And Macarthur women were at the forefront of Monday's ceremony.

Sister Kerry MacDermott, who lives in Minto, was announced as the Women of the West joint winner with Aunty Mae Robinson, at the Parramatta campus.

Prue Gregory, of Macquarie Fields, was highly commended on the day for her work with people in public housing.

The crowd also cheered as Advertiser journalist Michelle Fenech took home the Young Women of the West award.

Ms Fenech, who has raised more than $85,000 for Cystic Fibrosis NSW, was also recognised for her involvement with CareFlight, her local coverage of bushfire victims and various causes.

She said she was proud to receive the award from the university she attended.

``Wow, thank you UWS for this award,'' Ms Fenech said on Monday.

``Thank you to my mum, who is also a very proud woman of the west, and I am proud to be her daughter.

``[Former Wollondilly mayor] Judy Hannan has been an inspiration to me and someone that I look up to so to have someone like her nominate me for this award is very humbling.''

Meanwhile, in the 2010 Women in Local Government Awards, Campbelltown Council's director of community services Lindy Deitz was one of six women to receive an award in a ceremony at Parliament House.

Sister Kerry was absent at the UWS awards ceremony because she had to attend an annual healing day and she did not want to ``disappoint anyone''.

She said she was ``shocked and overwhelmed'' to have won the award.

``I guess my work with the Aboriginal community and my work supporting them in their daily lives helped me win the award,'' she said.

Sister Kerry has volunteered her time to a number of community groups including Minto Residents Action Group, Muru Nanga Mai Women's Group, Aboriginal Working Group in Minto and the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee.

Werriwa MP Chris Hayes, who nominated Sister Kerry, said she was a Minto resident for 26 years and the award was a tribute to hard work and dedication.

``What strikes me most about Sister Kerry is her ceaseless devotion to the principles of social justice and equality, particularly in relation to the local Aboriginal community,'' he said.

``Over the years Sister Kerry has become a well-respected and much-loved figure within the Campbelltown community.

``Her compassion and empathy know no bounds, nor does her capacity to advocate for those who feel they have no voice.''