Alexandra (Zarni) Berthold (née Mullan, ’85) alongside her six companions, has been recognised in this year’s NSW Women of the Year Awards. As founders of Gidget Foundation Australia, they have been named the NSW Community Hero for 2026.

This prestigious award recognises these seven women for their 25 years of dedication and determination to improving perinatal mental health support, making a difference in the lives of literally thousands of families.

The Gidget Foundation began in 2001, following the devastating loss of their sister and friend Louise, “Gidget”, to postnatal depression. In response they set out to make a difference in her honour, and what began as a small fundraising lunch has grown into an Australia wide organisation and a national lifeline, delivering more than 122,000 specialist appointments and supporting over 12,000 families with accessible, timely and specialist care.

Zarni and her friends are still actively involved and this award honours their “longevity, compassion and determination” to break the silence around perinatal depression and anxiety.

Congratulations Zarni and all the founders of the incredible Gidget Foundation. We are so proud and grateful for the work you have all done and continue to do.