Women's Leadership and Inspiration Award

Celebrating the nominees of the 2025 Women’s Leadership and Inspiration Award

Ku-ring-gai Council proudly acknowledges the remarkable women nominated for the inaugural Women’s Leadership and Inspiration Award 2025. Each nominee has made an extraordinary contribution to our community through leadership, advocacy and resilience.

Winner - Andrea Doney

Andrea is the founder of Run with the Slow Coach and co-founder of the North Shore Run Club, a free and inclusive running community now with over 1,500 members. Through her work, Andrea has redefined running as an accessible path to wellbeing, focusing on connection, confidence and healing rather than speed. Her leadership extends beyond coaching, she has created spaces where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds feel welcome. Andrea’s impact has been recognised formally, including in the NSW Parliamentary Hansard and through the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Local Business Award for Most Outstanding Fitness Service. She also serves on the Ku-ring-gai Arts and Culture Advisory Group, further contributing to the cultural life of the community.

Highly Commended - Cate Sinclair

Cate Sinclair, CEO of The Northern Centre, has been a driving force in supporting families, women and children impacted by domestic violence. Her persistence led to the creation of Safe T, a pilot program she lobbied for over several years, which has since become a vital community service. Cate has also built strong networks among leaders in the not-for-profit sector across Northern Sydney, helping create lasting solutions for vulnerable families and advocating tirelessly for equity and safety.

Celebrating all nominees

Ku-ring-gai Council also acknowledges the remarkable achievements of the other nominees, who have each made a unique and lasting contribution to our community:

• Denise Temisgian - Long-serving 1st Turramurra Scout Group Leader, Denise has championed young women’s leadership, confidence and resilience, including her role in empowering Scouts to lead ANZAC Day ceremonies.
• Tracey Ritchie - A passionate advocate for people with disability, Tracey has overcome personal challenges to achieve success in employment and sport, while raising awareness and funds for inclusive opportunities through the Special Olympics.
• Joanna Burdajewicz - Recognised for her dedication to women’s health and wellbeing across NSW, as well as her leadership within her local parish and community, fostering both physical and spiritual health.
• Paula O’Connell - An entrepreneur and community leader, Paula has empowered older women through wellness programs such as chair yoga, while also revitalising the Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce and mentoring professionals through career transitions.
• Patricia Kaziro - Founder of Impact Business School, Patricia has delivered programs supporting women from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds into leadership and entrepreneurship, creating systemic change in business and industry.
• Dr Tan - Emeritus Chairperson of CASS, Dr. Tan has led multicultural initiatives supporting migrant women, including employability programs, digital literacy training and legal services, empowering women to achieve independence and inclusion.
• Anja Lineen - A personal trainer and menopause coach, Anja has built a supportive community of local women, providing health, fitness and wellbeing programs while de-stigmatising conversations around menopause.
• Rabbi Nicole Roberts - Senior Rabbi at North Shore Temple Emanuel and the first woman in Australia to hold this role, Rabbi Nicole has shown inspiring leadership in faith and community life, supporting women and families through innovative programs and inclusive education.

Council warmly congratulates all nominees for their vision, strength and contribution. Each has made a lasting impact on Ku-ring-gai, leading by example and inspiring others to do the same.