By Elizabeth Symington from the Newcastle Weekly on March 8.

The late Meg Pursers community spirit and incredible work will be honoured today (Monday 8 March) when she is named 2021 Charlestown Woman of the Year.

Megs parents, Bob and Noelene Purser, will accept the award this International Womens Day on her behalf at a ceremony at the Warners Bay Rotunda.

Meg died from breast cancer earlier this year on 14 January, she was nominated for the award by her colleague and friend Craig Eardley.

[Meg] was an unsung community hero who worked behind the scenes to make things happen for organisations and the community, Craig said.

Her work literally helped to save lives and make organisations successful.

She mentored many PR graduates, particularly young women, and business people. Meg gave her time and expertise to so many local charities and community organisations.

Craig added Meg served on many committees and boards and was always a person who rolled up her sleeves and got the job done.

Meg lit up a room, connected people and made people believe in themselves and feel important, he said.

As Managing Director ofPurser Corporate CommunicationMeg had a huge impact on the community.

Senior Communication Consultant Gracyn Endacott says she is incredibly proud of the work Meg did throughout her life.

I think it is a huge honour for someone as powerful and influential as Meg to be given this award, she said.

I am so proud of her and grateful for what she has done.

Every day was different, to work under Meg Purser was incredible, I am forever grateful for what she taught me and the foundations she left me to go on in my career.

We all miss her so much.

Charlestown state MP Jodie Harrison believes Meg is very deserving of the award.

Meg was not just a highly skilled communications and public relations expert, she was someone who gave her time and shared her skills for the benefit of the broader community and organisations such as the Westpac Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and the domestic violence support charity Got Your Back Sista, she said.

I got to know Meg when I was Mayor of Lake Macquarie. She was not only a consummate professional but a caring, friendly and generous person.

I cannot think of a more appropriate recipient this year for this award.

This article can be accessed online here.