Mary Fletcher is the 2026 Bathurst Electorate Local Woman of the Year. The Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
Mary has been a member of the Bathurst District Historical Society and Family History Group since 1995 and has been an integral part of this community-based organisation for over 30 years of volunteering. She is currently the President and has held this position since being elected in 2020. Before this, Mary was Treasurer 1999-2017, 2019-2023 and granted Life Membership.
Mary has also been the Photographic Curator since 2001, using this position to capture moments in time through photography and preserving these photographs for generations to come.
Mary has also served the Bathurst community as a Justice of the Peace since 1980 and has continued to be a strong supporter of the NSW SES since 2017.
Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, said Mary is an outstanding recipient of this prestigious award.
“I’m so proud to have Mary as an exceptional role model in our community, dedicating her efforts to making Bathurst a better place for all women and inspiring others to contribute to their community,” Mr Toole said.
“Mary is an unsung everyday hero who has done so much for the community she loves.
“International Women’s Day is just one day a year, but we should be celebrating and recognising the outstanding women who do so much for our community every day.”
Local Woman of the Year Mary Fletcher said it was an honour to receive the award.
“With so many inspirational women achieving amazing things in the Bathurst Electorate, to be singled out for this award is a privilege,” Mrs Fletcher said.
This year, 93 women have been nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week (2-8 March); an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.
Each Local Woman of the Year award recipient will receive their certificates at the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday, 5 March.
Recipients who volunteer and live in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW will also be added to the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll; a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women who volunteer their time and energy to help others.
To learn more about the Women of the Year Awards program and view the livestream, click here. For more about Hidden Treasures, click here.
