Thirty of the State’s most inspirational and influential women have been named as finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards after a year like no other.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the tenth anniversary of the awards had seen an increase in nominations, reflecting so many outstanding contributions.
“These finalists are an inspiration to others, each one is leading the charge and showing others what it takes to make a difference and help build a safer and stronger NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Women were among the hardest hit by fire, flood, drought and COVID-19, yet so many stepped up and gave their all to benefit their communities.”
Last year’s Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Krystaal Hinds was recognised for more than 20 years of service to the Gunning Fish River Rural Fire Brigade.
“These awards offer amazing opportunities for inspiring women to connect and gain a sense of belonging,” Ms Hinds said.
“It encourages you to keep aiming for bigger and better things.
“I want to see women set goals, tread boldly, be kind and celebrate the wins – but don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
There are seven award categories in the 2021 program, including the new ‘NSW Woman of Excellence’ which highlights women who affected lasting change in her field.
Winners will be announced on 10 March during NSW Women’s Week, at an awards ceremony at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.
Women of The Year Award 2021 Finalists Full list:
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Dr Cynthia Briggs, Walgett consultant and trainer·
- Helen Duroux, Tenterfield Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Dixie Link-Gordon, Women’s Legal Service NSW
- Kristy Masella, Aboriginal Employment Strategy
- June Riemer, First Peoples Disability Network
- Dr Lynette Riley, Sydney School of Education and Social Work
- Dawn Smith, Bourke Aboriginal Legal Service
Aware Super NSW Community Hero Finalists:
- Donna Ciccia, Endometriosis Australia
- Chris Cleary, StreetMed Incorporated and StreetPet
- Johanna Leader, LeaderLife Dubbo
- Theresa Mitchell, Agape Outreach Incorporated
- Sharon Robertson, Dilly Drought Drive
- Jean Vickery, Lions Club of Woolgoolga
NSW Regional Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Grace Brennan, #BuyFromtheBush
- Nicole Scholes-Robertson, Rural Kidney Association
- Lucy Taylor and Lucy Samuels, ExtraOrdinary Outback Stories podcast
- Christine Welsh, Sapphire Community Projects
NSW Woman of Excellence Finalists:
- Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer
- Alison Covington, Good 360 Australia
- Erika Gleeson, Autism Swim
- Amala Groom, Artist
- Kim-Louise Liddell, Non-Destructive Excavations Australia Pty Ltd
- Kristy Masella, Aboriginal Employment Strategy
- Amanda Rose, Western Sydney Women
Harvey Norman NSW Young Woman of the Year Finalists:
- Reburdah Dennis, Walgett Shire Council
- Emma Finemore, St Paul’s College Walla Walla Livestock Show Team
- Shelby Lacey, Oak Flats Gymnastics & Acrobatics
- Darian Lenton, We, Future Leaders
- Emily Milton Smith, Girl Guides
- Dr Samantha Wade, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
The One to Watch Award
New category for women aged 7-17. Finalists to be announced soon.
Premier’s Award for NSW Woman of the Year
Selected by the Premier of NSW from the winners of the above categories.
Find out more about the Awards and finalists: women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/women-of-the-year
