'The Giving Spirit' - Special Australian Women

The Giving Spirit is the title of a new publication bringing messages of hope and inspiration to the Australian community through the stories of other special organisations and people embodying the giving spirit – in particular Australian women.

The book tells of 20 Australian women who are redefining success and inspiring the giving spirit in others. Its author is Sheryn Cooper-Smith.

Following a successful career in public relations spanning more than ten years, Sheryn says she found a way to give a little more – professionally and spiritually – by launching her PR business – Potentially Famous in August of 2001. At the age of 30 this is her first book.

She says her business contributes to the Australian community by developing partnerships with organisations in the Not for Profit and social cause sector, and educates and inspires Australians about the organisations and the people making a real difference.

Sheryn’s passion for making a difference, with a special interest in building the confidence of younger women, inspired her to share the stories of Australian women making a difference, and breaking all the rules set around success in the traditional sense.

Sheryn says these women come from very different backgrounds, educations and interests and perspectives yet they share the common traits of passion and compassion.

She says each is driven and determined. They are the sort of women who see a need and jump right in to help, no questions asked!

Here is the list of those women featured in The Giving Spirit:

Dr Kate Worsely (20’s, Melbourne) – travels the world over with Marie Stopes International to educate women about reproductive health and bringing western medicine to impoverished countries.
Michelle Palmer (20’s, Melbourne) – Founder of the highly successful women’s online magazine Girl.com.au, now launching workshop series for building self-esteem in young women.
Susan Barton (40’s, Melbourne) – Founder of The Lighthouse Foundation and recipient of The Order of Australia for her amazing devotion to Australia’s youth.
Lyn Swinburne (40’s, Melbourne) – Breast cancer survivor and founder of Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Shirley Mitchell (60’s, Ballarat VIC) – A wildlife carer from Ballarat Victoria who works tirelessly to care for her young charges despite her own deteriorating health.
Kerryn Marlow (30’s, Melbourne) – Cyber-journalist extraordinaire and founder of Bodytalkmagazine.com, promoting positive body images to women the world over.
Karen Mahlab (40’s, Melbourne) – Founder of Pro Bono Australia which provides resources to Not for Profit organisations and aims to increase the level of philanthropy in Australia.
Susan Jackson (30’s, Melbourne) – Founder of The Women’s Financial Network, educating and empowering women to take control of their lives a dollar at a time.
Anne Jensen (30’s, Adelaide) – Wetlands ecologist and Director of Wetland Care Australia, working to save Australia’s struggling waterways.
Tania Lacy (30’s, Melbourne) – Comedian, actress, dancer and Australian spokesperson for Marie Stopes International.
Lisa Donath (30’s, Melbourne) – Founder or Just BU, a motivational and inspirational high school program for girls to help them live out their dreams.
Mandy Miles (30’s, Sydney) – Founder of Make a Difference, A Sydney charity helping families in need.
Christina Derbyshire (30’s, Melbourne) – Life coach and founder of a program to help teens at risk to reach their goals in life.
Kathy Hilton (40’s, Melbourne) – Founder of The Ardoch Youth Foundation, working against the causes of homelessness among our youth through early intervention.
Lori Munz (20’s, Canberra) – Australian swimming champion who found a new calling through a tragic accident that nearly stole her career, hospital ‘cheererupperer’.
Vanessa Elliott (20’s, The Kimberley’s WA) – Well known for her amazing contribution to her local community of Halls Creek in WA, now planning a gallery and café in Melbourne to showcase the work of up and coming aboriginal artists.
Nicky van Wijngaarden (20’s, Melbourne) – Young businesswoman and ‘femanthropist’, giving her time and expertise to a range of charities including Here for Life and Open Family.
Belinda Dalton & Jan Cullis (30’s & 40’s, Melbourne/Brisbane)– founders of eating disorder treatment centre Footprints of Angels.
Anne White (40’s, Melbourne) – One of Australia’s first and only District Governors for Rotary International.

The book will be available through Myer and Borders stores from Monday, 28th October. For more information check out the web site at www.potentiallyfamous.com.