NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has been named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year.
The award is the highest honour in the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which was presented at the International Convention Centre on Wednesday morning.
Dr Chant, who has overseen the management of the COVID-19 response in NSW, was recognised for her tireless efforts in keeping the population safe with her expert advice.
Congratulations to Dr Kerry Chant, the 2021 NSW Woman of the Year. Her tireless work and expert advice has kept NSW safe during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/9CLHiFfcsl
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) March 9, 2021
Along with Premier Gladys Berejikilian, Dr Chant has been the public face of the state’s response to the pandemic. She has held the role of NSW Chief Health Officer since 2008, making her the longest-serving chief health officer in the state.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Chant has been a familiar face, offering vital health information for our state in addition to years of service to the health sector,” Gladys Berejiklian said.
“Dr Chant is a role model, especially for women, and has absolutely excelled in her chosen field to affect lasting change.”
In November 2020, Dr Chant was also named NSW Public Servant of the Year.
On Wednesday afternoon, Dr Chant, along with Berejiklian and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, will receive a coronavirus vaccination, as the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout begins in NSW.
Other women recognised at the 2021 NSW Women of the Year Award ceremony include founder of Buy from the Bush, Grace Brennan, who took home the Regional Woman of the Year Award; disability activist June Riemer, winner of the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award; NSW Community Hero of the Year Award winner Jean Vickery and NSW Young Woman of the Year, Dr Samantha Wade.