Mrs Kay Tang has been named the 2026 Willoughby Local Woman of the Year, recognising her extraordinary service to the local community and a volunteering record that spans decades.
At 97 years of age, Kay is one of Willoughby’s longest-serving volunteers and a powerful example of the impact one person can have through generosity, dedication and community spirit.
In 2025, Mrs Tang retired from volunteering at the MOSAIC Multicultural Centre after an incredible 28 years of service, concluding her formal volunteering at the age of 96. Her contribution helped shape the Centre into the welcoming, inclusive place it is today.
MOSAIC plays a vital role in Willoughby, supporting migrants and people from culturally diverse backgrounds by providing companionship, opportunities for participation, and programs that promote understanding and connection across cultures. Kay’s work embodied that mission, bringing people together through shared experiences, creativity and celebration.
Raised in Taiwan, Mrs Tang enjoyed a 25-year career as a teacher before migrating to Australia in 1996. She made Willoughby her home and devoted herself to giving back to her new community. From 1998 to 2025, she volunteered as an instructor in Japanese dance, Taiwanese dance and flower-making, and regularly performed at community venues across Sydney, including Darling Harbour, the Dougherty Community Centre, schools, kindergartens and aged-care facilities. Her performances brought joy to audiences of all ages and helped foster cultural appreciation across generations. For many years, Mrs Tang volunteered several days each week and remained actively involved even in later life, determined to continue contributing despite health challenges.
A resident of Chatswood, Kay is a wonderful example of active, generous and kinds service across our local area.
The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program celebrating outstanding women in local communities. This local program runs alongside the NSW Women of the Year Awards program. 93 women across the state - one in each state electorate - have been nominated by their local MP to be acknowledged as their community’s Local Woman of the Year. Each recipient received their certificates at the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March.
I again congratulate Mrs Tang who is a beacon of the volunteering spirit in Willoughby and a deserving recipient of the 2026 Local Woman of the Year honour. Congratulations Kay!