In a ceremony held this week to celebrate Education Week in the Hunter, Lynne Strong, a local resident and former Kiama Electorate Woman of the Year, received the prestigious Community Person of the Year Award. This accolade recognises Lynne's significant role in strengthening relationships between schools, parents, and the broader community, a connection proven to greatly enhance young people's chances of thriving.

Lynne has a distinguished history of designing and delivering programs for schools and teachers that ensure students are engaged and aware of the real-world impact of their education. Upon receiving the award, Lynne expressed her gratitude, noting the importance of her work in today’s polarised world.

"Schools are in crisis; teachers are overwhelmed, students are disengaged, and mental health and well-being issues are on the rise. It is so important to give young people hope," Lynne stated. 

"The programs my team and I design and deliver give young people the opportunity to investigate the world, appreciate diverse perspectives, communicate confidently, and take action on issues that matter to them and their community. It has been a great pleasure to support schools in the Hunter in achieving this."

Lynne's dedication to creating educational programs that build school networks and demonstrate the real-world impact of classroom learning has been a cornerstone of her efforts. Her work ensures that young people are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and confidence to make meaningful contributions to their communities.