POLITICS
Multicultural leader named Blacktown City Woman of the Year
A dedicated community leader who has helped people from migrant backgrounds overcome barriers and thrive has been named Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
SydWest Multicultural Services CEO Elfa Moraitakis was announced as the winner at Council’ s fully booked International Women’ s Day Breakfast, held at Bowman Hall in Blacktown on Monday.
Ms Moraitakis has played a pivotal role in expanding SydWest’ s reach and services, providing vital support to refugees and migrants— particularly women and girls.
In what has been an outstanding week, Ms Moraitakis was also named NSW Local Woman of the Year for the Blacktown electorate by the NSW Government.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting paid tribute to Ms Moraitakis and all finalists.
“ We are fortunate to have so many public-spirited and hardworking women who create opportunities and help keep our community connected,” he said.
“ Elfa and our finalists are inspiring role models for young girls and demonstrate how each of us can make a meaningful difference and advocate for equal opportunities for women and girls.”
Kids’ Early Learning Seven Hills
Cr Talia Amituanai( L) and Mayor Brad Bunting and congratulate finalists.
East Centre Director Farideh Bahrami was also recognised, taking out the Staff Woman of the Year award.
Ms Bahrami has fostered a strong culture of trust and respect, contributing to the centre exceeding national quality standards.
The free community event attracted a diverse audience and highlighted the importance of recognising women’ s achievements across the region.
Guests also heard from 2024 Blacktown City Citizen of the Year Rachael Hanlon, who spoke about the challenges and opportunities women face in tertiary education.
Blacktown City Council has celebrated its Women of the Year awards since 2008 as part of a broader program supporting women and girls to achieve their goals.
This includes initiatives such as the Women’ s Advisory Committee, which helps inform Council decision-making,
Blacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis
the annual Women’ s Forum that amplifies women’ s voices on community issues, and ongoing partnerships with social service organisations to improve opportunities across the community.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 15