Nellie Doueihi honoured as 2025 Local Woman of the Year

Local Penshurst resident, Nellie Doueihi, is the 2025 Local Woman of the Year for the Oatley Electorate.

This special award was presented by Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, alongside St Declan’s Parish Priest, Fr Josh Whicker MGL, in front of a proud congregation made up of family, friends, parishioners, and volunteers.

Mr Coure said that Nellie has been the driving force behind St Declan’s Ministry for the sick and elderly, leading a dedicated team of over 130 volunteers who provide vital support to more than 300 seniors.

Under her guidance, the parish has introduced a range of initiatives to connect and care for senior members of the community, including:

• Tech Savvy Seniors – pairing students from Marist Catholic College Penshurst with seniors to assist with digital literacy.
• Nursing Home Outreach – where primary school students create personalised gifts for elderly residents at Easter and Christmas.
• Fall Prevention Programs – encouraging physical activity and friendships among the elderly.
• Funeral Support Services – assisting grieving families through compassion and care.
• Tele-support Calls – providing regular check-ins and a friendly voice for the housebound and isolated.

In 2023, Nellie was also awarded the Westfield Hurstville Local Hero, a recognition that brought a $20,000 grant to St Declan’s. The funding was being used for a ‘Life Stories’ project, helping seniors share and record their personal histories through digital storytelling.

“Nellie is the heart and soul of St Declan’s outreach to the community, her warmth, dedication, and tireless commitment are what makes our community stronger.” Mr Coure said.

“The compassion and love Nellie has for the community is a true representation of what it means to be a volunteer. She doesn’t do it for recognition, reward or accolades, she does it because she cares about what happens to those around her and she believes that when we work together, we can achieve great things and help those most in need in our community.”

"It’s people like Nellie who remind us that community service is built on compassion, service, and genuine care for one another, improving the lives of so many across the community.

"This award is about shining a light on those quiet achievers who don’t seek recognition but absolutely deserve it. Nellie has given so much, and today, we simply say thank you."

"Nellie has set a standard for all of us. Her work with seniors is not just about meeting needs, it’s about restoring dignity, fostering connection, and showing love. Our community is richer because of her."

The Local Woman of the Year Award is part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which honour inspiring women across the state for their leadership, resilience, and service to the community.

Nellie was also recently awarded a St George Community Award for her service to the community.

ENDS