Five inspirational locals have been recognised at this year’s NSW Women of the Year awards.
Megan Maack, founder and CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative, was named Manly’s Local Woman of the Year for her tireless efforts in raising awareness and advocating for funding and research for children and families affected by childhood dementia.
Skye Rose, the founder of AFL Kickability and creator of an inclusive nippers program at Mona Vale Surf Club, was named Pittwater’s Local Woman of the Year.
CEO of Women and Children First, Michelle Povah, is Wakehurst’s 2026 Local Woman of the Year.
Jacqui Cotton, a Terrey Hills local, Kim Mouret, from Fairlight, and Libby Bowditch, who lives in Balgowlah, are members of the Gidget Foundation Australia team who won the NSW Community Hero category.
And finally, Elly Ings, a 14-year-old Narrabeen Sports High School student, was named as “The Ones to Watch” (aged 7-15) for her efforts to champion Aboriginal education in her school community.
“The Local Woman of the Year 2026 recognises and honours the contributions of everyday women and girls across New South Wales who are making a difference in their communities,” Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said.
“Local MPs have nominated exceptional women whose efforts inspire us all.
“Congratulations and thank you to every Local Woman of the Year – this recognition is truly well deserved.”
The NSW Women of the Year Awards, which started in 2012, celebrate the incredible women and girls improving the lives of people in NSW.
Megan Maack, Manly’s Local Woman of the Year
Member for Manly, James Griffin MP nominated Megan as Manly’s Local Woman of the Year.
As founder and CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative, Megan has spearheaded efforts to elevate national awareness of the condition, driven collaboration across healthcare and research sectors, and championed families navigating the impacts of rare and devastating paediatric disorders.
“Megan’s advocacy is deeply shaped by her lived experience, and that is what makes her leadership so powerful,” Mr Griffin said.
“As a mother of two children with childhood dementia, she brings real humanity and a relentless dedication to ensuring children with dementia and their families are seen, supported, and understood.
“Childhood Dementia is a rare and lesser-known disorder impacting thousands of families right across Australia.
“Support services and research are extremely limited by both a severe lack of funding and the perception that dementia only affects people later in life. Megan is determined to change that.
“I congratulate Megan on this thoroughly deserved recognition. Our local community can be proud to stand behind her as an outstanding advocate, mother and role model to young women across the Northern Beaches.
“She is a true pioneer in her field, and her devotion to improving the lives of others is truly inspiring.”
Skye Rose, Pittwater’s Local Woman of the Year
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby nominated Skye for her dedication to championing inclusive sport for local kids.
“Recognising Skye as the 2026 NSW Local Woman of the Year for Pittwater is an absolute privilege,” Ms Scruby said.
“She’s a shining light, making our community more inclusive and making a positive and profound impact on kids’ lives, on their parents’ and families’ lives, and on the whole community.”
“I’ve witnessed the programs she runs in action, the skills of the participants, and the joy the programs bring.
“Skye is an inspirational leader, organiser and passionate doer, who is making sure that kids with disabilities in Pittwater have greater opportunities to participate in sport and the active lifestyle that defines our Northern Beaches community.”
Skye initiated Kickability after her own son, Dane aged 17, who lives with autism, found mainstream AFL too intense. Kickability provides professional-led sessions, supported by junior volunteers and their coaches, creating a strong, inclusive culture and genuine friendships.
She also developed a modified structured Inclusion Program for Nippers (ages 5–12) at Mona Vale Surf Club, Surf Rescue Certificate trainees (13+), and reintroduced an annual Northern Beaches Inclusion Carnival.
“Being Pittwater Woman of the Year is incredibly humbling and, if I’m honest, slightly uncomfortable, because these programs are successful due to the volunteers, staff, and key champions who give their time so generously,” Ms Rose said.
“Across the Northern Beaches, many inclusion programs are led by parents of children with disability. There is no shortage of these quiet heroes in our community.
“Inclusion is never the work of one person; it is always the work of a team.”
“Both programs are fundamentally about opportunity, belonging, and community. These programs fill a gap. They create another choice and meaningful opportunity for people with a disability to participate in sport, to belong to a club, and in the case of surf lifesaving, to contribute to an emergency service.
“Inclusion in sport is not just about physical activity; it builds confidence, friendships, independence, and community connection. When inclusion is done well, everyone benefits.”
Michelle Povah, Wakehurst’s Local Woman of the Year
As CEO of Women and Children First, Michelle leads a vital service supporting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan said of Michelle, “I’ve worked closely with Michelle and seen firsthand the care, professionalism and dedication she brings to her work. She leads an incredible team and ensures people going through some of life’s toughest moments feel safe, respected and believed.
“Beyond that role, Michelle also gives back as a Beacon Hill Girl Guides leader, a board member of Physical Disability Rugby League at both the NSW and national level, and Child Safety Officer for the Bennelong Orienteering Club.
That’s why Michelle is such a deserving Local Woman of the Year. She focuses on outcomes, lifts others up and strengthens the services our community relies on. Our community is stronger because of her work.”
Jacqui Cotton, Libby Bowditch and Kim Mouret, NSW Community Hero
Jacqui, Libby and Kim are part of the Gidget Foundation Australia team, along with fellow founders Simone Short, Lou Hunter, Stephanie Hughes and Alexandra Berthold – who won the NSW Community Hero category.
The Gidget Foundation Australia works to improve the mental health of expectant and new parents across NSW.
Elly Ings, The Ones to Watch
At 14 years old, Elly, a Narrabeen Sports High School student, was recognised for championing Aboriginal education, elevating First Nations voices, and building programs that connect students to culture, land and community.
“Elly is not waiting for permission to lead; she is already doing it,” Ms Scruby said.
“She is strengthening Aboriginal education at her school in practical, lasting ways and bringing her peers with her.”
Elly coordinates camps and expeditions to culturally and educationally significant sites, including Taronga Zoo, where students engage in immersive learning experiences.
She also leads school-wide activities for key events, ensuring First Nations traditions and perspectives are respectfully acknowledged and celebrated.
“Her leadership is thoughtful, inclusive, and action focused. She represents the very best of the next generation,” Ms Scruby added.
