9 March 2026
North Sydney Council has unveiled “Notable Women of North Sydney” an initiative to formally recognise and collect the stories of significant local women, both living and deceased. Launched on International Women’s Day, the project aims to educate the community about historically overlooked achievements and contributions.
Also as part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Wollstonecraft local Sheila McGregor was named the 2026 North Shore Woman of the Year.
Nominations are now open for any woman connected to the North Sydney area who has made an impact, particularly those who have achieved a significant local, national, or global impact; advanced important causes such as health, arts, social justice, or environment; received formal recognition or awards; acted as a trailblazer or pioneer, dismantling barriers for others; or had an enduring influence extending beyond their career.
To kick off the initiative, the Council announced the first 12 honourees for 2026, whose displays will be visible along Miller Street. This inaugural group includes:
- Saint Mary MacKillop (1842–1909): Australia’s first Catholic saint and a pioneer in education and social welfare who lived and worked in North Sydney.
- Carole Baker: North Sydney’s first female Mayor (elected 1979), instrumental in establishing the Precinct Committee system and securing public open spaces like Sawmillers Reserve. She is the mother of current mayor Zoe Baker.
- Dr Faith Bandler AC (1918–2015): A leading civil rights advocate who co-founded the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship and campaigned for the 1967 Referendum from her North Sydney home.
- Florence Mary Taylor CBE (1879–1969): Australia’s first woman to qualify as an architect and a key figure in shaping urban planning conversations through her influential journal, Building.
- Sophia Skarparis: A youth changemaker who successfully mobilised a campaign that contributed to the NSW ban on single-use plastic bags.
- Professor Gemma Figtree AM: An internationally recognised Rhodes Scholar and cardiologist leading research into the early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease.
- Catherine McGuiness: A three-time Archibald Prize finalist renowned for her expressive painting and mural work, who collaborates with artists with intellectual disability.
- Victoria Alexander: An entrepreneur, author, and creative director who established one of Sydney’s first boutique hotels and co-founded a sustainable grocery initiative.
- Jacquelyn Wong: A recipient of the 2025 Community Builder Award for her leadership in creating a welcoming and inclusive space at the Coal Loader Community Garden.
- Ishnika Lokuge: The 2024 Next Generation Community Award recipient for her volunteer work with Council’s Bushcare program.
- Molly Cane and Nellie Doherty: Sporting pioneers who played in Australia’s first organised women’s rugby league competition in 1921.
Earlier in the week Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson announced Sheila McGregor as North Shore Woman of the Year at a reception celebrating the achievements of women across NSW.
McGregor has held several prominent roles, including 20 years as a Partner at Gilbert and Tobin and nearly nine years as Chair of Loreto Kirribilli. She is currently a Non-Executive Director for LGT Wealth Management and St Vincent Health Australia, and is a member of Chief Executive Women. Throughout her career, she has provided advisory services to senior management and boards of leading Australian companies, notably across the financial services, information technology, media, and telecommunications sectors.
McGregor spoke about what advice she would offer to the next generation of women. “The most important thing to do is to take every opportunity that comes your way,” adding “the single quality women need more of is confidence.”
Wilson said of McGregor: “Sheila stands among some of the nation’s most influential female leaders, helping to shape conversations about opportunity, equity, and leadership across Australia. She exemplifies the strength, capability, and generosity that define the women of our community.”