Emma Pritchard

She is one of the most well-loved, admired and respected members of the Clarence Valley business community, and is held in high esteem by her friends and colleagues at J Notaras and Sons Sawmill in South Grafton, where she has worked since 1978.

Her loyalty to her employer, dedication to her team, and endless compassion for those around her make Donna Layton a worthy recipient of the 2022 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year.

Ms Layton was presented with her award at a special ceremony on March 15 by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, who acknowledged her strong work ethic and commitment during the recent challenges and adversities faced by many local businesses.

“You pretty much led the effort to keep the saws spinning at J Notaras and Sons Sawmill through the drought, bushfires and Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Gulaptis said to her.

“It was such a challenging period, and you achieved this despite losing your own property in the 2019 Black Summer fires.

“Wow.”

Describing Ms Layton as a big believer in personal and professional development, Mr Gulaptis also praised her for helping to retain local jobs and enable J Notaras and Sons Sawmill to remain in production.

“With a 40 percent downturn in available timber for the sawmill, Donna was able to maintain worker wages and keep the business running by operating a four-day week through the worst of the downturn,” he said. 

“The employees always came first.

“When Covid-19 cases hit the business, forcing skilled employees to isolate, Donna found a solution by recruiting new staff and training up others with extra qualifications.

“She has been very loyal and dedicated to her employer as well as to her fellow employees.

“J Notaras and Sons have been a major employer in the Clarence Valley and a significant economic contributor for decades, and that’s largely attributed to the stewardship of Donna.”

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Ms Layton said she was surprised and overwhelmed to win the award, describing it as a privilege to be selected.

She graciously acknowledged her colleagues for their ongoing support, describing them as a wonderful crew to work alongside.

“You need your workers, you need good people around you to do what you do,” she said.

Her devotion to her team and the industry were also recognised when she was announced as the winner of the Dedication category at the 2021 Harvey Norman Weekly Times Shine Awards.

Ms Layton is also a member of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce’s executive team, who acknowledged her recent achievements during the monthly breakfast meeting on March 16.