Counsellor named woman of the year

Tina Kendall-Davis of Coolamon has been named the 2026 Cootamundra Electorate Local Woman of the Year, recognised for her outstanding contribution to improving access to mental health support across regional communities. As founder and director of Anytime Counselling, Ms Kendall-Davis has established a service delivering timely and confidential support to people in rural and remote areas, helping to break down barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help. Through partnerships with local organisations and a growing team of counsellors, her work has strengthened support networks for families, women and vulnerable members of the community, ensuring care is accessible when and where it is needed most. Ms Kendall-Davis said her vision has always been to reshape how people think about mental health. “I’d really like to take mental health from a reactive space to a proactive space,” Ms Kendall-Davis said. “I’d really like to build a comfort zone around mental health, and for people not see it for the stigma that’s been attached to it for so long, but as something that’s a proactive way to make your life better and the lives of those around you better.” She said better mental wellbeing creates positive change that extends beyond the individual. “When you’re functioning well, it’s like a little pebble in the water, the ripples just keep flowing through, and you don’t realise how good things can be when you’re clouded down with mental health that’s not working in your favour,” she said. Ms Kendall-Davis believes seeking support should be viewed as a normal part of maintaining overall health. “We go to the gym to stay healthy, we go to the doctor to stay healthy, why can’t we go to the counsellor to stay healthy?” she said. “We’re great at surviving, but we’re not always good at thriving, yet we can thrive if we put a few things in place.” Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke met with Ms Kendall-Davis and her daughter, Emma, at NSW Parliament last week to formally congratulate her on the achievement. “The work that Tina is doing in a small community is extraordinary, and we know that thanks to her, lives have been saved,” Ms Cooke said. “The care that she takes, and the inspiration that she provides for so many people, myself included, I couldn't think of a better woman to have been nominated for this particular year. “I’m thrilled for Tina, and proud that we have women like her in our small rural communities. We need more of them.” Ms Kendall-Davis’ recognition as the 2026 Cootamundra Electorate Woman of the Year reflects not only her leadership in mental health advocacy, but the tangible difference her work continues to make for individuals, families and communities across the region.

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