Four exceptional women and an organisation founded by women have been named as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026.
The awards recognise extraordinary women for their leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across New South Wales.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 recipients are:
- Professor Tracey O'Brien, AM (Lane Cove LGA) - NSW Premier's Woman of Excellence
Tracey is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer. Now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Tracey works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all.
- Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner (Port Stephens LGA) - NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
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 New South Wales.
- The Founders of Gidget Foundation Australia (Metro Sydney regions) - NSW Community Hero
For 24 years, these seven incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in New South Wales. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety 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.
- Jo Marshall (Upper Lachlan Shire LGA) - NSW Regional Woman of the Year
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.
- Milli Weaver (Randwick LGA) - NSW Young Woman of the Year
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.
The Awards also showcased 10 inspirational girls aged 7 to 15 who were awarded in the Ones to Watch category for their acts of courage, strength and kindness to help and support those around them.
The Ones to Watch recipients (7-15 years) for 2026 are:
- Imali Bamji (Hunters Hill LGA)
- Piper Clarke (Shoalhaven LGA)
- Hafsa Faizan (Liverpool LGA)
- Emma Hoskins (Blacktown LGA)
- Amalia Carolyn Howard (Dubbo LGA)
- Elly Ings (Northern Beaches LGA)
- Hannah Orr (Goulburn Mulwaree LGA)
- Ruvi Pooliyadde (Blacktown LGA)
- Shanvi Govinda Raju (Penrith LGA)
- Ivy Walker (Hornsby LGA)
At the same time, Local Members of Parliament were able to recognise their Local Woman of the Year for their contribution to their local community. The Local Women of the Year 2026 honour roll is available at Local Women of the Year Award 2026 | NSW Government
The Women of the Year Awards ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning. It is the flagship event of NSW Women's Week 2026 which runs from Monday 2 March to International Women's Day on Sunday 8 March.
Since 2012, the NSW Women of the Year Awards have celebrated women and girls whose determination, leadership and advocacy are shaping a stronger, more inclusive New South Wales.
More information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program, including the full recipient and finalist biographies, is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.
Deputy Premier New South Wales Prue Car said:
"These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose.
"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."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"Each year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards shines the light on women and girls who are driving meaningful change across our state.
"This year's recipients and finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities, but they share a common commitment to lifting others up and creating a fairer future. Their stories remind us of the power of leadership grounded in service and empathy.
"Congratulations to the NSW Women of the Year, the Ones to Watch and our Local Women of the Year. Thank you for your contributions to our communities, and being the leaders that others can aspire to."
NSW Premier's Woman of Excellence 2026 recipient, Professor Tracey O'Brien, AM said:
"I'm humbled and deeply grateful to be recognised alongside women making a difference across NSW. 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. Healthcare is always a team effort and I am grateful to the clinical teams, researchers and communities that I have had the privilege to serve with.
"When we celebrate women who challenge inequality and create impact, we expand the horizon for the next generation and signal leadership comes in many forms, across every community in NSW."
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner said:
"I feel deeply honoured to be the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. 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."
"For women and girls, particularly Aboriginal women and girls, seeing diverse role models celebrated helps build confidence and a sense of possibility."
NSW Community Hero 2026 recipient, Jacqueline Cotton on behalf of the founders, Gidget Foundation Australia said:
"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. Never in a million years did I expect this to be recognised in such a way for doing what we do."
"As a founding committee, we have been fortunate to receive unwavering support over the years - from talented health professionals to event attendees, corporate and government partners, and the broader community. Their commitment has helped transform our early dreams into a powerful reality."
NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Jo Marshall said:
"I feel proud - not just personally, but on behalf of the regional communities, women and young people I work alongside every day. It's a reminder that the work we do in regional Australia matters, that investing in education, skills and community resilience has real impact, and that regional voices are being seen and heard."
"I also feel grateful. This recognition reflects the collective effort of so many people who believe in the future of agriculture, in opportunity for regional youth, and in supporting women to lead, innovate and create change where they live."
NSW Young Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Milli Weaver said:
"Being named Young Woman of the Year feels incredibly humbling. I started the Australian Endometriosis Foundation (then, an Instagram page called Endo Articles) from a hospital bed at the age of 21. I never imagined that sharing my story would grow into a national community supporting thousands of young Australians."
"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."
