CWA passes torch to next generation

Katherine CWA president Melanie Usher said Ms Hooper was a deserving recipient. 

“She has been doing really great work in the community and good things for Katherine,” Mrs Usher said. 

“I think it is important to have these awards, especially in places like Katherine so we can support and encourage the next generation of strong women.”

Ms Hooper said she was delighted by her win.

“I have never applied for something like this before,” Ms Hooper said. 

“I am really grateful to be considered and that I won.”

“Through my organisation Keep Talking NT I have advocated for diversity and acceptance for everyone in Katherine,” Ms Hooper said. 

“Keep Talking NT is an organisation focused on advocating for and working with people from all walks of life.

“There is perhaps still an attitude within the Katherine community which makes women’s accomplishments seem smaller than those of men but I think it goes deeper than that,” she said. 

“People who differ from the norm in Katherine, no matter which gender, face adversity and risk being outcast from the community.”

Ms Hooper said she is combating that through community events, workshops and professional development seminars.

“These workshops demonstrate that even though everyone is different, we all have something in common. If we simply keep talking, we will find this commonality and through it become a more equal and inclusive society,” Ms Hooper said. 

“There definitely needs to be a change in the way Katherine citizens see difference and it needs to be a community wide effort because the attitude won’t change until acceptance and open-mindedness become the norm.”

Ms Hooper’s mother Clare Pearce said it takes a village to raise a child. 

“I think it is important to acknowledge your road to success and all of the support and mentoring that comes in a community like Katherine. 

“I am really proud of her, she astonishes me every day.”