I was honoured to be named Blue Mountains Local Woman of the Year 2026, receiving the award at the NSW Women of the Year ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
The Local Woman of the Year awards recognise women across New South Wales who make a significant contribution to their communities. I was nominated by Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, and it was a privilege to receive the award alongside so many inspiring women from across the state during NSW Women’s Week. The Blue Mountains is where my love of the outdoors began and where the mindset that has carried me into the world’s highest mountains was first formed. To be recognised by the community that shaped me means a great deal.
My mountaineering journey has taken me to some of the most extreme environments on Earth, and I am currently pursuing my 14 Peaks Project to climb all fourteen of the world’s 8000-metre mountains without supplemental oxygen. Through this work, along with my film Limitless Above the Clouds, speaking engagements, and mindset workshops, I aim to inspire others to challenge limiting beliefs and expand what they believe is possible in their own lives.
It was a wonderful morning celebrating the achievements of women from across New South Wales, and I’m deeply grateful to Trish Doyle MP for the nomination and support.
Photo: Allie Pepper with NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison MP (left) and Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle (right) at the NSW Women of the Year ceremony at ICC Sydney.