With 2025 Local Woman of the Year, Cheryl Paradella.

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP has recognised prominent local women making a difference in the local community in a speech to NSW Parliament. 

In his speech, Mr Chanthivong announced that the 2025 Local Woman of the Year had been awarded to Macquarie Fields’ Cheryl Paradella for her work in the mental health and education sectors. 

Ms Paradella is a dedicated volunteer for local mental health charity Beautiful Minds Macarthur and has been President since 2018. Ms Paradella is committed to improving the lives of those living with mental illness, and previously hosted a series of community mental health forums with Mr Chanthivong.    

Ms Paradella is also a community representative for the South Western Sydney Local Health District, assisting with inpatient and community carer peer support. In this role, Ms Paradella advocates for carers’ rights and acts as a contact between consumers and clinicians in the mental health space.  

In addition to her extensive work in mental health, Ms Paradella is the community liaison officer at Glenfield Park School and works closely with families across the Hilltop group of schools for special purposes. In this role, Ms Paradella offers invaluable support to families with children of complex needs. 

A qualified foster carer and counsellor, Ms Paradella is a passionate advocate for carers. 

Ms Paradella has worked in the education sector – both early childhood education and adult education – for more than 30 years.  

Mr Chanthivong also recognised local Minto woman, Mal Fruean OAM – a strong advocate for Pasifika communities. 

Ms Fruean was recently appointed to the Australian Multicultural Council – one of only 14 Australians selected to provide insights and advice to the Commonwealth Government. 

An inspirational and respected leader, Ms Fruean received an Order of the Medal of Australia in 2021 in recognition of her contributions to the NSW Pasifika community. 

Manager of South West Multicultural and Community Centre in Minto, Ms Fruean oversees programs for women, youth and emerging Pacific leaders. Ms Fruean is also chair of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities – a peak body for collaborative work with government and Pacific communities across NSW.  

Mr Chanthivong also recognised the contributions of Ingleburn woman, Annamaria Wood, for her long-term commitment to the local disability sector. 

Ms Wood was chief executive officer of Disability Macarthur in Minto from 1996 to 2022, where she oversaw support services for disabled adults and children in the local community. 

A staunch advocate for people with disability, Ms Wood’s hard work helped establish Disability Macarthur as a wonderful community asset. Always family-focused, Ms Wood recognised the importance of lifelong disability support for the whole family.  

Quotes attributable to Member for Macquarie Fields, the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP: 

“I acknowledge all the women in my community, and in all communities across NSW, who are helping to make a positive difference – big or small.  

“I congratulate Ms Paradella on being named Local Woman of the Year and commend Ms Fruean on her appointment to the Australian Multicultural Council.  

“Our community is all the better for the wonderful women in our local area.”