MP names Pauline James the 2018 Macquarie Fields Local Woman of the Year

09 March 2018

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP has named Pauline James as the 2018 Macquarie Fields Local Woman of the Year.

Mrs James works tirelessly in her volunteer roles with the Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch, the Ingleburn Women's Auxiliary and as State President of the Central Council of Women's Auxiliaries - RSL NSW.

“It’s an honour to present Pauline with this award to recognise the incredible dedication and drive she has shown over many years to support the RSL movement and our returned veterans,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Pauline is driven by a sense of service, often saying many service men and women have made sacrifices for our country so the least she can do is give her time and energy to support the families of those who have not returned and those who have returned a different person.

“I admire Pauline’s continued enthusiasm and hard work to raise money for the RSL movement and her commitment to helping serving and ex-serving members of our Defence Force and their families.”

Mrs James spearheaded the "Lest We Forget Quilt" project which raised more than $64,000 for DefenceCare. The project started with the aim of creating one quilt to represent the proud traditions of Australian service men and women, and to symbolise the gratitude felt by all Australians for their bravery and sacrifices. Her outstanding ability to “marshal the troops” led to eight quilts being made to raise money for DefenceCare and to commemorate 100 years of Australia's Defence Forces.

Mrs James helped generate wide-spread media coverage and social media support to raise the profile of the Women's Auxiliaries and shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes support these volunteers give returned veterans.

Mrs James is also spearheading the Invictus Games 2018 project for Women's Auxiliaries branches in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania that will see 550 laundry bags depicting Australian themes handed out to all participating athletes, a quilt made for each participating country, a quilt for the Australian team and a special quilt for HRH Prince Harry.