State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has announced that Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin is the 2022 Wallsend Local Woman of the Year.
Ms Hornery nominated Frances for the award, based on her 20 year research career to improving outcomes for people living with mental illness and their families and her role as President of the Society for Mental Health Research, Australia’s peak mental health research society.
Frances is also an advocate for mental health researchers and was instrumental in bringing leaders in the field together to lobby the Federal Government for a more equitable distribution of research funding to mental health.
Frances was presented with the Award at a gala breakfast in Sydney recently with other women from across New South Wales.
“So many women in the Wallsend Electorate are working hard to make a difference for our community, and it’s never easy to choose who to nominate.
“I am very pleased to present Frances with the Wallsend Local Woman of the Year Award,” Ms Hornery said.
“Frances has dedicated her 20 year research career to improving outcomes for people living with mental illness and their families.
“Her passion is to ensure that every Australian can access support for mental health and alcohol and other drug use problems whenever and wherever they need it.
“In 2019 Frances took on a leadership role at University of Newcastle, as Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation.
“For the last two years, in addition to her other responsibilities, Frances also worked as the University’s COVID lead. This involved working around the clock to ensure the safety of staff and students during a time of great uncertainty.
“In her spare time she also coaches netball, supports local schools, and always goes above the call to support friends in negotiating our complex health system.
“It will be my pleasure to join Frances for breakfast this morning and celebrate her achievements and the achievements of extraordinary women from across New South Wales.”
“Congratulations Frances on adding the Wallsend Local Woman of the Year to your long list of achievements. I can think of no one more deserving of this award,” said Ms Hornery.
