Emergency service leader and community stalwart Shaleigh Lennox ESM was humbled to be named 2026 Newcastle Local Woman of the Year at the weekend.
The award, which coincided with International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, acknowledges someone who’s an inspiration to others.
And, Ms Lennox certainly fits that bill.
She has been an active volunteer at various local groups for more than 40 years, clocking over 600 hours of unpaid service in 2025 alone.
“It is a great honour,” she said.
“I volunteer with Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) and the 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 we help shape them.”
Ms Lennox started her journey at Cooks Hill SLSC in 1985 in the nippers program.
In 2011, she became the first female Life Member of the club.
She continues to volunteer as a Hunter Duty Officer, a position she’s held for almost two decades.
In this role, she supports surf life saving’s emergency response operations, working closely with partner agencies to assist with coordination, communication and liaison during significant incidents.
During the 2025 Mid North Coast floods, Ms Lennox worked alongside local NSW SES units.
Her dedication to community safety was recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours where she was awarded with an Emergency Services Medal (ESM).
Beyond the sea and the sand, she’s been involved with the Newcastle Country Women’s Association (CWA) Branch for 11 years.
As a state executive board member and treasurer, she has this year helped raise more than $35,000 through efforts such as the Newcastle Show Tearooms.
These funds have supported a range of local charities, including Nova for Women and Children and Newcastle Legacy.
In her professional work, Ms Lennix is the health, safety and wellbeing manager at NGM Group, where she leads programs that support over 1,800 employees.
For more community stories:
- Swansea volunteer Jane Goddard acknowledged for generous contributions
- Local teens’ ideas pave way for new inclusive park in Morisset
- Upper Hunter Woman of the Year delivers lasting impact on community
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