When retired teacher Joy Urquhart saw an opportunity to recognise her friend via the recent Canberra Weekly International Women’s Day competition, she did not hesitate to whip up a compelling entry.
Because for Joy, it is a ‘no-brainer’ that her friend Sue Norton deserves some pampering from Canberra Day Spa.
And whilst CW recognises all the highly worthy nominations, the winner this time, is Sue.
“Sue deserves it,” says Joy. “She has had a lot of things to deal with over the last ten years and is so humble about it all. Sue never complains and is just always there for everybody.”
Joy and Sue have been friends for over 40 years.
They met initially when completing their teaching degrees and have shared the joys and challenges of both their professional and personal lives since.
Sue raised three boys and Joy has raised three girls.
Joy refers to Sue as “…my rock, someone who is always there for me, and who does not judge.”
Sue emphasises that Joy has been there for her too.
“Joy is so good for me,” she says.
“Having a long-term friend means that you have history; you know what each other has been through and you don’t have to explain yourself,” says Joy.
There is no question that Sue has endured a lot, whilst continuing to care for others.
“Ten years ago, things went pear-shaped,” says Sue.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
And whilst this was effectively treated, including with chemotherapy, Sue’s doctors later discovered a tumour in her brain.
For a little while, there was concern that the cancer may have spread.
Thankfully, it had not.
Yet Sue underwent neurosurgery to remove what was a benign tumour in 2019.
Enter 2020, and Sue suddenly needed a hip replacement during lockdown, followed by Sue’s husband Garry‘s cancer diagnosis in 2024.
Both have had long recoveries and are now doing well, but still require regular medical follow-ups.
Sue has also been providing significant care to both her mother-in-law and mother since 2018.
Her mother-in-law has sadly since passed away, but Sue continues to make daily visits to her 91-year-old mother.
She also enjoys caring for her little granddaughter, and as Joy reminds her, being there for “absolutely anyone who needs you.”
“Sue just takes things in her stride and is a selfless person who is always positive and thinks of others,” says Joy.
Humanity is under ever-increasing stress it would appear. And a lot is expected of women.
So, there is an equally increasing opportunity to do the little things that make a difference to those around us, rather than tearing each other down agree the two.
“There are a lot of people who just find things to complain about,” says Joy.
“We need to make more room for praise, acknowledge the little things and thank people for doing something good.”
“Joy nominating me was incredibly kind,” says Sue. “Even though I think there are other people who deserve it more.”
Joy, of course, disagrees.
These responses highlight both the collective humility and self-sacrifice that women often find themselves living out, yet also the role women can consciously play to build each other up.
“We also need to learn to accept praise and compliments from others,” says Sue.
Both Sue and Joy agree that there are many women getting on with the hands they are dealt and often doing it hard, without recognition or thanks.
“It is important for women to gather together and share things, connect and check in with each other,” says Joy.
“It is also important to say ‘No’, sometimes, instead of thinking we have to do everything.”
Both agree that it is also important to be able to prioritise yourself regularly.
And to that end, Ian and Ucci at Canberra Day Spa are most looking forward to being able to spoil Sue when she presents for her prize!
“We all deserve a time to slow down, pause and reconnect to self and at Canberra Day Spa, we make that possible,” they say.
Thank you to all the people who nominated numerous extraordinary Canberra women.
We hope you take the opportunity to tell them personally what you wrote.
It clearly makes a difference.
