From Australia’s first Catholic saint, to renowned artists, environmental campaigners, life-long volunteers and pioneers of women’s sport, women from North Sydney are famous for changing the world.
North Sydney Council's Notable Women of North Sydney project recognises significant women and their contributions to North Sydney and beyond.
As part of the project the community is invited to share stories of local women, past or present. Council will use these stories to educate the area about women’s important contributions and highlight significant stories that might have been overlooked.
Council is seeking stories about any woman with a connection to the North Sydney area - living or deceased. They could have:
- made a significant impact on the community, state, nation or globe
- advanced important causes such as education, health, arts, social justice, business, environment or leadership
- received awards, honours or formal recognition at a local, national, or international level
- been a trailblazer or pioneer – maybe they were the first in their field to make an achievement, or maybe they dismantled barriers for women or underrepresented groups
- had an enduring influence beyond their lifetime or career
Mayor Zoe Baker said:
“There is a long history of women from North Sydney making a significant contribution to the local area and beyond. This started with Cammeraygal women of the Eora nation, continues through the leadership and wisdom of current First Nations women and has as grown to include women of all cultures and backgrounds.
“North Sydney is a community that finds power in its diversity and values care, kindness and respect. International Women’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate this and to launch a project that helps us recognise more Notable Women of North Sydney.”
In 2026, Council is recognising 12 women to kick-off the project, including Australia’s first Catholic saint, St. Mary MacKillop, renowned painter Catherine McGuiness and youth changemaker and environmental campaigner Sophia Skarparis. You’ll see displays featuring all 12 women across the LGA.
See the full list of Notable Women recognised in 2026: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/NotableWomen
Nominate a woman: https://yoursay.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/notable-north-sydney-women/userinfo/notable-north-sydney-women