Sunday, March 23, 2025

NSW Women of the Year finalists named

The NSW Government has announced the finalists of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2024.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said the awards celebrate the role models who challenge inequality, innovate and inspire.

Since 2012, the annual awards have recognised the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion have inspired their communities and others to achieve great things.

“On behalf of NSW, I congratulate all our finalists,” said Premier Minns.

“You are incredible individuals who have made an enormous contribution to communities in every corner of our state.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see the breadth of work on display, which is representative of our wonderfully diverse and highly dedicated communities.”

There are six award categories in the 2024 program, including the Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence Award.

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said the Government received a record 420 nominations this year.

“Women and girls are making a significant impact in advancing gender equality across different industries, from science to education, health, industry, culture and community,” said Ms Harrison.

“We want to continue to empower the next generation to be limitless in delivering positive changes through fortitude in their fields of expertise.

“We can only achieve this by shining a light on the contributions and achievements of women and giving them the recognition they truly deserve.”

The Women of the Year Awards 2024 finalists are:

Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence

  • Prof. Clara Chow AM – Sydney
  • Jessica Hill – Sydney
  • Cara Varian – Sydney
  • Prof. Adriana Vergés – Sydney
  • Commissioner Carlene York APM – Wollongong

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

  • Kylie Captain – South- West Sydney
  • Aliethea Cutmore – Northern Tablelands
  • Carly Stanley – Sydney
  • Dr. Casey Sullivan – Tamworth
  • Deborah Swan – Central Coast

NSW Community Hero

  • Seini Afeaki – Western Sydney
  • Farzana Farzana – Sydney
  • Monica Mudge – South Coast
  • Anna Noon – Lake Macquarie

Regional Woman of the Year

  • Dr. Skye Charry – Murrumbateman
  • Tsukasa Hiraoka – Bourke
  • Nicole Kiss OAM – Cowra
  • Theresa Mitchell – Tweed Heads
  • Rochelle Olsen – Dubbo

NSW Young Woman of the Year

  • Noor Azizah – Sydney
  • Darian Brooker – Southern Sydney
  • Shannon Fox – Wollongong
  • Kupakwashe Matangira – Lake Macquarie
  • Sarah Williams – Newcastle

Ones to Watch

  • Parisa Azad – South-West Sydney
  • Aarohi Bansal – Sydney
  • Gezel Bardossi – Sydney
  • Sophie Berude – Lake Macquarie
  • Lola Fotheringham – Sydney
  • Bronte Gibson – Hunter Valley
  • Matilda Gibson – Hunter Valley
  • Abbie Jane – Broken Hill
  • Salma Kareem – Sydney
  • Izabelle Kelly – Dubbo

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recipients will be revealed at a ceremony on Thursday 7 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

The Local Women of the Year Awards is a separate program which runs alongside the Women of the Year Awards. The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman in their electorate. Recipients of these awards will also be recognised at the Awards ceremony.

The awards are the centrepiece of NSW Women’s Week 2024, which will be held from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March.

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