NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 Recipients

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.

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. 

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 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 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 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. [RE1] 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. A proud home schooler, Amalia is kind, thoughtful and conscientious, using compassion and intention to make the world a better place. 

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 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 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 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.