Skye Rose, an inspirational champion of inclusive sport for local kids, has been named the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for Pittwater.
Skye, nominated for the award by independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, is the driving force behind the Kickability program for children with disabilities at Pittwater Tigers AFL Club and the inclusive nippers’ programs at Mona Vale Surf Club.
She initiated the program after her own son, Dane, 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
Skye also developed, with volunteer support, a structured Inclusion Program for Nippers and Surf Rescue Certificate trainees at Mona Vale Surf Club and reintroduced a Northern Beaches Inclusion Carnival.
“I’ve witnessed the programs she runs in action, the skills of participants and the joy the programs bring,” said Ms Scruby. “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,”
“I see this recognition not as an individual award, but as recognition of the programs and the communities behind them,” said Skye. “If it helps shine a light on inclusion in sport, the athletes striving to try their best and encourages other clubs to take similar steps, or attracts more volunteers and participants, then it is truly beneficial.”
The NSW Women of the Year 2026 awards went to inspirational locals.
Jacqui Cotton from Terrey Hills was part of the Gidget Foundation Australia team (pictured above) – along with fellow founders, Simone Short, Libby Bowditch, Lou Hunter, Kim Mouret, Stephanie Hughes and Alexandra Berthold – who won the NSW Community Hero category. The Foundation works to improve the mental health of expectant and new parents across NSW and has established 39 Gidget Houses and delivered a total of 108,704 appointments to support 12,705 families.
Elly Ings, a student at Narrabeen Sports High School, was named as “One to Watch” (aged 7–15). At just 14 years old, Elly from Mona Vale is already making a meaningful impact in her school community – championing Aboriginal education, elevating First Nations voices, and building programs that connect students to culture, land and community.
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby described Elly as an inspiring young leader with vision well beyond her years. “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.”
