Heike Forth has been named the 2020 Penrith Local Woman of the Year.
“Heike is encouraging and inspirational across the Penrith Valley community with her contributions to sport through being a mum, mentor, volunteer and competitor,” said Penrith MP Stuart Ayres.
Heike has made an enormous contribution to the Penrith District across numerous sports. Currently Heike is Head Teacher PDHPE at Cranebrook High School where she has been a teacher for the past 30 years. Heike is the Werrington Zone School Sport Association President and is the Sydney West School Sport Convenor for NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association.
Heike is also a Life Member of Sydney West School Sport Association for her contribution to sport within the region for over 10 years. The value of Heike’s contribution across Cranebrook United Football Club, Cambridge Park Netball Club, Nepean Little Athletics Club and Nepean Amateur Athletics Club for more than 30 years and in one case now 46 years is invaluable.
She has been a NSW Representative and an Australian representative with highlights including the World Masters Games in Sydney in 2009 where she finished the championships with 5 gold medals and 1 bronze medal in Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, Hammer Throw and Weight Throw.
Craig Dunne, Principal of Cranebrook High School said Heike has made an immense contribution to the Cranebrook Community and the wider Penrith area over a significant period of time.
“Her commitment, contribution and leadership of community groups, particularly in the area of sport, has ensured that young people in particular have the opportunities to participate in sporting activities in their local community,” he said.
Heike’s commitment to public education and her promotion and support of sport within the education community is outstanding. The local community holds Heike in extremely high regard and is grateful for her work, contribution and the way in which she supports and encourages young people to be involved in sport. Heike is an excellent choice for Penrith Woman of the Year.”
