The 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors have been announced, celebrating seven community football representatives whose contributions have played a pivotal role in the development of women and girls' footy in their communities.

The 2026 ambassadors are Zara Cavalot (WA), Nicole Conley (TAS), Katrina Gray (VIC), Sheldon Janissen (NSW/ACT), Brooke Neindorf (SA), Belinda Phelan (QLD) and Jelena Tipungwuti (NT).

Women's and girls' football participation continues to break records across the country, thanks to the passionate work of community members like these seven recipients, who have been instrumental in progressing the development of women's football, from grassroots through to AFLW level.

Selected by the AFL, the 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors showcase the wide variety of roles needed to power all levels of community footy, including club committee members, coaches, Auskick coordinators and leaders.

Now in its sixth consecutive season, each 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador will receive a $1,000 grant from the Women's Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice, a networking event with AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead, Debbie Lee, as well as a money can't buy 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final experience.

Forty-two ambassadors have been recognised over five years with seven winners announced each season, with one recipient hailing from each state and territory.

Since the inception of AFLW in 2017, women and girls' football participation continues to soar, with an increase of more than ten thousand young girls engaged in football programs, compared to this time last year.

As the AFL strives for equal participation and representation in grassroots football by 2030, there are now more than 3,000 women and girls who hold coaching positions nationally, and more than 145,000 women and girls' who are registered participants across all formats of community football in 2026.

AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead, Debbie Lee, said it was an honour to recognise and thank this year's Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors for their contributions to growing women and girls' football.

"There are so many people across the country who dedicate hours of time, often as a volunteer, to improving opportunities for women and girls, and it's great to formally acknowledge the efforts of our Ambassadors through the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program," Lee said.

"Each recipient in 2026 has made an outstanding contribution to the growth of women and girls' football in their respective communities. Their passion, commitment and leadership create opportunity and foster inclusivity at all levels of community football, including players, umpires and administrators.

"I can't wait to meet the ambassadors ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final and hear more about what drives them to be a force for change.

"Thank you to Chemist Warehouse for continuing the champion this important program and helping to spotlight the many amazing people in community football."

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Retail at Sigma Healthcare, Mario Tascone said it is particularly special to recognise the 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors as the league continues its remarkable growth.

"On behalf of Chemist Warehouse, I'd like to congratulate the deserving and accomplished community football representatives recognised through the 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program," said Tascone.

"As supporters of the AFLW since its inception, it feels especially meaningful to acknowledge those making such a positive impact on women and girls' participation in football."

"Chemist Warehouse looks forward to continuing to champion women's and girls' football, from the community level through to the elite game."

See below for more information on each 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador:

Zara Cavalot (WA)
Zara has been a transformative leader within University Football Club, contributing to a women's program where players of all backgrounds, abilities and identities feel safe, welcomed and celebrated. She has championed initiatives including Pride Round, NAIDOC Week and Mental Health Round, ensuring they go beyond celebration to also promote education, inclusion and meaningful cultural change.

As a coach of junior girls at Cottesloe Junior Football Club, Zara's impact extends beyond her own coaching, bringing in fellow teammates to be part of the coaching staff, encouraging upskilling and leadership.

Through her advocacy, mentorship and leadership, she has helped foster a culture that balances belonging with ambition, strengthening pathways for women and girls across the wider Perth football community.

Nicole Conley (TAS)
Nicole is a trailblazer for football on King Island, becoming the first female President of the King Island Football Association and helping create a more inclusive environment for women and girls across the region.

In just her second season as President, after previously serving as league and club Vice President, she has championed leadership opportunities for women, including bringing the Lead Your Way program to King Island, where women from the Island's three clubs participated.

Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to developing future female leaders, Nicole is helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for football on King Island and inspiring more women and girls to step into leadership roles across the game.

Katrina Gray (VIC)
Kat has been instrumental in growing girls' football at both club and regional level. Starting as a parent volunteer in Auskick, she went on to establish and lead a girls transition program that helped create a clear pathway into the SMJFL's inaugural Under 8 Girls competition. Through her advocacy, the club delivered a tailored pre-season Superkick program, removing financial barriers for families and helping keep girls connected to football year-round.

Beyond her own team, Kat has become a passionate champion for girls' football across the region. Through her coaching, leadership and ability to bring people together, Kat has strengthened participation pathways, fostered a strong sense of belonging and helped build a more inclusive football community.

Sheldon Janissen (NSW/ACT)
Sheldon has been a cornerstone of women's football at Lake Macquarie Dockers, dedicating more than 20 years to the club and playing a pivotal role in the growth of the women and girls' program. Having joined the club when it consisted solely of boys' teams, she went on to become part of the club's first women's team and has since helped build a strong and sustainable female football pathway.

Sheldon contributes across countless volunteer roles, coaching the youth girls, promoting female football and advocating for the game within the broader community. Her commitment to developing the next generation of players has helped strengthen the junior girls' program and create a promising future for women's football at the club.

Through her leadership, loyalty and passion, Sheldon has become the face of women's football at Lake Macquarie Dockers and an inspiring role model for girls and women across the region.

Brooke Neindorf (SA)
Brooke has been involved since the earliest days of helping to establish the women's competition, contributing as a player, assistant coach, head coach, committee member and dedicated volunteer, creating opportunities for women and girls to participate and thrive in the game. She has been involved with the growth of women's football in Port Lincoln and across the Eyre Peninsula.

Brooke has championed participation and talent development across the region through junior girls' initiatives, come-and-try days and support for academy programs. Through her passion, leadership and advocacy, Brooke has helped strengthen pathways for women and girls on the Eyre Peninsula and continues to inspire the next generation of female footballers both on and off the field.

Belinda Phelan (QLD)
Since 2015, Belinda has been a passionate advocate for women and girls' football at Palm Beach Currumbin Junior AFL Club, helping grow the girls' program from just a handful of players to more than 200 participants.

Through her leadership, Belinda has championed meaningful change for women and girls, introducing girls-specific uniforms, improving facilities, elevating the profile of female football through dedicated social media channels, and creating more opportunities for women to step into coaching and leadership roles.

Belinda has helped build clear pathways for female footballers from junior participation through to representative and senior football. Her passion, advocacy and commitment have driven lasting cultural change, ensuring generations of female players feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Jelena Tipungwuti (NT)
At just 19 years of age, Jelena has already made a significant contribution to women's and girls' football across the Tiwi Islands. As a player, captain, coach, umpire and mentor, she leads by example and inspires young girls to see the many opportunities available within football.

Whether supporting junior competitions, coaching the Under 16 girls team, mentoring players at training, or helping deliver local competitions, Jelena consistently gives her time and energy to strengthen football in her community.

Jelena is widely respected for her humility, leadership and commitment to serving others. Through her passion for football and dedication to her community, Jelena is helping create lasting opportunities for the next generation of women and girls across the Tiwi Islands.