Four women and an organisation founded by women have been named as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026.
The awards recognise extraordinary women for their leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across the state.
“Each year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards shines the light on women and girls who are driving meaningful change across our state,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“This year’s recipients and finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities, but they share a common commitment to lifting others up and creating a fairer future. Their stories remind us of the power of leadership grounded in service and empathy.
“Congratulations to the NSW Women of the Year, the Ones to Watch and our Local Women of the Year. Thank you for your contributions to our communities, and being the leaders that others can aspire to.”
The NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 recipients are:
- Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM (Lane Cove LGA) – NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
Professor O’Brien is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer. Now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, she works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all.
Prof O’Brien said she was humbled and deeply grateful to be recognised alongside women making a difference across NSW.
“After more than 25 years in the public health system in frontline cancer care, I have seen tremendous progress, but the impact of cancer on individuals, families, communities and our economy remains profound and is increasing,” said Prof O’Brien.
“Healthcare is always a team effort and I am grateful to the clinical teams, researchers and communities that I have had the privilege to serve with.
“When we celebrate women who challenge inequality and create impact, we expand the horizon for the next generation and signal leadership comes in many forms, across every community in NSW.”
- Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner (Port Stephens LGA) – NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
Professor Turner is the CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across NSW.
“I feel deeply honoured to be the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. I see this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a tribute to the Elders, mentors and communities who paved the way for myself and for Aboriginal leadership,” said Prof Turner.
“For women and girls, particularly Aboriginal women and girls, seeing diverse role models celebrated helps build confidence and a sense of possibility.”
- The Founders of Gidget Foundation Australia (Metro Sydney regions) – NSW Community Hero
For 24 years, these seven incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in NSW. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety with accessible, timely and specialist care. The foundation has established 39 Gidget Houses and delivered a total of 108,704 appointments to support 12,705 families.
“We started the foundation to make a change after losing my sister, so every parent could find access to the right support and care they needed. Never in a million years did I expect this to be recognised in such a way for doing what we do,” said Jacqueline Cotton on behalf of the founders of Gidget Foundation Australia.
“As a founding committee, we have been fortunate to receive unwavering support over the years – from talented health professionals to event attendees, corporate and government partners, and the broader community. Their commitment has helped transform our early dreams into a powerful reality.”
- Jo Marshall (Upper Lachlan Shire LGA) – NSW Regional Woman of the Year
MS Marshall is a visionary leader and advocate for rural communities. As the driving force behind the Australian Agricultural Centre, including their Women in AG program, Jo inspires and equips the next generation of agricultural leaders through immersive education, hands-on training and innovative programs.
“I feel proud – not just personally, but on behalf of the regional communities, women and young people I work alongside every day. It’s a reminder that the work we do in regional Australia matters, that investing in education, skills and community resilience has real impact, and that regional voices are being seen and heard,” said Ms Marshall.
“I also feel grateful. This recognition reflects the collective effort of so many people who believe in the future of agriculture, in opportunity for regional youth, and in supporting women to lead, innovate and create change where they live.”
- Milli Weaver (Randwick LGA) – NSW Young Woman of the Year
Ms Weaver is the founder and Chief Executive of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation, a volunteer-run charity she established at the age of 24 in 2023 to address the gap in peer-led support and advocacy for young people with endometriosis.
The Awards also showcased 10 inspirational girls aged 7 to 15 who were awarded in the Ones to Watch category for their acts of courage, strength and kindness to help and support those around them.
“Being named Young Woman of the Year feels incredibly humbling. I started the Australian Endometriosis Foundation (then, an Instagram page called Endo Articles) from a hospital bed at the age of 21. I never imagined that sharing my story would grow into a national community supporting thousands of young Australians,” said Ms Weaver.
“I hope this platform helps continue the conversation around menstrual health, chronic illness and fertility so that the next generation doesn’t have to fight so hard to be heard.”
The ‘Ones to Watch’ award recipients (7–15 years) for 2026 are:
- Imali Bamji (Hunters Hill LGA)
- Piper Clarke (Shoalhaven LGA)
- Hafsa Faizan (Liverpool LGA)
- Emma Hoskins (Blacktown LGA)
- Amalia Carolyn Howard (Dubbo LGA)
- Elly Ings (Northern Beaches LGA)
- Hannah Orr (Goulburn Mulwaree LGA)
- Ruvi Pooliyadde (Blacktown LGA)
- Shanvi Govinda Raju (Penrith LGA)
- Ivy Walker (Hornsby LGA)
“These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose,” said Deputy NSW Premier, Prue Car.
“Each of these remarkable women represent the very best of our state, and I commend them for their extraordinary contributions.
“To every award winner recognised today, thank you for the powerful impact you have made in your fields and communities.”
More information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program, including the full recipient and finalist biographies, is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.
