She launch Channel4Change, a charity that would raise money for youth mental health support and programs in the Deniliquin community where she is a high school teacher.
Ms Norman’s effort were justified when she successfully crossed the channel in August, raising $60,000 for her cause.
And the accolades keep coming for the youth advocate, who was last week announced as a finalist for the NSW Women of the Year awards, which is in part judged on voting from the public.
The award celebrates women from regional NSW who have made significant achievements in areas that are important to regional or rural communities.
‘‘I’m very stoked to have been nominated, I was not expecting to make the finalists list,’’ Ms Norman said.
‘‘To read the profiles of the other nominees, I just can’t believe I’m up for the award alongside them.
‘‘They’re all an incredible group of women so to even be compared to them is unbelievable.’’
Other nominees in the category are Dr Louise Baker (Cowra), Edwina Sharrock (Tamworth) and Kate Loubet (Wollongbar).
Ms Norman, a personal development, health and physical education teacher at Deni High, said while the challenges she faces in relation to the channel swim could be conquered, the same cannot always be said for accessing mental health services in rural areas.
She said the aim of Channel4Change was to raise much-needed funds to develop and implement youth mental health initiatives in Deniliquin, to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and to increase the responsiveness in the community through the provision of evidence based education.
Some of the funding raised through the charity has already been used for youth mental health education purposes.
‘‘So far we have run community forums and workshops, community events and Mental Health First Aid courses, and we are implementing a mindfulness program at the high school.
‘‘We’re still working on some other things for 2019.’’
The Regional Woman of the Year category is one of five open for public voting.
To vote for Ms Norman, go to https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/nsw-womens-week/women—of—the—year—awards. Online voting closes at 11.59pm on Friday, February 15.
Miss Norman was also last week announced the winner of Edward River Council’s Senior Sport Award, which will be presented at Saturday’s Australia Day ceremony in Waring Gardens.
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