PHOTO: Meg Purser's father Bob, partner of 21 years Scott Mills and mother Noelene Purser accepted the award at Warners Bay on her behalf. Picture: Simone De Peak from the Newcastle Herald, March 8, 2021.

FAMILY and friends of public relations stalwart Meg Purser say they are pleased to see her posthumously named Charlestown Woman of the Year for her contribution to the community, but that she didn't do it for accolades and preferred to stay behind the scenes.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison bestowed the award on Ms Purser of Eleebana on Monday - International Women's Day - after she received a nomination from Ms Purser's friend and colleague Craig Eardley. Ms Purser, the managing director of Purser Corporate Communication, died on January 14 from breast cancer.

Ms Harrison said Ms Purser helped organise the International Childrens Games in 2014, which showcased the region to the world.

"She just kept popping up at things that are really intrinsic to who we are here and what we do," she said. "I thought 'There is no better person to get this award'."

You can read the full story online here at the Newcastle Herald website.

Author: HELEN GREGORY.