Rochelle Ashcroft receives Woman of Year Award

Rochelle Ashcroft was acknowledged for her altruistic efforts with the 2018 Local Woman of the Year Award.

Member for Orange Philip Donato presented Mrs Ashcroft with the award at a ceremony at the Orange CWA Hall in Robertson Park on Thursday.

As the founder of Let’s Make Better, Mrs Ashcroft’s charitable work reaches across a broad spectrum of the community.

“We’ve got a lot of big ideas – we’ve got a lot of things on our radar,” Mrs Ashcroft said.

Let’s Make Better’s achievements include providing breakfast four mornings a week for the less fortunate, furnishing six homes for victims of domestic violence, supporting local nursing homes and providing food donations to several charities.

“We’ve been in the community for a lot of years with IGA,” she said.

“When my husband Ian suggested I register my own charity I initially thought he was crazy – but through the support of the staff and our customers it quickly became apparent that we could do it.”

Mrs Ashcroft said that one highlight of the Let’s Make Better work has been supporting the breakfast program at Bowen Public School.

“The breakfast program is a highlight because we hear directly from teachers how it is benefiting students,” she said. 

“They tell us that the students taking part are better able to concentrate and focus on their learning.” 

Mr Donato said that being able to recognise the work of people such as Mrs Ashcroft is one of the best parts of his job.

“In its seventh consecutive year, the Woman of the Year Awards highlights the resilience, strength and diversity of women throughout the state of NSW,” Mr Donato said.

“Let’s Make Better is one of the most proactive charitable organisations in the Central West – Rochelle, on behalf of our community, I sincerely thank you for your service.”

Deputy mayor Joanne McRae attended the event, as did last year’s winner Karlie Irwin.

Mrs Irwin received the award in 2017 for her dedication to supplying needy families with practical help through her organisation Pay It Forward.