Amanda Stacey of South Grafton has been named as the ‘2017 Clarence Electorate Woman of the Year’. The announcement was made on Tuesday at Camellia Cottage, South Grafton by Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis. “Amanda has been the driving force and inspiration in implementing many of the programs at Camellia Cottage that support the most vulnerable in our community,” said Mr Gulaptis. “I think Amanda is one of our unsung heroes. “She has worked so hard with young children on a shoe string budget, for a long period of time. “She is making a terrific improvement in people’s lives, which [at times] can be very thankless. “The young children look to her for the simple things in life, like breakfast, or a safe place or just a place to do homework.” As part of her award Amanda will be flying to Sydney (courtesy of REX airlines) to attend the 2017 NSW Woman of the Year awards breakfast, with Mr Gulaptis. The breakfast which will be attended by the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, recognises and celebrates the contribution made by women across NSW to industry, community and society. Amanda said that she was very surprised at winning the award. “I’m a hard worker behind the scenes and not used to being recognised,” said Amanda. “I do it for the love of the community, not for any accolades. “I’m very much humbled by receiving the award. “I appreciate the awesome community I work in. Amanda said that she can’t wait to go to Sydney to hear other women’s stories about what they’ve achieved. “It will be a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and to hear from people from other work environments.”