Shaleigh Lennox named 2026 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year

newy.com.au – Emergency service leader and long-time volunteer Shaleigh Lennox ESM has been named the 2026 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year by Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp.

The annual award recognises a woman from the Newcastle state electorate who is an inspiration to others.

Ms Lennox has volunteered with local organisations for more than 40 years and recorded more than 600 hours of unpaid service in 2025.

She began at Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club in 1985 in the nippers program and in 2011 became the club’s first female Life Member. She continues to serve as a Hunter Duty Officer, a role she has held for almost 20 years, supporting Surf Life Saving’s emergency response operations and working with partner agencies on coordination, communication and liaison during major incidents.

During the 2025 Mid North Coast floods, Ms Lennox supported Surf Life Saving’s response efforts while working alongside local NSW SES units. Her commitment to community safety was recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, where she was awarded the Emergency Services Medal.

Beyond surf life saving, Ms Lennox has been involved with the Newcastle Country Women’s Association branch for 11 years. As a state executive board member and treasurer, she has this year helped raise more than $35,000 through fundraising efforts including the Newcastle Show tearooms, with the money supporting charities including Nova for Women and Children and Newcastle Legacy.

In her professional role, Ms Lennox is the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Manager at NGM Group, where she leads programs supporting more than 1800 employees. She has implemented a mental health framework and initiatives aimed at helping workers build resilience in complex and emotionally challenging environments.

Mr Crakanthorp said Ms Lennox’s service reflected the best of the city.

“Shaleigh embodies the spirit of Newcastle: resilient, compassionate, and dedicated to helping those in need,” he said.

“This level of volunteerism is driven by a deep kindness and consideration for others. Shaleigh has devoted countless hours of both paid and unpaid time to protecting and caring for Novocastrians, and that is truly commendable.”

“Congratulations Shaleigh, you’re an inspiration to us all!”

Ms Lennox said she was honoured by the recognition.

“It is a great honour to be named the 2026 Newcastle Woman of the Year,” she said.

“I volunteer with Cooks Hill SLSC and CWA because supporting people and community has always been important to me, whether that’s on patrol at Bar Beach, helping raise funds for local charities or through the work I do professionally.”

“I’d love to see more women get involved in local organisations and put their hand up for leadership roles. Our communities are stronger when women help shape them.”