Last week, Jacqui Scruby, the first female MP for Pittwater, recognised Lisbeth Lawsen, a leading force behind the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter (NBWS), and Simone Allan, founder of the Women’s Resilience Centre in Mona Vale, as Pittwater Women of the Year 2025 for their work supporting victim survivors of domestic violence.
Ms Lawsen, a tireless advocate for women’s safety and empowerment, was presented with her Pittwater Woman of the Year Award on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, at the Zonta breakfast at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht club, ahead of International Women’s Day. She will visit the NSW Parliament, as the guest of Ms Scruby, for a formal ceremony.
Presenting the award, Ms Scruby said it was an absolute privilege to recognise Ms Lawsen’s “dedication, passion, and leadership”.
“Lisbeth’s journey is nothing short of inspiring,” she added.
“It is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for those most in need. While her career spans decades of important work, it is her tireless efforts with the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter that have truly transformed the lives of many in our community.”
Ms Lawsen joined the board of NBWS in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and, according to Ms Scruby, “a heart full of compassion and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those who are most vulnerable” and driving the incredible expansion of the Shelter’s services.
NBWS recently opened a new crisis accommodation supported by professional teams 24/7 for women with their children on the Northern Beaches.
“Lisbeth understands that change doesn’t happen in isolation,” Ms Scruby continued.
“She leads with a heart full of energy and a spirit of optimism. She is a beacon of hope and strength, who has created a lasting legacy for future generations of women and children.”
At the presentation of the award, Ms Lawsen responded with Maragret Mead’s mantra, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Ms Lawsen described her recent joy at finding a local property that is now being used as desperately needed transitional housing. NBWS currently houses 70 women and their children across the Northern Beaches and is a Gold Star ASES accredited organisation.
“Affordable housing is a dire situation,” Ms Lawsen said.
“Women with children, women who are our essential workers who aren’t earning high incomes but want to stay connected to their community, connected with their children and where they go to school – they need to be in that centre, so this is a step.”
She thanked Zonta as “wonderful women doing wonderful things”, as well as her colleagues and husband. Addressing students from Mater Maria School at the breakfast directly, noting she was an old girl, she described the importance of values that create dedicated and giving people.
“If we all give just a tiny bit, it makes a world of difference to so many people,” she said.
Ms Scruby also proudly recognised the contribution of Simone Allan with her Pittwater Woman of the Year 2025 Award at a breakfast event in the city the following day.
Usually only one recipient is awarded, but as nominations were made during Ms Scruby’s early days in office, there was a miscommunication that saw two awarded. Both recognised as equally deserving, Ms Scruby said both nominations and awards have been accepted.
Simone founded The Women’s Resilience Centre in Mona Vale in 2020, creating an innovative recovery service for women and families who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence.
The centre focuses on mental health support, counselling, and resilience building programs, offering group workshops and positive psychology initiatives. Programs include employment readiness, caring conversations, peer-to-peer mentoring and free legal consultation. They work to build the confidence and skills women need to move onto the next part of their life. At the end of 2024, they opened a retail shop in Mona Vale.
“The key focus of the Centre’s work is supporting survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their confidence, independence, and emotional well-being,” Ms Scruby said.
“Simone and her team provide crucial support for those affected by domestic and family violence, empowering them to move forward with strength and thrive.
“The Centre recently opened its flagship shop, The Resilience Circle, in Mona Vale, with trauma informed retail professionals, providing a way for people to seek help. Resilience is a critical part of recovery. Simone’s dedication and passion for making a difference are truly inspiring, and this award is a small way to recognise her contribution.”
Ms Allan gave her “heartfelt thanks” for her nomination.
“I am truly grateful for this award; however, I am just a part of a great community that is behind the cause of supporting women and families after domestic abuse and trauma,” she said.
“The impact of the Women’s Resilience Centre and The Resilience Circle shop is only possible because of our very valuable volunteers, a dedicated volunteer board and our professional and passionate staff.
“I share this recognition with all of them and their commitment, hard work and belief in the power of recovery and resilience.”
Ms Scruby said she was recognising two outstanding women, one long serving and one evolving, but both dedicated to helping women who have experienced domestic violence.
“I am incredibly grateful and proud to have women of this calibre in our community, and as the first woman member for Pittwater, I naturally want to celebrate the contributions of both these women who are working to address an issue I care deeply about,” she said.
