DETERMINATION to improve the lives of countless children has won a Central Coast woman the NSW Grandparent of the Year Award.
Aunty Dianne O'Brien, known as Aunty Di, received the award at a celebration at Parliament House.
"Grit, perseverance and pride have been used to describe the grandmother of 37 and it is evident that these strong qualities have enabled the children in her family and the community to reach their full potential," said Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies.
Aunty Di, 71, is a long standing chairwoman of the Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corp - Central Coast and has worked to raise the standard of living and educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and members of the broader NSW community.
Award finalists included Lance Northey from Newcastle who dedicates his carpentry skills and many hours to local school, his daughter's family and the elderly; while Alaweia Kual from Western Sydney uses her wisdom and strength to give support to her grandson and local youth.
