Wentworth Courier Article – Vaucluse Woman of the Year 2026
Published 18 March 2026
Rose Bay local Anita Birges has been recognised as Vaucluse Woman of the Year 2026 for her longstanding commitment to community service, social responsibility and practical support for families across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and beyond.
She was nominated by Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane, who praised Ms Birges for “building relationships and offering practical tips to help people live calm and uncluttered lives”.
“She supports meaningful social causes and is an all-round great role model for young women in the community,” she said.
Upon receiving the award, Ms Birges commented on Instagram: “I’m incredibly proud to represent this community. And if there’s one thing this moment reminds me of, it’s this: When women support women, incredible things happen.”
Ms Birges is the owner of Mise En Place, a professional organising and decluttering business founded in 2013.
Over more than a decade she has worked hands-on in local homes, helping families create calm, functional spaces while building trusted relationships with clients throughout the Eastern Suburbs.
Well known for her practical and approachable style, Ms Birges is a regular cleaning and organising expert on Channel 7’s Sunrise, where she shares simple and achievable advice.
Online, her reach extends to more than 300,000 followers who engage with her light, action-orientated content.
She actively supported the 36 Months campaign advocating for restrictions on social media access for children under 16; attending events, creating content and openly sharing her family’s experience managing phone use with a young teenager.
She has also taken direct action to support community safety and cohesion. When anti-Israel graffiti appeared repeatedly in Rose Bay, Ms Birges personally removed it using her own supplies.
Each time it reappeared she returned to clean it off and continued monitoring the site.
After the Chanukah by the Sea terrorist attack, she purchased stones and markers to support mourners.
The site grew to thousands of stones and was taken over by Waverley Council with the contributions set to form part of the permanent memorial artwork.
Ms Birges’s contributions reflect a deep commitment to community wellbeing, practical support and standing up for shared values; all the hallmarks of a Local Woman of the Year.
