Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson is delighted that Richmond Valley teen, Millie Trustum of Tatham has been named one of 10 finalists in the Ones to Watch category of the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Mr Williamson personally nominated Millie for the award in recognition of her extraordinary efforts in raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
The Ones to Watch category celebrates girls and young women aged 7 to 15 who display courage, strength, kindness, and determination in supporting those around them. Millie has been recognised for her extraordinary efforts in raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, turning her own battle with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma into a mission of hope, advocacy, and change.
“Millie is an inspiration—not just to our local community but to people across Australia,” Mr Williamson said.
“Her resilience, determination, and generosity are truly extraordinary, and I am delighted to see her recognised at this level.”
Since 2020, Millie has raised over $90,000 for The Kids’ Cancer Project through fundraising events such as gold dress-up days, cupcake sales, raffles, morning teas, and bingo days. She also launched her ‘Awareness Rainbow’ initiative in 2022, which has gained national attention as a powerful symbol representing different childhood cancers.
Millie said she was honoured and grateful to be recognised as a finalist.
“I work hard to use my cancer journey to raise awareness of childhood cancer and funds for childhood cancer research,” she said.
Millie’s mission is driven by her belief that no child should have to endure cancer.
“I am a childhood cancer survivor, but I know that many kids don’t survive. That’s why I do what I do – to help fund research so that one day, no child will have to go through what I did,” she said.
Millie, who is also an ambassador for The Kids’ Cancer Project, said her dream is to see childhood cancer become a curable disease.
“In the next 5 to 10 years, I hope to see a world where no children die from cancer. I will continue to be an advocate, and I want to inspire others to keep this issue front of mind,” she said.
Millie will be featured in a special video highlighting her incredible achievements and will attend the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney on 6 March, where she will be officially recognised for her outstanding contributions.
“Millie’s determination to make a difference is truly remarkable,” Mr Williamson added.
“She is a role model for young people and I couldn’t be prouder to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Mr Williamson will also be attending the awards ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, along with the Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year, Emma Crethar.
For more information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards/nsw-women-of-the-year
PHOTO: Richie Williamson with Mille Trustum at one of her recent fundraisers.
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