‘MANLY WOMAN OF THE YEAR’ ANNOUNCED
Member for Manly, James Griffin has congratulated Georgie Furze as Manly’s Woman of the Year for 2024.
“I am thrilled that Georgie is our Woman of the Year and that she could be rightfully recognised at this morning’s NSW Women of the Year Awards at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.”
“Her work as a role model for girls and women in our community is something we should all celebrate."
“I came to know of Georgie’s work through LocalKind, and the program she runs called ‘Beyond the Gloves’. Mr Griffin said.
‘Beyond the Gloves’ is a boxing program that empowers young girls between the ages of 12 and 18 through physical exercise and mentoring. Georgie is focused on using boxing to build resilience, self-esteem and confidence and promote body positivity and mental fitness for young girls. The results of her program include increased school attendance, motivation, meaningful connections and peer support and improved relationships.
Mr Griffin said, “‘Beyond the Gloves’ is exactly what we need in our community and it’s wonderful that Georgie has put so much effort and time back into her community as a fantastic female role model and leader.”
In 2020, Georgie set out to raise funds for the then Community Northern Beaches (now LocalKind) by walking the length of Manly Beach continuously for 24 hours, notching up 138,800 steps over 82.3 kilometres!
Mr Griffin said, “I met up with Georgie during the long tough slog, which was not helped by poor weather!”
Since then, Georgie has set up her own small business, called ‘Get Real with Georgie’, which aims to help young girls build confidence, instil healthy habits, and foster emotional intelligence.
Following today’s presentation, Georgie said, “I honestly can’t believe it. I’m shaking. I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life.”
“I’m extremely proud to be a Manly local and feel privileged to have grown up in such a wonderful area. I am passionate about helping young women. I really care about them and feel greatly honoured to have received the Manly Women of the Year Award.”.
Mr Griffin said, “Georgie joins an outstanding list of inspirational local women who make a positive contribution to our community. We thank each of them for their commitment and inspiring leadership.”
