NSW Women of the Year Awards - 2026

The NSW Women of the Year Awards celebrate the incredible women and girls improving the lives of people in NSW. 

Since 2012 these annual awards have recognised the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion has inspired their communities and others to achieve great things. 

The awards celebrate the role models who challenge inequality, innovate and inspire.

The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 4 March 2027 as part of NSW Women's Week 2027 (2-8 March).

Categories for 2027

• 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. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 2027, as the next generation of rising stars.
  
  The Ones to Watch girls will be featured in a video reel that highlights their achievements and will be invited to attend the prestigious NSW Women of the Year Awards events including being presented with a special acknowledgement at the awards ceremony on 4 March 2027 held in Sydney.
  
  Nominations can be made by the nominee's parents/guardians and schoolteachers only.