NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
The NSW Premier's Woman of Excellence is a role model who has excelled in her chosen field. In doing so, she effects lasting change and is an inspiration to others.
Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM
Tracey is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer. A haematologist–oncologist and former Director of the Kids Cancer Centre, she has led breakthroughs in precision medicine, and transplant and cellular therapies, while mentoring the next generation of clinician-researchers. Now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Tracey works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all. She is known for bringing siloed worlds together with humanity and purpose, uniting researchers, clinicians, policymakers and communities around what matters most: compassionate, life-changing outcomes for every person facing cancer.
Clare Pearson
Clare is the CEO of Little Wings, a not-for-profit organisation that provides free, professional and safe flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in rural and regional NSW, ACT and Queensland. Under her leadership, Little Wings has achieved record service delivery, increasing flights and ground transport year on year. Clare is a qualified psychologist, specialising in child and adolescent welfare, and is passionate about working in not-for-profit and community-based projects. She has authored a book, Threads of Hope, that celebrates the lives of human trafficking survivors. Clare is a strong believer in the power of people, whereby a united effort can affect meaningful change.
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
A dedicated pillar of her community, the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW. Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley
A proud Aboriginal woman from the Birrbay and Dunghutti countries, Aunty Rhonda embodies a profound connection to Country in all aspects of her life and work. Rhonda plays a key role in revitalising language and culture on the Mid-North Coast and serves as a board member for the Aboriginal Languages Trust. A respected Elder, educator, and mentor, she founded the Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival, uniting hundreds of women in celebration of culture and wellbeing. Aunty Rhonda also founded “Point Plomer - Looking After Country,” promoting conservation and regeneration. Rhonda honours and protects cultural heritage, ensuring traditional knowledge is preserved and passed down to future generations.
Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner
Nicole is a proud Kamilaroi woman with over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal health. She is CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across NSW. She is also Chairperson of Indigenous Allied Health Australia, having served on the board for over 10 years. Nicole is a qualified nutritionist and is an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Canberra. She is committed to research that creates meaningful impact for Indigenous peoples and future generations. As a mother of 4 and grandmother of 6, Nicole’s work is guided by her commitment to her family and community.
Sharon Winsor
As founder of Indigiearth, Sharon has built one of the country’s leading Aboriginal-owned businesses, using her expertise to promote native Australian ingredients and culinary traditions. Sharon is a proud Weilwan woman from north-west NSW, born in Gunnedah and raised in Rocky Glen. Her deep connection to Country began in childhood, gathering bush foods, cooking and exploring. She has become a leading figure in Australia’s native food industry, as an entrepreneur, chef and cultural storyteller. She also leads Warakirri, an immersive cultural dining experience. Sharon’s personal journey is one of resilience, rising above hardships to achieve remarkable success. She continues to inspire through her dedication to culture, community and Country.
NSW Community Hero
The NSW Community Hero Award shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community.
Carolyn Campbell-McLean
Drawing on her lived experience of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Carolyn is a powerful advocate, mentor and leader whose impact is felt across NSW. For almost 30 years, Carolyn has worked in adult education, the disability sector, government and for-purpose organisations. A research associate on the first evaluation of individualised funding, Carolyn has supported people with disability as a Living Life My Way Champion; Senior Facilitator at My Choice Matters’ leadership program; and Training Facilitator with the Council for Intellectual Disability and the Physical Disability Council NSW. As leader of Muscular Dystrophy NSW’s Peer Connect, Carolyn has built networks that reduce isolation, foster resilience and self-advocacy.
The founders of Gidget Foundation Australia: Alexandra Berthold, Libby Bowditch, Jacqui Cotton, Stephanie Hughes, Lou Hunter, Kim Mouret and Simone Short
For 24 years, these incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in NSW. In 2001, their sister and friend, Louise (nicknamed Gidget), took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression. Following this tragedy, they set out to make a difference in Gidget’s honour by increasing awareness of the illness and support for parents. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents 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. The founders are still actively involved, demonstrating dedication that has had a direct impact on perinatal mental health awareness, education and support in NSW.
Ruby Riethmuller
Ruby is the founder and CEO of Womn-Kind, a leading youth mental health organisation transforming the way young people access wellbeing education and support. Focused on adolescent girls and gender-diverse youth, Womn-Kind delivers innovative, low-intensity services through school workshops, a pioneering social wellness app, podcast and partnerships with schools, community groups and government. With an emphasis on accessibility and prevention, the organisation has already supported more than 30,000 young people, providing daily support to over 7,000 users across Australia and 37 countries. Ruby also serves as Deputy Commissioner (Lived Experience) at the Mental Health Commission of NSW. Ruby embodies resilience, initiative and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
NSW Regional Woman of the Year
The NSW Regional Woman of the Year recognises the accomplishments of an exceptional woman living in regional NSW who inspires and advances her community and contributes to the fabric of her local area. Nominees for the NSW Regional Woman of the Year must reside outside of Newcastle, Wollongong or Greater Sydney.
Jo Marshall
Jo 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. Her work is grounded in a commitment to tackling entrenched disadvantage in regional areas. Jo has championed pathways for young people, women and jobseekers who are disengaged from traditional education, ensuring they have access to opportunities that build skills, confidence and sustainable employment futures. Through her collaborative approach, she has built partnerships across schools, government, industry and community organisations, amplifying impact well beyond her immediate region.
Amy Riddle
Amy is highly influential within the corrective services sector, having spent 8 years working to reduce recidivism rates by having challenging and confronting conversations with offenders as part of supporting them to change anti-social behaviours. As part of this commitment, Amy has built relationships with services that support vulnerable people and divert them from reoffending, as well as support them in identifying as victim-survivors. She is a strong, inspirational role model for female offenders and victim-survivors as well as her colleagues. Amy's dedication and efforts have been recognised by way of commendation from the Corrective Services Assistant Commissioner and the Coffs Clarence Police District Commander Superintendent.
Jenny Worrell
Jenny is an exceptional educator, musician, volunteer and advocate with a deep commitment to her community in the Clarence Valley. A former schoolteacher and private music educator, Jenny has fostered the musical talent of many rural and regional students, and developed music programs for teens living with disability. After the passing of her mother, who suffered from dementia, Jenny and a friend created Forget Me Nots, a cross-generational choir for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their carers. The choir has connected hundreds of community members, including many women in caring roles – with support services and advancing music therapy research in partnership with Macquarie University.
NSW Young Woman of the Year
The NSW Young Woman of the Year has demonstrated incredible potential or achievement in her chosen field, passion or area of interest. Open to women aged 16-30 years.
Miranda McGufficke
Raised amongst fleeces in shearing sheds and mobs of merinos, Miranda McGufficke is the epitome of an agricultural leader. Miranda is transforming her childhood passion into a remarkable career, combining science, progressive thinking and innovation. With a Bachelor of Animal Science majoring in genomics, Miranda is advancing the merino industry using science-backed approaches that deliver proven, predictable and profitable outcomes. Miranda’s initiative is demonstrated in her commitment to harnessing genomic tools to drive smarter breeding decisions. Miranda demonstrates determination, resilience and vision in a male-dominated space. Her achievements were recognised in 2022 when she was named a finalist for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s Rural Achiever Award.
Layne Paull
Layne is a young leader with a passion for inclusion, innovation and community service. As Inclusion Nippers Coordinator for North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club and Team Leader for Disabled Surfers Association, she has developed programs that make aquatic environments welcoming for people of all abilities. Layne also volunteers at Amputees NSW’s AMP CAMP, inspiring participants to build confidence and resilience. As a disability support worker, Layne designs personalised strategies to enhance clients’ skills and independence. She aspires to advance assistive technology and inclusive design, and is currently studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney. Layne was awarded the Women in Engineering Scholarship 2025 by Engineers Australia.
Milli Weaver
Milli 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. Since then, the foundation has grown into a registered organisation, supporting more than 1,600 young Australians through community programs and awareness campaigns. In 2024, the foundation launched Australia’s first Endometriosis Youth Summit, equipping young women with evidence-based information and self-advocacy training. That same year, Milli spearheaded a hospital care-pack program, now operating across major NSW hospitals, providing young patients with free practical and comfort resources during unexpected hospital stays.
Dr Mithila Zaheen
Mithila is a cardiology advanced trainee, researcher and clinical lecturer dedicated to improving women’s cardiovascular health and healthcare access for vulnerable communities. Her PhD focuses on spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a rare heart condition that disproportionately affects women. Beyond her clinical and research work, Mithila volunteers with Street Side Medics, the Water Well Project, and local Aboriginal and refugee support programs, providing free healthcare and education to underserved groups. She was named the Australian Medical Association (NSW) Registrar of the Year in 2022 and was a finalist for Blacktown City Woman of the Year in 2021.
The Ones to Watch
Recognises girls and young women aged 7 to 15, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, bravery, strength, determination and/or kindness to help and support those around them.
The program will showcase up to 10 girls who will be recognised and profiled as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026, as the next generation of rising stars.
Imali Bamji
Imali is a changemaker whose quiet determination and radiant spirit are already making waves across continents. As a co-founder of the Akka Project, alongside her mother and sister, Imali has built a volunteering pathway where Aussie teens and parents travel to India to support a local school. Her holidays are spent rebuilding libraries, delivering lessons and leading other Aussie teens through immersive, intercultural experiences that foster empathy and global awareness. With a focus on play, joy and cultural exchange, Imali inspires young people to become globally minded citizens. Her bubbly nature, endless ideas and readiness to chat make her a natural leader who brings people together.
Piper Clarke
Since the age of 7, Piper has committed herself to helping others, raising more than $15,000 for local and national charities. Causes she has supported include Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra’s winter appeal and Christmas toy drive, Sydney Children's Hospital and The Smith Family’s education initiative. While supporting the toy drive, Piper hand-picked presents for children in the local community, partnering with students from Shoalhaven River College to have them all hand wrapped. Despite facing her own health challenges, Piper is determined to make a difference to those who may go without or face difficulties in life.
Hafsa Faizan
At 13, Hafsa was selected as a TEDx speaker to deliver a talk on the importance of AI in education, reflecting her commitment to meaningful, inclusive learning opportunities for all children. Her advocacy extends into environmental and political action. Hafsa helped lead a campaign against bilge dumping, co-creating a children’s book to raise awareness about toxic waste in oceans. She presented her ideas at NSW Parliament, highlighting her ability to bring youth voices into policymaking spaces. Hafsa has been a member of her school’s robotics team for 4 years and voluntarily coaches younger students. She was recently selected as a member of the 2026 NSW Youth Advisory Council.
Shanvi Govinda Raju
Shanvi exemplifies compassion, leadership and purpose far beyond her years. Since the age of 7, she has championed community causes, hosting the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea and supporting SHINE for Kids through a book drive. A creative change-maker, her artwork highlights messages for Earth Day, International Women’s Day, International Day of Peace and more, inspiring her peers to reflect and take action. She promotes positive habits through World Book Day initiatives and proudly represents her language and culture, encouraging other young people to stay connected to their roots and celebrate diversity. Through kindness, resilience and creativity, Shanvi proves that young voices can create powerful impact.
Emma Hoskins
Emma is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay girl who is recognised in her community for her achievements and commitment to volunteering and charity work. At school, Emma is a leader and role model, helping with her school’s Breakfast Club, leading Indigenous cultural dance performances and implementing a Chill & Chat room for kids to connect and feel heard. She serves on Blacktown City Council’s Youth Advisory Committee and was named the council’s Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year in 2023. During NAIDOC Week 2025, Emma was invited by Blacktown Council to MC the Warami Mittigar Concert and Corroboree.
Amalia Carolyn Howard
Amalia has 2 missions: to raise money for the homeless, and to spread happiness and kindness. A resident of Central West NSW, Amalia spends her free time busking to raise awareness and money for the homeless, donating the proceeds to Wayside Chapel. While she initially aimed to raise $1,000, she has doubled her goal. Amalia busks using a steel tongue drum and crystal singing bowl. In an effort to spread kindness and happiness, she carries affirmation cards to give to people who donate as well as other passers-by. Amalia is kind, thoughtful and conscientious, using compassion and intention to make the world a better place.
Elly Ings
Elly is dedicated to advancing Aboriginal education and strengthening the role of First Nations perspectives in her school community. Her leadership is evident through her coordination of camps and expeditions to culturally significant and educational sites, including Taronga Zoo, where students engage in learning that connects them to culture, land and community. Through her professionalism, passion and vision, Elly is shaping sustainable programs with long-lasting impact. Elly also coordinates school-wide activities for important events, ensuring that First Nations voices and traditions are respectfully acknowledged and celebrated.
Hannah Orr
Hannah is a member of the Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council and Deputy Youth Mayor, a role in which she has successfully advocated for a pedestrian crossing near her school and contributed to local events such as a community bike ride and the Goulburn Lilac City Festival. While Hannah lives with disability and medical issues, this doesn’t hold her back from her commitment to serving the community. At school, Hannah is junior president of the Social Justice Council, which raises money for various charities, and is part of the Bridges to Borders group, which celebrates multicultural students. In 2025, she was named Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Young Citizen of the Year.
Ruvi Pooliyadde
Ruvi is a courageous changemaker, a kind-hearted leader and a force for good. Through her ‘Poppy Flower’ project, Ruvi crochets and donates handmade poppies to organisations like the RSL, helping raise funds for veterans and community causes. She also authored a book on the history of the poppy flower, distributing it to raise awareness and honour those who served – a compassionate act for someone so young. Ruvi’s kindness extends beyond borders. Through her ‘Sharing Knowledge’ initiative, she teaches English via Zoom to students in rural Sri Lanka, empowering children with tools for a brighter future. Locally, she volunteers at a preschool, helping young children prepare for school.
Ivy Walker
Ivy is an extraordinary para-athlete whose courage, determination and kindness inspire everyone she meets. Living with significant vision impairment, she has shown remarkable strength in tackling sports that demand precision, speed and resilience. Ivy refuses to be defined by her disability, instead viewing it as an opportunity to challenge perceptions. Ivy’s actions reach beyond her own sporting success. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport, encouraging others – both with and without disabilities – to step outside their comfort zones and pursue their goals. Ivy is a 5-time gold medallist in alpine skiing at state and national competitions, and has represented NSW in blind cricket, athletics and cross country.