Lea Hicks, General Manager, Hix Group Pty Ltd
Lea Hicks has been nominated for the 2012 Women of the West Award for her commitment to employing and training young people from Greater Western Sydney, and for her contributions to local community groups and charities.
Lea is the co-owner and General Manager of the Hix Group Pty Ltd, which was established more than 20 years ago as a small, two person operation, and has grown to encompass six business arms and employ more than 55 staff.
With such a thriving local business, it has become Lea's goal to give back to the local community and to create opportunities for young people. Under her leadership, the Hix Group places great importance on supporting local industry and employing apprentices.
Lea was nominated for the 2012 Women of the West Award by Susan Hartigan, Institute Director, TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute.
Through observing Lea's role on the TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute Advisory Council, Ms Hartigan has come to regard her as a "humble, hardworking lady" and a "quiet achiever who is passionate about contributing to the Greater Western Sydney region."
"Lea provides opportunities for many students and apprentices via work experience programs, and is always attending school presentations, career programs, career advice forums, Young Achiever Programs and she plays a very valuable role in the Schools Industry Partnership Board," says Ms Hartigan.
Lea's philosophy of giving back to the community can also be evidenced in the many charitable and community organisations that she supports.
Lea has led the fundraising committee for the Australian Women's and Children's Research Foundation (OZWAC) for the past 10 years, culminating in her election as the Chairperson of the Ozwac Board in 2011. She is also a past Board member of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce; currently on the Board of the Penrith Business Alliance; the Schools Industry Partnership; and the Steering Committee for the Lend Lease Construction Futures Project and a member of the TAFE WSI Advisory Council.
The Hon. David Bradbury, Federal Member for Lindsay, says Lea's contributions to local charities, particularly OZWAC, have been significant.
"Lea has volunteered countless hours to raise funds and increase awareness of OZWAC – a charity that is committed to improving the health of young children through research," says Mr Bradbury.
Support for her nomination has also been received by Judith Field, Development Manager, Lend Lease Communities; Professor Michael Peek, Head of the Sydney Medical School Nepean; Paul Brennan, Chairman of the Penrith Business Alliance; Denise Charlier, Careers Advisor at Nepean High School; Ian Palmer, CEO of the Schools Industry Partnership; and Jill Woods, CEO of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Personal recommendations were also received by Diane Courtman, who described Lea Hicks as "a devoted mother and wife who demonstrates the ability to manage a busy professional life while caring for her family and community" and Gary E Dean who cites "the wonderful contribution that Lea has made to both the business and charity communities of the Penrith area."
Photo: Sally Tsoutas
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