Image: NSW Government
The NSW Women of the Year Awards have returned for 2026, celebrating a group of remarkable women whose leadership, advocacy and community work are helping shape NSW.
Announced this morning at the International Convention Centre Sydney, the annual awards recognise women and girls across New South Wales whose work is creating tangible change — from healthcare and Aboriginal leadership to rural education and women’s health advocacy.
The ceremony is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week, which runs from 2 March through to International Women’s Day, which is this Sunday, 8 March.
This year’s recipients include a leading cancer clinician, a long-time Aboriginal health advocate, a rural agricultural leader, a young endometriosis campaigner, and the founders of a pioneering mental health organisation supporting parents.
Deputy Premier Prue Car said the winners represent the very best of community leadership across the state.
“These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose,” she said. “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.”
NSW Women of the Year 2026 recipients
Professor Tracey O’Brien AM was named NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence. A leading cancer clinician and now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, O’Brien has spent more than 25 years working across research, government and clinical care to improve outcomes for people living with cancer.
“I’m humbled and deeply grateful to be recognised alongside women making a difference across NSW,” O’Brien said.
“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.”
Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner was named NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. A proud Kamilaroi woman and CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, Turner has spent more than three decades advancing Aboriginal health outcomes across the state.
“I feel deeply honoured to be the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year,” Turner said.
“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.”
The founders of Gidget Foundation Australia were awarded Community Hero for their decades-long work supporting parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety. Over 24 years the organisation has established 39 Gidget Houses and delivered more than 108,000 appointments supporting over 12,700 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,” said Jacqueline Cotton, on behalf of the rst of the founders.
Regional advocate Jo Marshall was named NSW Regional Woman of the Year for her work leading the Australian Agricultural Centre and supporting the next generation of women in agriculture.
Meanwhile, Milli Weaver was awarded Young Woman of the Year for founding the Australian Endometriosis Foundation after starting an online support community from a hospital bed at just 21.
“Being named Young Woman of the Year feels incredibly humbling,” Weaver said.
“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 ceremony also recognised ten girls aged seven to fifteen in the Ones to Watch category, celebrating acts of courage, kindness and leadership among young people across NSW.
Since launching in 2012, the NSW Women of the Year Awards have highlighted women and girls whose determination and advocacy continue to shape a fairer future for communities across the state.
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