The search for the most inspiring and extraordinary women and girls in NSW has begun, with the opening of nominations for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.  

The annual awards program recognises and celebrates women and girls who inspire us with their actions, whether they are ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models.

The 5 award categories include:

• Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year
• NSW Young Woman of the Year

Nominations have also opened for the Ones to Watch category, recognising 10 rising stars between the ages of 7 and 15. These exemplary girls will be highlighted for their courage, strength, determination and kindness to help and support those around them.

Successful 2024 Award recipients showcased the achievement of diverse and talented women and girls across NSW. They included Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence Walkley Award winning journalist, advocate and public speaker Jess Hill, Aboriginal Woman of the Year Dr Casey Sullivan and

Regional Woman of the Year Theresa Mitchell.

Theresa Mitchell said, “Being a private NFP working in the homelessness space, we often receive some negativity, and this helps to feed the feeling that we are not accepted.

“Winning the award, changes this - it gives back 'hope' and reminds us that negativity is an individual agenda thing, not a state belief. We can make a difference by bringing the right people together.“Winning the award has provided more exposure to our cause. It is so nice connecting with people to arrange things for our services and having them say, 'I know you’. It has raised our standing in the community and increased the number of volunteers applying to help.

For more information about all the 2024 recipients, see https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards#toc-women-of-the-year-awards-2024.

The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, 6 March 2025 as part of NSW Women’s Week 2025, which will run from Sunday, 2 March to Saturday, 8 March. 

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, “New South Wales has some of the state’s most exemplary women and girls, dedicating their hard work, skills and passion to advancing our community, industry and society. 

“I am thrilled to launch nominations for 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards today. This successful program is one of the most prestigious awards to recognise women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion should be commended. It recognises and honours them with the appreciation they genuinely deserve.

“I encourage everyone to nominate a woman or girl in your life who is excelling in their fields and achieving incredible goals.”

Nominate now at https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.

Nominations close Sunday, 15 September, 2024 at 11:59pm.