Sydney Doctor Vanessa Pirotta has won the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Award

The NSW Government has just revealed that the winner of the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Award is Sydney-based marine scientist and whale researcher, Dr Vanessa Pirotta – out of 17 NSW nominees.

Known for her extraordinary contributions to whale research and wildlife conservation, Dr Pirotta has led new research into assessing whale health through samples of whale snot that is collected by drones. Her research has been notably featured in the BCC, the ABC and Vogue.

“It is an honour to recognise Dr Vanessa Pirotta as the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year,” said Premier of NSW Chris Minns. “Her work to protect our marine life is so important, and this accolade will ensure it is shared to a wider audience.”

Dr Pirotta is also the founder of Wild Sydney Harbour, “a citizen science project designed to promote an understanding of wildlife in and around Sydney Harbour, Australia.” The website encourages Sydneysiders to report sightings of fur seals or dolphins to document wildlife sightings and then assist with current research undertaken via the Marine Predator Research Group at Macquarie University.

Alongside leading research into wildlife in the Oceania, Dr Pirotta has published nonfiction and children’s books on whales and the ocean, advocated for more women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and given global TED talks.

And the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Award is not the first award that Dr Pirotta has won. In 2025, she was the Premier’s NSW Women of Excellence award recipient for her contributions to marine conservation and science communication.

The Other 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Award Winners

As part of the 2027 awards, the NSW Government also named a NSW Senior Australian of the Year (Dr David Cooke OAM), NSW Young Australian of the Year (Danny Schouten) and NSW Local Hero (Jill Ashley and Paul Ireland).

Not your ordinary GP, the recipient of the NSW Senior Australian of the Year 84-year-old Dr David Cooke OAM has been a pilot and doctor for most of his life.

For more than 50 years, Dr Cooke has used his flying skills to reach patients across remote and regional Australians and provide them critical healthcare. He even went so far to train in parachute jumping, so that he could reach patients in inaccessible locations.

The 84-year-old doctor still treats patients in Port Macquarie and South West Rocks, where there is a shortage of GPs.

The NSW Young Australian of the Year, 30-year-old Danny Schouten, is the founder of Community Shark Bit Kits, a medical kit designed to stop bleeding in the wake of shark bits while emergency services arrive.

After Schouten’s friend was bitten by a shark and only saved by a makeshift tourniquet, he designed the kits with specific first-aid equipment to prepare for similar situations. Surfers, swimmers and other beachgoers – especially in rural locations and unpatrolled beaches – can use the kit to stop bleeding while emergency services arrive.

NSW’s Local Heroes

The final award winners are Jill Ashley and Paul Ireland, recipients of the NSW Local Hero award. Ashley and Ireland founded their organisation Shoretrack in 2020 to support disadvantaged young people in and around Nambucca develop life and work skills through a Transition to Work program. Shoretrack works with community services and industries to provides participants hand-on experience and build their employability.

“The NSW recipients are all committed to using their skills, experience and time to make a difference,” said National Australia Day Council CEO Carrie Leeson.

“Vanessa combines innovation and traditional knowledge to help protect marine life; David has devoted his life to providing medical care; Danny took action to equip others in emergencies; and Jill and Paul are creating life-changing opportunities for kids who need a helping hand.”