Laura Enever Honoured With Pittwater Woman Of The Year 2024 Award
The Pittwater Woman of the Year 2024 was awarded to Laura Enever in recognition of her significant contribution to the local and international surfing community, inspiring and showing young women that the sky is their limit, and getting involved in looking after the ocean through Operation Crayweed.
Member for Pittwater Rory Amon commended Laura on the honour, recognising her passion and the positive impact she has made locally and abroad.
“This is a well-deserved honour for Laura. Her dedication to surfing and success in breaking the world record for the largest wave ever surfed into by a woman, has made our community so proud.”
“At 32 years of age, Laura is the youngest ever Pittwater Woman of the Year and an inspiration to many young surfers and aspiring pro athletes, particularly women, in Pittwater and beyond. She was one of the first female surfers in the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club, pioneering a pathway for the now dozens of young women surfing with the Club” said Mr Amon.
The award was presented at the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by the Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport.
In receiving the award, Ms Enever praised her mother, Sarah Enever, who she described as her “hero, always being there for me so I could pursue my passion.”
Laura and Sarah. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM/Community Photography/PON
“Thank you to Tricia Smith, Dr Lorna Scott, and the Zonta team for organising this significant event, and well done to Laura – you make us so proud!” said Mr Amon
Hosts, the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. stated:
''Our club hosted its annual “International Women’s Day” breakfast.at the beautiful RPAYC Newport. This was attended by 170 guests including many local state and federal members, Z Club students from NBSC Mackellar Girls Campus and Mater Maria Catholic College, with Robyn Milat as our MC.
Our guest speaker Dr Grace Sharkey, lecturer from the Department of Gender Studies at Sydney University spoke enthusiastically about youth and feminism. Presented by Rory Amon, Member for Pittwater was the annual “Pittwater Woman of the Year 2024”to local surfing legend Laura Enever, to much acclaim.
Laura spoke about the shifts in her sport which have made it easier for women to participate at a local, national and international level.''
Laura Enever is a fearless and stylish surfer with a brilliant smile whose surfing began when she was just a grom. on the salty shores of North Narrabeen where she would surf every single day with her big brother and dad. A passion and a way of life was born and from there she went on to be the ISA Junior World Champion and Triple Crown Rookie of the year in 2008, ASP Women’s World Junior Champion in 2009 and made her professional debut in 2011. In 2015 she took out the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing in Manly.
Laura spent 7 years on the World Tour consistently finishing in the Top 10, surfing all around the world. Laura has also made a name for herself in the big wave scene, chasing some of the biggest swells and surfing waves of consequence. Enever spent months training her body to better withstand the punishment of lots of whitewater at places like Jaws and Mavericks and training her mind to relax and remain calm when things get challenging.
World Record
In November 2023 the World Surf League (WSL) announced that Laura Enever (AUS) has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Largest wave surfed paddle-in (female). The WSL officially analysed, measured, and verified Enever’s 2023 record-breaking ride at 43.6 feet (13.3 meters) as part of the WSL Big Wave Record Chase, making it the biggest wave ever paddled into by a woman.
Enever successfully surfed a wave measuring 43.6 feet (13.3 meters) from trough to crest at Outer Reef, the big-wave break on the North Shore of Oahu, on January 22, 2023.
“I knew it was big when I paddled into it, and then when I took off, I looked down, and I knew it was definitely the biggest wave I've ever caught,” said Enever.
“I knew it was the wave of my life, the whole way it all came together and the way I committed, backed myself, told myself to go, and trusted I could do it. The ride was such a breakthrough for me and a moment that will be special and monumental in my surf career. To get awarded this months later is really cool, I can't believe it.
“I would never be in this position if it wasn't for all the big wave surfers who have come before me and paved the way, especially the really brave, courageous females who have always inspired me and made me feel like I could get out there and give it a crack. So, thank you to all the amazing women. I'm just constantly in awe. Andrea Moller held this record before me, and it's an honour to hold that record and keep pushing big wave surfing. And I know that the next girls, the next generation of female big wave surfers, are going to do the same.”
Visit: North Narrabeen's Laura Enever Sets New World Record For Largest Wave Surfed Paddle-In (Female)
Photo; WSL / Daniel Russo
Photo: WSL / Matt Dunbar
Enever’s World Record adds to an already stellar surfing career. She was the ISA Junior World Champion and Triple Crown Rookie of the Year in 2008, and World Junior Champion in 2009. In 2011, Enever qualified for the WSL Championship Tour, where she competed for seven years, consistently finishing in the Top 10. She has gone on to compete in WSL Big Wave events and push the limits of big wave surfing.
“Huge congratulations to Laura for this incredible achievement,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Chief of Sport. “Laura is fearless, committed, and a real inspiration, and I’m so proud to celebrate her. These World Records really allow us to shine the spotlight on athletes like Laura who are pushing the boundaries of Big Wave surfing.”
In PON's December 2023 Community News:
Congratulations Laura! Invite To The Eddie Aikau Big Wave International
Heavy Water Award: Surfing Australia
At the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards, held at the Bondi Pavilion in Bondi Beach, Sydney on Tuesday February 28, Laura was honoured with the Heavy Water Award, which is about recognising those who charge these big waves.
Cronulla surfboard manufacturer Dylan Longbottom presented the Surfing Australia Heavy Water Award to the winner Laura Enever who broke the World Record on one of his surfboards which he said was pretty special.
Laura said she was stoked to take out the award.
Visit: Winners Crowned At The 2023 Australian Surfing Awards
In 2020 her much awaited film ‘Undone’ which follows Laura as she navigates the unpredictable and male-dominated world of big wave surfing, was released. Leaving behind her spot on the WSL World Tour, Laura goes after some of the most remote and dangerous waves on the planet. The documentary went straight to Number 1 on iTunes and is certainly a must watch.
Her achievements combined with her passion for fashion have seen her venture outside the surf industry where she has worked with world-renowned photographers, stylists, magazines and brands. The future looks bright for Laura, she has been recruited as part of the WSL commentary team where she’ll be calling all the live action on the back of a jet-ski.
Looking After The Ocean So The Ocean Looks After You
It should come as no surprise that a woman who lives beside and is all about the ocean is also all for keeping it as t should be. In 2022 Laura became part of the cohort of professional surfers getting involved in Operation Crayweed.
More than 50 percent of coastal ecosystems around the world have been lost, but a new partnership between Operation Crayweed, SeaTrees and Boardriders Foundation, kicked off at iconic Bondi Beach on Monday October 17 2022, will bring Sydney's lost kelp forests back to life.
World Champion surfer Tom Carroll and big wave surfer Laura Enever joined Operation Crayweed, scientists, Boardriders Foundation and the SeaTrees program to begin the regeneration planting.
Sadly, many ocean ecosystems have been lost globally due to human impacts including pollution, development and now climate change.
“If we start to act now we can turn the tide on this problem and bring these lost ecosystems, including the crayweed forests of Sydney, back to life,” said Sustainable Surf co-founder, Michael Stewart.
“We collaborate with local groups around the world to regenerate the health of damaged coastal ecosystems including kelp forests, coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and more.
“These critical marine areas have "super powers" that help everyone on the planet by improving fisheries, cleaning the waters, boosting biodiversity, protecting our coastlines and capturing huge amounts of carbon emissions and even improving waves for surfing.”
The initiative is working with Operation Crayweed, a science and community engagement project that aims to restore underwater forests of crayweed that went locally extinct along 70km of Sydney’s coastline.
Surfing World Champion Tom Carroll has lived on Sydney’s Northern Beaches his whole life and has been an active advocate for the protection of the coastline since his earliest competitive days.
“Back in the ‘80s, surfing in professional events in Sydney was a real hazard,” said Carroll.
“The ocean was toxic. As soon as the southerly would blow in we were literally surfing in raw sewage and people got sick. Even then I was drawn to do something, to take action and was part of the Surfers Against Sewage protests.
“It’s amazing to know that SeaTrees and Operation Crayweed can restore these highly valuable and important ecosystems, through such simple actions like providing food and habitat, all while capturing atmospheric carbon and producing oxygen.
“To be part of this initiative and help with the restoration along my home stretch of coastline is something very rewarding. And to have the biggest surf brands backing this program through the Boardriders Foundation is something I am very proud to be a part of.”
Fellow professional surfer Laura Enever is also passionate about taking action.
“I’m looking forward to giving back to the ocean by being part of these amazing programs and learning how I can play a part in the restoration process,” she said.
“The ocean has given us all so much and we must do what we can to protect it for our future generations to love and enjoy just as we do.”
Representing the Boardriders Foundation, Carroll and Enever joined the scientists and project leads behind SeaTrees and Operation Crayweed at Bondi on Monday to begin the restoration ahead of the 70km goal.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with SeaTrees and Boardriders because we share their passion for the ocean,” said Dr Ziggy Marzinelli (USYD/SIMS).
“The support will allow us to restore crayweed forests at one of Australia’s most iconic coastal spots and get a step closer to our goal of reforesting the entire coastline of Sydney,” added Prof. Adriana Vergés (UNSW/SIMS).
The group of 20 were led by Dr Ziggy Marzinelli and Professor Adriana Vergés in the Operation Crayweed regeneration process that will begin to restore the health of damaged coastal ecosystems along 70km of Sydney’s coastline.
Avalon Beach surfer, Tom Carroll spoke passionately about the human impact on the beaches and oceans and why it was important for him to take part in the initiative.
“There are things that need to be done. I had no idea crayweed had disappeared off our beaches. The scientists have shown us in detail what’s been going on and it’s been an eye-opener for me because I’ve always felt that I’m, in a way, a first-responder for the ocean trying to do what I can and help advocate for it,” he said.
“The scientists involved have come up with a solution and they can see that we can actually do something. We can bring a species back! It’s a little window into what we can do and what more we can do to help. You can see the enthusiasm they have because they know there is a solution."
Laura Enever from North Narrabeen has travelled the world and said she recognised the urgent need to take action.
“Growing up in Sydney I’d never known crayweed had disappeared from our coastline between Palm Beach and Cronulla all because of population growth and human impact. It’s been amazing today learning how critically important seaweed and crayweed is for the whole world," she said.
“When you hear about these issues and programs, you think you might not be able to do anything to help but what we’ve seen here is that the regeneration has been so successful and the goal can be reached. It will be amazing to come back here in six months time and see the crayweed we’re planting reproducing, thriving and growing into a mature sea forest.
Marine Biologist, Dr Ziggy Marzinelli spoke about how excited he and the team were to get the program started, saying it was already proven to work and an achievable goal that will enhance the ecosystems.
“With the help of volunteers we’re trying to restore underwater forests that went missing from Sydney in the early ‘80’s because of poor water quality in the day. The water quality is great but the native species have not been restored so we are trying to help bring it back to this coastline,” said Marzinelli.
“It’s a key project because we have a unique opportunity to address the problem at the right scale. There are about eight existing locations around the world where the crayweed has started to reproduce and expand from the sites. With this project there are 23 rocky reefs along the 70km of coastline that will have the crayweed planted,” he said.
Photo: Rory Amon MP with Pittwater Woman of the Year, Laura Enever
Inspiring women in the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) have been recognised at an awards ceremony for their contribution and accomplishments in emergency management and response this International Women’s Day, Friday March 8 2024.
A group of nine women from the NSW SES Warringah-Pittwater Unit were recognised with an Initiative Award for their “Women Helping Women” workshops, aimed to empower local women with vital home maintenance skills. Through structured sessions, participants gained insights into roof structure, tradie engagement, and emergency preparedness, which helped foster confidence and empowerment.
The recognition came as part of the inaugural Women in NSW SES Awards, which highlight the exceptional accomplishments of females across all areas of the Service, and recognise the great contributions they make day in, day out.
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said she was delighted to celebrate female volunteers and members who help communities across the state and make the NSW SES a great place to work.
“There are more than 70 female Unit Commanders across the state, and a healthy representation of women in leadership roles within the staff contingent of the service,” Commissioner York said.
“The NSW SES proudly boasts females in all levels of leadership, as well as many frontline roles including chainsaw, flood rescue, storm response, vertical rescue, peer support, chaplaincy and logistics staff, just to name a few.”
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston said the awards highlighted the work of members and staff who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, talent, and perseverance.
“By specifically acknowledging the accomplishments of our female members, we strive to break barriers, inspire others, and build a stronger and more inclusive NSW SES community,” he said.
Waverley-Woollahra Unit Deputy Commander Suzy Domingues, who was named NSW SES Volunteer Woman of the Year, said it was exciting to be part of a Service that has an extensive number of women in leadership positions.
“We’re showing the next generation, and the younger cohort of staff and volunteers, that women can go a long way,” Inspector Domingues said.
“Embracing women as equals and recognising that they can do what men can do is great. There isn’t a role that is off limits for women in the NSW SES.
"I'm supported by a fantastic male Unit Commander, and other female leaders in our unit, without whom I would be able to achieve what we have."
Inspector Domingues was given the prestigious award for her visionary leadership which challenges the norms to actively recruit, coach and develop female members.
Deputy Commissioner Johnston said Inspector Domingues commitment to advancing women in leadership has transformed workplace culture, setting a precedent for inclusivity and excellence within the NSW SES.
NSW SES Woman Staff member of the Year was awarded to Director of Organisational Strategy Planning and Performance, Nicola Clark.
An Outstanding Service Award – Highly Commended Certificate was awarded to Sofala Unit Commander Natalie Cole for going above and beyond as both a Community First Responder and Road Crash Rescue Operator.
Inspector Cole’s relentless commitment to ensuring access to critical first responders, coupled with her exemplary performance and unwavering work ethic, makes her an invaluable asset to her community.
Commissioner York, who was the first female Commissioner of an emergency service in NSW, congratulated all award recipients and thanked them for their contribution to the NSW SES.
“It’s a privilege to lead a Service which is full of strong female leaders, from Unit Commanders to Directors and a Deputy Commissioner, who are dedicated to saving lives and creating safer communities across the state,” Commissioner York said.
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The full list of award recipients are:
- NSW SES Woman Volunteer of the Year: Suzy Domingues, Deputy Commander, Waverley-Woollahra Unit
- NSW SES Woman Staff member of the Year Award: Nicola Clark, Director Organisational Strategy Planning and Performance
- Initiative Award: NSW SES Warringah-Pittwater Unit members: Sam Colwell, Sara Wakeling, Sarah Carrington, Lynsey Edwards, Juliet Smith, Michelle Puhl, Jiani Chen, Katrina Roberts and Jenny Parkes.
- Outstanding Service - Highly commended: Stacey Dengate, Membership Coordinator, Dapto Unit and Natalie Cole, Unit Commander, Sofala Unit.
- Champion of Change Award: Nicola Clark, Director Organisational Strategy Planning and Performance.
- Emerging Woman Leader Award – Winners (x2): Brandy Timewell, Team Leader, Blacktown Unit and Nikki Ristoski, Deputy Unit Commander, Shellharbour Unit.
- Emerging Woman Leader - Highly Commended: Kirra Waine, Senior Project Officer, Emergency Management.
- Outstanding Woman Leader Award - Winner: Suzy Domingues, Deputy Unit Commander, Waverley – Woollahra Unit.
- Outstanding Woman Leader Award – Highly Commended: Therese Coutinho, Team Leader, Blacktown Unit.
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NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit: Women Helping Women
Thunderstorms Close Wakehurst Parkway - Local SES Units Respond To Calls For Help
The NSW State Emergency Service - Operational Statistics Update for February 22nd, 2023
Severe thunderstorms impacted Sydney Metropolitan, Central West and Southern Tablelands yesterday.
In total, NSW SES received 377 (227 Sydney Metro) incidents in the last 24 hours (to 5am). 12 (11 Sydney Metro) Flood Rescues (Mainly involving cars driving into floodwater).
Focus areas:
- Warringah Pittwater (and Manly Unit) – 63
- Orange – 42
- Queanbeyan – 33
- Ku-ring-gai – 21
- Sutherland – 17
The NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit reported it had been a busy night for both the Warringah- Pittwater and NSW SES Manly Units:
''We currently have 4 of our vehicles attending to jobs, along with NSW SES Manly Unit, and several RFS units assisting us. In addition to this we have our Flood Rescue team along with Flood Rescue Teams from Manly and NSW SES Ku-Ring-Gai Unit
There has been 44 Requests for Assistance tonight, including 4 Flood Rescues.
We had 60mm of rain in a 1 hour period, which caused multiple roads to flood. There is more rain expected over night. So please take care.''
By the time the volunteers members of these units could put relax again and dry off they had attended to 63 requests for assistance.
NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit volunteer members. Pic: NSW SES M-W Unit
If you need emergency assistance due to flood/storm damage, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life threatening, call 000.
Parkway floods along multiple points
Live Traffic reported that the Wakehurst Parkway closed at 8:26pm on Tuesday February 21st 2023 - it had not reopened 12 hours later - 8:27am Wednesday February 22nd 2023.
The map from Live Traffic shows the Parkway has flooded at three places along its length, between Dreadnought Road at Frenchs Forest and Wimbledon Avenue at North Narrabeen:
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Warringah/Pittwater SES at Australia Day Breakfast 2024 at Newport
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Warringah/Pittwater SES response unit, commissioned in 2023
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‘Manly Woman Of The Year’ Announced
On Thursday March 7, 2024 Member for Manly, James Griffin congratulated Georgie Furze as Manly’s Woman of the Year for 2024.
“I am thrilled that Georgie is our Woman of the Year and that she could be rightfully recognised at this morning’s NSW Women of the Year Awards at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.”
“Her work as a role model for girls and women in our community is something we should all celebrate.
“I came to know of Georgie’s work through LocalKind, and the program she runs called ‘Beyond the Gloves’. Mr Griffin said.
‘Beyond the Gloves’ is a boxing program that empowers young girls between the ages of 12 and 18 through physical exercise and mentoring. Georgie is focused on using boxing to build resilience, self-esteem and confidence and promote body positivity and mental fitness for young girls. The results of her program include increased school attendance, motivation, meaningful connections and peer support and improved relationships.
Mr Griffin said, “‘Beyond the Gloves’ is exactly what we need in our community and it’s wonderful that Georgie has put so much effort and time back into her community as a fantastic female role model and leader.”
In 2020, Georgie set out to raise funds for the then Community Northern Beaches (now LocalKind) by walking the length of Manly Beach continuously for 24 hours, notching up 138,800 steps over 82.3 kilometres!
Mr Griffin said, “I met up with Georgie during the long tough slog, which was not helped by poor weather!”
Since then, Georgie has set up her own small business, called ‘Get Real with Georgie’, which aims to help young girls build confidence, instil healthy habits, and foster emotional intelligence.
Following today’s presentation, Georgie said, “I honestly can’t believe it. I’m shaking. I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life.”
“I’m extremely proud to be a Manly local and feel privileged to have grown up in such a wonderful area. I am passionate about helping young women. I really care about them and feel greatly honoured to have received the Manly Women of the Year Award.”.
Mr Griffin said, “Georgie joins an outstanding list of inspirational local women who make a positive contribution to our community. We thank each of them for their commitment and inspiring leadership.”
Photo: James Griffin MP with Manly Woman of the Year, Georgie Furze at the ICC Sydney.
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Pittwater Woman of the Year 2024, Laura Enever
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Dr Grace Starkey: Zonta Club of NB's 2024 Speaker
MC Robyn Milat
Zonta Club of NB's Tricia Smith
Zonta Club of NB's Monique Taylor
Back row: 2020 Pittwater Woman Of The Year: Roberta Conroy, 2021 Pittwater Woman Of The Year Lynleigh Greig, former Deputy Mayor of Pittwater Councillor Kylie Ferguson, Front: 2017 Pittwater Woman Of The Year Deborah Carter who is also Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch President, Sandra May Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Secretary
Front, Left to right: Cr Karina Page, Cr Sarah Grattan, Mayor Sue Heins, Dr. Grace Starkey, Laura Enever, Dr. Sophie Scamps MP for Mackellar, Cr Miranda Korzy, Sarah Enever. Back: Cr Michael Gencher, Cr Ruth Robins, Cr Candy Bingham
Left to Right: Pittwater Woman of the Year 2011 Tamara Sloper Harding, Anna Maria Monticelli, Dr Grace Starkey, ... Cr Miranda Korzy