2018 Pittwater Woman Of The Year
The Hon. Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater and Gailene Keen, 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year - photo by and courtesy Cr. Kylie Ferguson, NBC
2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year
March 7th, 2018
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced local children’s support advocate Gailene Keen as the 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year.
Gailene works with the Be Centre children’s charity at Warriewood which assists young people (aged 3-12) who have experienced trauma, domestic violence or challenging personal circumstances.
Gailene has also worked in key roles with the Cancer Council, St Lucy’s School for students with disabilities and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps grant wishes to seriously ill children.
“Gailene is an incredibly talented and passionate children’s advocate,” Rob Stokes said today.
“Gailene has been instrumental in the growing success of the Be Centre and its ability to reach out and support some of our most vulnerable local families.
“Despite the emotional demands involved in supporting children who are going through the most difficult of circumstances – Gailene is tireless in her efforts.
“The drive and compassion Gailene displays is a continual source of encouragement and support for all those around her.
“We’re really fortunate to have people like Gailene working within our community to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.
“Gailene is a remarkable woman and a very worthy recipient of this award,” Rob Stokes said.
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches said
On Wednesday, 7 March 216 people enjoyed an inspiring and stimulating address by Liesl Tesch at the Pittwater International Women's Day Breakfast. Liesl spoke of her life story, her involvement in wheelchair basketball and her sailing experiences. Her paralympic medals are a sign of her passion and commitment. Liesl is now the MP for Gosford adding another interesting challenge to her list of achievements.
Thank you Liesl for sharing your story with us all!
At the Breakfast MP for Pittwater Rob Stokes announced local children’s support advocate Gailene Keen as the 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year. Gailene works with the Be Centre children’s charity at Warriewood which assists young people (aged 3-12) who have experienced trauma, domestic violence or challenging personal circumstances.
Gailene has also worked in key roles with the Cancer Council, St Lucy’s School for students with disabilities and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps grant wishes to seriously ill children.
In making the presentation Rob Stokes said “We’re really fortunate to have people like Gailene working within our community to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. Gailene is a remarkable woman and a very worthy recipient of this award." For more information on Be Centre see www.becentre.org.au
Gailene Keen, Fundraising and Development Manager
Connecting with Be Centre's passion is rewarding in finding ways to making a real difference by creating a world where all children no matter what circumstances are given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Positively helping influence the direction of a child’s life is a great daily motivation. Sometimes heartbreaking and slow work, though everyday a small miracle does occur within the Therapy rooms. Sadly there are more traumatised children than ever before needing help. Gailene has a ATCL Trinity College London and FIA member.
About Be Centre
Be Centre is a unique registered children’s charity devoted to providing one-on-one Play Therapy to children.
We have some of the nation’s most experienced Play Therapists and offer programs which can help children who are experiencing emotional, behavioural or psychological difficulties and those impacted by bullying, divorce, transitions, accidents, domestic violence, assault, grief and loss.
Be Centre is a safe space where children are supported to make sense of situations and events; explore and express their feelings; restore trust and build self confidence so childhood issues do not become problems in adult life.
We also offer programs to support parents and carers with training and workshop programs for professionals.
Be Centre relies solely on community support to fund children in greatest need and to ensure ongoing provision of affordable services. Find out how you can get involved or offer financial support.
What we do
Be Centre offers Play Therapy and creative arts programs for children at our centres in Warriewood and Manly in NSW.
We also offer programs to support parents and carers and to develop the skills of professionals who work with children and families.
Find out more at: https://www.becentre.org.au/
