Ms Scruby, the first female MP for Pittwater, has honoured the achievements of two outstanding women supporting women who have experienced domestic violence as Pittwater Women of the Year 2025.
Lisbeth Lawsen was honoured on Wednesday morning for her work as a leading force behind the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, which has recently opened a new crisis accommodation, safe, secure and supported by professional teams 24/7 for women with their children on the Northern Beaches, amongst other achievements.
Ms Lawsen, a tireless advocate for women’s safety and empowerment, was presented with her Pittwater Woman of the Year Award at the Zonta breakfast at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht club, ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday March 8. 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’.
‘Beth’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. 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 (NBWS) 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 ‘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.
Lisbeth, or 'Beth', had been at Manly Council since 1990, becoming one of their Deputy General Managers in 2012.
‘’Beth managed to win and maintain the respect of everyone she dealt with. Her focus was always on achieving the best possible outcomes for those doing it tough or for the community as a whole.’’ Dick Persson AM, Administrator of the newly formed ‘Northern Beaches Council’ said when Beth retired from her new role as one of the Northern Beaches Council’s Deputy General Managers in March 2017.
Beth’s personal interest is being involved and contributing to the well-being of community generally and, in particular, within a role which cares, supports and contributes to the future personal development of women. As a retired woman, mother of three adult daughters, a grandmother, and a Barrenjoey peninsula resident for more than 50 years, Beth is frequently made aware of the many challenges faced by women across the community.
‘She understands that change doesn’t happen in isolation. 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.’ Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said on Wednesday
Ms Lawsen responded with Margaret 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.’
Beth described her recent joy at finding a local property that is now being used as desperately needed transitional housing. The organisation currently houses 70 women and their children across the area and is a Gold Star ASES accredited organisation.
‘Affordable housing is a dire situation…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.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Beth Lawsen at the Zonta Women's Day Breakfast, held Wednesday March 5, 2025. Photo by Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography and Pittwater Online News
Ms Scruby also proudly recognised the contribution of Simone Allan, founder of The Women's Resilience Centre in Mona Vale, with her Pittwater Woman of the Year 2025 award at a breakfast event in the city the following day.
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 also opened a retail shop in Mona Vale.
‘The key focus of The Resilience Centre’s work is supporting survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their confidence, independence, and emotional well-being. Simone and her team provide crucial support for those affected by domestic and family violence, empowering them to move forward with strength and thrive,’ said Jacqui Scruby.
‘The Women’s Resilience Centre’s recently opened its flagship shop, The Resilience Circle, in Mona Vale, with trauma informed retail professionals, providing a way people can 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. 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.’
Simone has had an extensive career spanning sales, television and recruitment, and she founded the executive search consultancy Mondo Search, which she led for 25 years. She also co-chaired the Sydney chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organisation Women.
She changed career direction and decided to focus on promoting emotional well-being and practical resilience strategies. Her passion for empowering others has helped thousands across Pittwater and beyond to navigate adversity and trauma to build stronger, healthier lives.
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.’
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Simone Allan
2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess
Member for Manly, James Griffin has congratulated Melissa Burgess on being named Manly’s Local Woman of the Year for 2025.
“As the founder and managing director of local charity op shop, Op for Change, Melissa has made a profound impact on the Manly community. “I am delighted that Melissa Burgess has been rightfully recognised as our Local Woman of the Year at this morning’s NSW Women of the Year Awards at Sydney’s International Convention Centre,” Mr Griffin said.
When Melissa launched Op for Change a little over three years ago, she did so with the goal of ensuring that all profit would be diverted directly to local charities and not-for-profits in the Manly area.
Since then, Op for Change has evolved into a successful enterprise, which provides critical support charities and individuals in need within the Manly area.
“The vision and leadership Melissa has demonstrated in building a thriving, fully independent and entirely volunteer run organisation – all in the name of giving back – is truly inspiring. Melissa embodies the very best of Manly, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to our community,” Mr Griffin said.
On receiving her award, Melissa said, “While I may have founded Op for Change, this award also belongs to our incredible volunteers and supporters, this is proof that when a community comes together, amazing things happen”.
The Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
This year, 93 women have been nominated by their local Members of Parliament to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week (2-8 March); an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.
Mr Griffin said, “in being named Manly’s Woman of the Year, Melissa joins an outstanding list of passionate and inspiring local women who continue to make a positive contribution to our community. I congratulate Melissa and extend my gratitude for all that she does.”
Manly MP James Griffin and Melissa Burgess
NSW Women of the Year 2025 award recipients honoured
March 6, 2025
Five of the state’s most exceptional women have been honoured as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards are the centrepiece of NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Sunday 2 March and concludes on International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.
The five 2025 Award recipients are:
Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby), NSW Young Woman of the Year
Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh is a domestic violence advocate and 2023 Churchill Fellow – one of only two women under 30 in Australia to receive this honour.
Sandy Rogers (Tweed), NSW Community Hero
Sandy Rogers has dedicated 40 years to improving the lives of children with intellectual and physical disability and their families.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay), Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist renowned for her impact on marine conservation and science communication.
Kirsty Evans (Orange), NSW Regional Woman of the Year
Kirsty Evans has led efforts to provide pro bono legal advice to the community of Molong, affected by severe flooding in 2022.
Marjorie Anderson (Georges River), NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
Marjorie Anderson is a dedicated leader who has been pivotal in the success of 13YARN – the first national crisis support service for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis, since its inception.
The Ones to Watch (girls aged 7-15 years)
- Aish Khurram (The Hills Shire)
- Ashleen Khela (The Hills Shire)
- Aurora Iler (Campbelltown)
- Chloe Croker (Goulburn Mulwaree)
- Emilia Trustum (Richmond Valley)
- Hayley Paterson (Hornsby)
- Jiayi Fang (Ku-ring-gai)
- Kat Mulcair (Yass Valley)
- Lydia Tofaeono (Strathfield)
- Waniya Syed (Camden)
This year, a special In Memoriam was added to the Awards ceremony for Maddy Suy, a vibrant girl whose love for life inspired many. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at age six, Maddy faced the challenge with bravery and positivity. Maddy advocated for those who could not. She wanted to leave a legacy and to inspire others to contribute through the Maddy & Co hubs.
Local Woman of the Year 2025 recipients, who were nominated by their local MP also attended the Awards ceremony today and received certificates for exemplary service to their communities. The Local Woman Honour Roll is published on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards have been running since 2012, recognising and celebrating the New South Wales’s revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
More details about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program and recorded livestream of 2025 ceremony are available on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“I’m delighted to congratulate NSW’s most remarkable women and girls, for breaking barriers and achieving the highest success in their respective fields.”
“You are the future of NSW, inspiring everyone right across the state with your dedication, passion and lasting impacts in the community.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“Congratulations to the recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards. You are truly deserving of the recognition you received today. The New South Wales Government is proud to celebrate your incredible success and highlight your role in inspiring other women and girls across the state.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and you all are paving the way forward for women and girls with your strength, resilience and achievements.
“The program also recognises women at the core of communities and families, with our Local Women of the Year recognition.
“I also look forward to following the journeys of our incredible young recipients. You are all already hitting goals and making waves in your communities, so I’m sure you have bright futures ahead.”
NSW Young Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Jessica Teoh said:
“To stand alongside such a diverse and passionate group of women, each making impactful contributions to their communities and fields, is truly inspiring. This recognition highlights the collective strength of women driving change, and I am grateful to be part of this incredible journey.”
NSW Community Hero 2025 recipient Sandy Rogers said:
“I have been fortunate enough to be given great opportunities to help many in our community. Being able to support those needing a 'little helping hand' when times and money are tough, make me feel good and I know it means a lot to those we support.”
Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence 2025 recipient Dr Vanessa Pirotta said:
“This recognition is so powerful and means a lot to me as an early career researcher in science and as a mum. So much of my work is intergenerational and community based, which enables me to ask questions to help equip future generations with important information now about our marine environment. This recognition will help make waves - pardon the pun - across the state to encourage communities to connect with the sea, regardless of whether they live in Bondi, Forbes or where I grew up in Murrumbateman.”
NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Kirsty Evans said:
“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged among such inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact across our state. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the incredible support I’ve received from my community, my colleagues and family.”
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2025 recipient, Marjorie Anderson said:
“I am passionate about having healthy, sustainable and safe Aboriginal communities. This award reflects my important work in the community and delivery of a world first national crisis line for Indigenous people. Women need to be recognised for the outstanding work they do and supported to continue to achieve greatness.”
In welcoming finalists to a morning tea following the presentations, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, said:
"Today is a day when you rightly receive the plaudits and recognition you so richly deserve... You are drawn from every corner of our State; you are researchers, communicators, and entrepreneurs; impactful changemakers addressing and supporting victims of sexual, family, and domestic violence; advocates and on-the-ground at-the-coalface supporters, connectors, and builders of community; educators, mentors, and inspiring examples... Across your careers, through your contributions and advocacy, you are living embodiment of this year's IWD theme. You are all absolute champions."
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and NSW Minister for Women, The Hon. Jodie Harrison with this years award recipients. photo; NSW Government