NSW public servants have been recognised for their outstanding service and community impact at the 2025 Premier's Awards presentation last night at Parliament House.
This year's eight award categories reflect outstanding work of public sector teams and individuals who drive innovation, deliver exceptional services, strengthen communities, and uphold integrity.
From advancing education and healthcare to creating economic opportunities and fostering workforce excellence, these awards highlight the commitment to building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous NSW.
This year's awards celebrated a strong field of finalists who represent the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity and service that lie at the heart of the NSW public sector.
Glenn George from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the recipient of the 2025 NSW Public Servant of the Year. This award recognises an individual who demonstrates a commitment to shaping an exceptional public service.
Mr George is a highly respected leader in the sector, whose work has resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, operational efficiency, and emergency preparedness. His perseverance, adaptability and commitment to outcomes have supported more than 40,00 people, redefining the partnership between government and community to deliver lasting, meaningful change.
Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future leader, a person who displays outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This year's Anthea Kerr Award recipient is Jayla Nix from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Ms Nix, a proud Wiradjuri woman, stepped into senior executive leadership following the passing of a valued colleague, and despite personal grief went beyond the expectations of her role to create a supportive environment for all levels of staff.
Through her work, Ms Nix is building a health system where Aboriginal leadership and lived experience drive decision-making and accountability, embedding cultural safety throughout the organisation.
The 2025 Premier's Awards individual and team recipients are:
- Anthea Kerr Award: Jayla Nix, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
- NSW Public Servant of the Year: Glenn George, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Driving public sector workforce excellence and integrity: NSW Health Pathology Aboriginal & Disability targeted traineeships, NSW Health Pathology
- Delivering world-class education and training: Life-changing pathways for students with disability, TAFE NSW
- Partner: Woolworths Group
- Creating safe and thriving communities: Broadband Cells on Wheels for emergency community Wi-Fi, NSW Telco Authority
- Delivering innovative economic opportunities for the community: Australia's first family-friendly Healthy Higher Density Living Guide, Western Sydney Local Health District
- Partners: City of Parramatta Council and Cities for Play
- Excellence in service delivery: Language+ App - Connecting Communities with Emergency Services, Multicultural NSW
- Partner: NSW Police
- Providing world-class healthcare: All Together Now: Coordinating Care for Kids, Hunter New England Local Health District
For more information on the recipients and finalists, visit NSW Premier's Awards Winners and Finalists.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"I'm pleased to recognise the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Premier's Awards."
"These awards highlight the important work done every day by public sector employees across NSW, often behind the scenes, to deliver essential services and improve outcomes for communities.
"The finalists represent the best of our public service - people who show professionalism, care and a genuine commitment to making NSW a better place to live.
"On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank all public sector employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Congratulations to this year's recipients and finalists."
Premier's Department Secretary Simon Draper said:
"Our public service agencies are at the heart of this state's delivery and innovation, inspiring positive change across our communities.
"The Premier's Awards highlight the incredible leadership and commitment of public sector employees, week in and week out, as they serve the people of NSW.
"We are privileged to have such a dedicated public service. Thank you to our unsung heroes that work tirelessly for NSW, and congratulations to our well-deserved recipients."
