resilience, and community in the Central West — empowering 300+ students yearly, supporting local causes, and creating a welcoming hub for families.
- Total Health Orange – Total Health Orange has spent 10 years transforming allied health in regional NSW — delivering innovative, client-focused therapy, expanding access across the community, and giving back through initiatives like raising $23,000 for the Cancer Council.
Garden of the Year
Sponsor: MILLTHORPE GARDEN NURSERY
- Winner: Jessica Taylor – Jessica has created her garden ‘Mona Vane’ into a sanctuary of healing, resilience, and community — nurturing biodiversity while offering beauty, connection, and renewal for mothers and friends.”
- Finalists:
- Crystal Osborne – Stillingfleet Stand shares the bounty of an 8-year-old garden — growing local, sustainable produce and flowers while fostering community connection, generosity, and resourceful gardening.
- Jane Holman – Jane cultivates The Cadogan Garden as a living sanctuary — blending European and Australian plants, promoting biodiversity, and creating a stunning, inviting space for guests and the community to explore and enjoy.
- Rosemary Reid – Rosemary has transformed a bare paddock into a vibrant, sustainable garden — blending colour, shade, and play areas while supporting wildlife and creating a peaceful haven for family and community.”
- Pip Orr – Pip cultivates a 9-year-old English-style traditional garden in Millthorpe — blending structure, seasonal colour, and biodiversity while nurturing wildlife and using sustainable, climate-adapted planting.
Hero of the Year
Sponsor: PETER FISHER REAL ESTATE
- Winner: Marea Ruddy – Marea is a fearless community leader and advocate whose work in council, disability services, and gender-based violence activism has created safer, more inclusive spaces and inspired lasting change across Orange.
- Finalists:
- Rachael Brooking – Rachael is a dedicated Huntington’s Disease advocate from Orange, raising awareness, supporting affected families, and founding HD Awareness Orange to educate the community and provide a voice for those living with this challenging condition
- Marina Gray – Marina is a selfless community champion, dedicating 25 years to St Vincent de Paul and SES while creating life-changing programs like free graduation attire, cooking classes, and local support initiatives
- Amanda Sanders & Pamela Johnson – Amanda Sanders and Pamela Johnson are fearless, compassionate leaders who co-founded SpiritAbility, empowering people with disabilities, championing inclusion, and creating lasting positive change across the Central West community.
- Maria Ryan – Maria is a dedicated volunteer leader with the Australian Breastfeeding Association, supporting new parents with compassion, expertise, and guidance, while building one of Australia’s most engaged mother-to-mother breastfeeding communities.
Outreach Program of the Year
Sponsor: THE FITTING STUDIO & SOLO TÚ HAIR SERVICES
- Winner: Psych Solutions – PsychSolutions delivers consistent, culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming mental health outreach across Central and Far West NSW, providing free assessments, therapy, and support that empower children, families, and communities in rural and remote areas.
- Finalists:
- Lifeline Central West – Lifeline Central West provides 24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention, and community-based programs, empowering volunteers to offer compassionate care and vital assistance to those experiencing emotional distress across the region.
- Swim School – Fitness Perfection – Led by mums Becky and Lanai, teaches children vital water safety and swimming skills in a fun, supportive environment while actively giving back to the local community through volunteer programs, school support, and charity initiatives
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance – Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Orange and Central West outreach team provides specialised, timely therapy services, early intervention support, and expert guidance, helping families and children with cerebral palsy access vital care and resources across the region.
A Celebration of Impact and Community
The Mummy Awards 2025 High Tea was a heartwarming success, shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving positive change.
The 5th Annual Central West Mummy Awards celebrated the heart of the community, honouring organisations and initiatives that inspire, empower, and create lasting positive change across the region.
To read more on our 33 finalists, please see our page here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
A heartfelt thank you to our partner Hansen Optometrists and sponsors, including MoneyQuest Orange, Peter Smith TerryWhite Chemmart, Gowrie NSW Early Childhood Education, BurMac Insurance Solutions, Millthorpe Garden Nursery, Peter Fisher Real Estate, The Fitting Studio, Solo Tú Hair Services, Quest Orange, RES and VERTO for supporting this impactful event.
Join Us in 2026!
We can’t wait to celebrate even more incredible achievements next year. Stay tuned for updates on the Mummy Awards 2026 and how you can participate in this uplifting celebration of community excellence.
