Cairns Regional Council’s Woman of the Year Sheriden Morris has been an inspirational role model for the region’s women tackling the male-dominated world of science head on.

Ms Morris and Young Woman of the Year Tulsa Guatum were officially recognised at the Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast this morning.

Mayoress Claire Manning says: “Sheriden’s commitment to science and the environment, through roles at university and in the corporate world via the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, is inspirational in itself.

“That she has found the time to also actively encourage and mentor women in these often male-dominated fields is commendable.”

In addition to her work in the sciences, Ms Morris has been a strong advocate for women’s rights in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and has been instrumental in the Federal Government’s work to deliver tuberculosis services in PNG.

Drawing on personal experience as a refugee from Bhutan, Tulsa Guatum, 21, has been a strong advocate and voice for new migrants to Cairns as well as providing hands-on support to help woman and girls adjust to their new life in Cairns, obtain skills and participate in the community.

“As a migrant herself, Tulsa has a unique understanding of the challenges of being a new resident of this country and our City. She has proactively used that experience and empathy to smooth the way for other immigrants while raising awareness in the broader community of the advantages of a cultural diverse region.

“Both Sheriden and Tulsa are inspirational examples of how each of us can make a positive contribution to our community,” Mayoress Manning says.