Then Lifeline Hunter Central Coast wants to hear about her.

Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO Gillian Summers said nominations were now open for the Steel Magnolia Awards which will be announced at a gala fundraising dinner at Newcastle City Hall on July 29.

The award is open to all female residents of the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Lower Hunter regions.

“I encourage people to nominate one of the many special women who are unsung heroes in our community,” Ms Summers said.

“It is important to recognise these women, for them, but also to give hope and inspiration to others in our community.”

She said the person must be nominated by someone else, but the process was a simple form.

An independent judging panel will determine the finalists and winner. Last year’s recipient was Moira McCabe, of Berriman.

Guest speaker at the award presentation will be Channel 10 presenter, journalist, author and mental health advocate Jessica Rowe. 

Ms Summers said that by attending, people would be supporting Lifeline’s local life-saving crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Tickets for the event are now on sale.

They cost $195 per person or $1950 for a table of 10.

Each ticket includes a $100 donation to Lifeline Hunter Central Coast. The dinner includes champagne, a three-course meal and premium wines.

Lifeline’s work has never been more important: Suicide rates are at a 13-year high in Australia.

More than 2500 Australians die by suicide each year, double the national road toll. 

Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast estimates it saves the lives of 5000 local people each year through its crisis support and suicide prevention services but relies on community support for more than 55 per cent of its funding.