February 1-28, 2026: Issue 651

 

NSW Women of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Announced: Wednesday February 4, 2026

The NSW Government is celebrating 31 remarkable women and girls whose leadership, resilience and community spirit have earned them a place as finalists in the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Now in its 14th year, the awards program shines a light on extraordinary individuals across the state who are improving lives, driving innovation, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.

Recipients in each of the five award categories will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. This is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026, held from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

The 2026 Women of the Year Awards finalists are:

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

  • Professor Tracey O’Brien AM – Lane Cove LGA
  • Clare Pearson – The Hills Shire LGA

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

  • Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley – Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA
  • Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner – Port Stephens LGA
  • Sharon Winsor – Mid‑Western Regional LGA

NSW Community Hero

  • Carolyn Campbell-McLean – Parramatta LGA
  • Ruby Riethmuller – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Gidget Foundation Australia Founders Group:
    • Alexandra Berthold – Ku-ring-gai LGA
    • Libby Bowditch – Northern Beaches LGA
    • Jacqui Cotton – Northern Beaches LGA
    • Stephanie Hughes – Waverley LGA
    • Lou Hunter – North Sydney LGA
    • Kim Mouret – Northern Beaches LGA
    • Simone Short – Mosman LGA
    • NSW Regional Woman of the Year
  • Jo Marshall – Upper Lachlan Shire LGA
  • Amy Riddle – Coffs Harbour City LGA
  • Jenny Worrell – Clarence Valley LGA

NSW Young Woman of the Year (16–30 years)

  • Miranda McGufficke – Snowy Monaro Regional LGA
  • Layne Paull – Central Coast LGA
  • Milli Weaver – Randwick City LGA
  • Dr Mithila Zaheen – Cumberland LGA

The Ones to Watch (7–15 years)

  • Imali Bamji – Hunters Hill LGA
  • Piper Clarke – Shoalhaven LGA
  • Hafsa Faizan – Liverpool LGA
  • Emma Hoskins – Blacktown LGA
  • Amalia Carolyn Howard – Dubbo LGA
  • Elly Ings – (Mona Vale) Northern Beaches LGA
  • Hannah Orr – Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
  • Ruvi Pooliyadde – Blacktown LGA
  • Shanvi Govinda Raju – Penrith LGA
  • Ivy Walker – Hornsby LGA

Learn more about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 and finalists by visiting NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 Finalists

Find out what other events are taking place during NSW Women’s Week 2026 at NSW Women's Week 2026 | NSW Government. The NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every finalist represents the strength and diversity that defines New South Wales.

“These women are changing the lives of those around them - not for recognition, but because they believe in lifting up their communities.

“I congratulate all of the finalists and commend them for going above and beyond in their respective fields.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women and girls across New South Wales are making a difference right across our state and these awards recognise their invaluable contributions.

“This year we receive an incredible number of nominations, every one of them showcasing a story of grit, compassion and remarkable achievement.

“Our 2026 finalists come from all corners of New South Wales and their work spans health, community services, business, culture, education and advocacy. Their contribution enriches our communities and sets an example for girls and women everywhere.”

Member for Manly, James Griffin MP said the annual awards play an important role in recognising the heroic women making positive contributions across NSW every day.

“These finalists are inspiring role models who reflect the diversity, talent and dedication of women right across New South Wales. Their work makes a real difference in the lives of others and deserves to be recognised and celebrated.” 

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. 

In the NSW Community Hero category, finalists from the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula include mental health advocate and founder of Womn-Kind, Ruby Riethmuller as well as founding members of Gidget Foundation Australia Kim Mouret, Libby Bowditch and Jacqui Cotton.

In ‘The Ones to Watch’ (7-15 years) category, Elly Ings has been nominated for her commitment to advancing Aboriginal education and strengthening the role of First Nations perspectives in her school community.  

“I’m incredibly proud to see so many residents named among this year’s finalists. Their tireless work and advocacy across a diverse range of incredibly important fields is making a tangible difference to many in our community, and their recognition is richly deserved,” said Mr Griffin. 

Ruby Riethmuller
Girls wellbeing champion
Was a 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year Nominee

Ruby Riethmuller believes that young people who live in regional, rural and remote Australia should have the same opportunity to access mental health support as their city peers. Born and raised on a farm in regional New South Wales, Ruby understands the isolation and lack of services that many young people face – particularly girls aged 16 to 24.  

Putting advocacy into action, in 2020 Ruby founded Womn-Kind. Womn-Kind is a leading youth mental health organisation transforming the way young people access wellbeing education and support. Focused on adolescent girls and gender-diverse youth, Womn-Kind delivers innovative, low-intensity services through school workshops, a pioneering social wellness app (the Womn-Kind App.), podcast and partnerships with schools, community groups and government. With an emphasis on accessibility and prevention, the organisation has already supported more than 30,000 young people, providing daily support to over 7,000 users across Australia and 37 countries. Ruby also serves as Deputy Commissioner (Lived Experience) at the Mental Health Commission of NSW. Ruby embodies resilience, initiative and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Ruby has helped young people talk about their experiences and communities see mental health as a shared responsibility. Beyond mental health, Ruby believes in empowering youth leadership and has put this into action through founding the Womn-Kind National Youth Leadership Panel. 

So far Womn-Kind has supported over 30,000 young people, with more than 7,000 young people engaging with Womn-Kind online every day. 

Elly Ings
Age: 14

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.

The founders of Gidget Foundation Australia: Alexandra Berthold, Libby Bowditch, Jacqui Cotton, Stephanie Hughes, Lou Hunter, Kim Mouret and Simone Short

For 24 years, these incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in NSW. In 2001, Simone's sister and their friend, Louise (nicknamed Gidget), experiencing postnatal depression, lost her battle for mental health wellness. Following this tragedy, they set out to make a difference in Gidget’s honour by increasing awareness of the illness and support for parents. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents 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. The founders are still actively involved, demonstrating dedication that has had a direct impact on perinatal mental health awareness, education and support in NSW.