Late last year, the 37-year-old former Junee High School student swam the English Channel and raised thousands of dollars for her newly formed charity, Channel 4 Change.

Now, she is not only a finalist for the NSW Women of the Year Awards, she is also about to accept honours as the senior sports woman of the year at the Australia Day ceremony.

“I think it was the shock of my life to find out I’d become a finalist [for women of the year],” said Ms Norman.

The Riverina sportswoman was notified that she was nominated back in November but expected that to be the last she heard.

It was her sister, Julie Spencer, who originally placed Ms Norman’s name up for the statewide award.

“I think I was even more overwhelmed when I looked at the other three finalists,” she said.

“They’re all so amazing in such different fields, it’s humbling just to be listed among them.”

The four finalists include cancer researchers, leaders against domestic violence, and widely recognised local heroes. 

The category Ms Norman is nominated under is the Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year, which recognises the contribution of individuals to their small towns and rural communities. 

“Channel 4 Change has always been about bringing attention to mental health in our regions,” said Ms Norman.

“Here in Deni, it’s a big issue that’s affected a lot of families.

“This journey has never been about me, it’s been about the amazing people who are at the forefront of this issue and if this nomination brings more attention to them, then that’s what I’m all about.”

The nomination has also coincided with Ms Norman’s announcement of her next major swim.

With her team of six, Ms Norman will attempt to swim the 32-kilometre Catalina Channel.

If successful, she will have achieved the Australian triple crown of open water swimming.

“It’s considered to be one of the most unpredictable swims in the world because of its rough and choppy waters,” said Ms Norman.

In preparation for the swim, Ms Norman has begun her training in both open waters and in controlled pools – including Junee’s own recreational centre pool.

“We’ve got a team of five adults already training for it, but we’re looking for a young swimmer to join us too,” said Ms Norman.

“I’d absolutely love for that young swimmer to have some involvement or an equal passion for youth mental health too, because ultimately that’s what this is all about,” she said.

“Overcoming the fears and struggles associated with mental health and supporting each other through it.”

Until March 7, the public may vote on each of the nominees via the nsw-womens-week/women_of_the_year_awards web portal.