Skye Rose, an inspirational champion of inclusive sport for local kids, has been named the 2026 Local Woman of the Year for Pittwater.
Skye, who was nominated 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 Kickability 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. Kickability players are not a separate group - they are part of the Tigers’ family,” according to Skye.
Not content with just AFL, she also got actively involved with inclusion at Nippers at Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club. Despite finding the club supportive, it was still challenging to provide the structure and resources her son needed, so she developed a modified program. In 2024, she stepped into the Inclusion Coordinator role and, with the support of passionate and skilled volunteers, developed a structured Inclusion Program for Nippers (ages 5–12), Surf Rescue Certificate trainees (13+), and reintroduced an annual Northern Beaches Inclusion Carnival.
Skye was formally honoured at the Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport on March 4. All Local Women of the Year, from around NSW, will be recognised during the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March.
Quotes attributable to Jacqui Scruby
“Recognising Skye as the 2026 NSW Local Woman of the Year for Pittwater is an absolute privilege. 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 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.”
“Sport is part of who we are, and Skye is making sure that what many take for granted is open to those who previously struggled to access sport.”
Quotes attributable to Skye Rose
“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. 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.”
“I see this recognition not as an individual award, but as recognition of the programs
and the communities behind them. 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.”
“From an early age our eldest son Dane was eager to be involved in the same sporting opportunities as his younger, neurotypical brother. He proudly wore an AFL uniform, but never was able to join a team. What he really wanted was not to sit on the sidelines - he wanted to belong, and I wanted to make that happen - not just for him, but all kids like him.”
“Our experience motivated me to explore what an inclusive, modified AFL program might look like while I was secretary of the club. After researching different models, I developed a structure, secured AFL Kids as a sponsor, a grant and support of the Club’s Committee, and then worked with AFL NSW/ACT to formalise the program. From there, Tiger’s Kickability was born.
“Both programs are fundamentally about opportunity, belonging and community. These programs fill a gap. They create another choice and meaningful opportunity for people with 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”
Background
The Local Women of the Year Awards celebrate visionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates, and trailblazing role models making a meaningful difference in their communities. This year, a total of 94 inspiring women have been nominated by their local Members of Parliament as part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March) - a week-long celebration that empowers women and promotes gender equality across the state.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said: “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. 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.”
Learn more about the Women of the Year Awards and watch the livestream by visiting www.nsw.gov.au/wotya26.