Up against some tough competition, Mrs Weston was very shocked to hear she had won the title.

“They went through the list of nominees alphabetically, and of course I was the last person called because mine is a ‘w’,” Mrs Weston said.

“And then they said to me up on stage, ‘you may as well stay up here, because you are the NSW Woman of the Year’.

“I couldn’t believe it, I thought there was no way I was getting it; it was amazing.”

The ceremony was held as part of International Women’s Day, which is a way to recognise all women who have made a difference to the lives of others and who have demonstrated excellence in their fields.

“I met the mayors of Waverly and Manly, and deputy premier and Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt” Mrs Weston said.

“There were some very inspiring and empowering women there.

“NSW Premier Kristina Keneally was supposed to be there too but her son had a fall off his skateboard so she was in hospital all night with him and couldn’t make it.”

A total of 88 women received nominations for the award. These included two other local nominees Jan Savage and Fiona Rossiter, who have previously been winners of the Orange Electorate Woman of the Year award.

“Everybody there were lovely people,” Mrs Weston said.

“They were all very genuine and I have made lots of contacts.

“There are a lot more doors open for me now and I even had a few people approach me and ask me to speak at some conferences.”

Since winning the award, Mrs Weston has been busy doing interviews on the radio; however she has a list of priorities when it comes to being a leader for women.

“My family will always come first,” she said.

“I still want to help at the school with the canteen and reading lessons.

“The whole thing is a big shock, inspiring other communities, but I guess as long as I’m motivating and empowering women and giving them confidence, it’s a great thing.”

By promoting the community of Cumnock and the surrounding district through the Rentafarmhouse Scheme and the Animals on Bikes sculpture competition, Mrs Weston has helped increase the numbers of visitors to the Central West, as well as being a role model for other women and young girls.