Lou Fox is being celebrated with a Local Woman of the Year Award in recognition of the significant contribution she has made to the local region, particularly during the Southern NSW Local Health District’s response to COVID-19.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman congratulated Lou Fox on the honour, acknowledging her hard work for the region as the COVID-19 Controller for the entire Southern NSW Local Health District.
“Lou managed every element of NSW Health’s local COVID-19 response – from hospital operations to the community outreach support program.
During the pandemic Ms Fox initiated the District’s virtual care program and coordinated the broader community response with partner organisations including police, social workers and community groups.
Most of all – throughout the entire ordeal – Lou remained calm and responsive. She was so helpful to all organisations and agencies involved in the COVID-19 response. Her dedication and diligence made it very easy for everyone involved, not only to get their jobs done but also to feel supported.
Mrs Tuckerman presented the award to Ms Fox in a surprise morning tea at her workplace this morning.
“I will not easily forget how during such a stressful time, Ms Fox was incredibly calm and collected. I understand that her work during this period laid the foundation for significant improvements in ongoing projects and partnerships in other respects – an incredible contribution”
“I congratulate Lou on this well-deserved honour,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Southern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Margaret Bennett agreed that Ms Fox has made a lasting contribution to the community.
“The Local Health District has developed stronger connections with local vulnerable groups that had little interaction with NSW Health prior to Covid – thanks to Lou.
“Our strengthened interagency connections have improved the coordination and delivery of outreach and public health programs into the future.
“Lou and her team established the virtual care program at short notice, providing round the clock support for Covid positive patients isolating in their homes. The expansion of virtual care into many other health services is a wonderful legacy of our Covid response work.
“Lou continues to lead much of this community and outreach work. We are so proud of her leadership and vision for increasing access to health services,” Ms Bennett said.
The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that recognises and celebrates the support women give to their local communities across NSW.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor also congratulated the State’s Local Women of the Year Award recipients.
“These women are the backbone of their communities, volunteering their time and energy to make a positive difference,” she said.
“I would like to acknowledge their significant efforts to support their local communities and thank them for all the amazing work they do.”
The Local Woman of the Year Awards is one way the NSW Government celebrates the achievements of women as part of International Women’s Day on March 8 2022. The NSW Women of the Year Awards were held at the International Convention Centre, Sydney on March 9, 2022.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 