Nominations are now open for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards, offering a chance to shine a spotlight on the women and girls making a difference in communities across New South Wales.

Regional areas, including Western NSW, were proudly represented in 2024's honours, and this year’s call for nominations invites even more recognition of local champions.

Tsukasa Hiraoka, who resided in Bourke at the time was a regional finalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year category at the 2024 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

She represented the Barwon electorate and was selected as a state finalist in that regional category, meaning she was one of several finalists from across NSW representing different electorates for the

Regional Woman of the Year title.

Ms Hiraoka, a community leader, founded Wilba the Empowerbus.

Her work brought accessible transport to one of the state’s most remote towns and created employment for local Aboriginal women.

“I believe everyone deserves to feel they belong,” Ms Hiraoka said.

“Whether it’s transport, friendship, or simply knowing your neighbour’s name, these are the things that build stronger communities.”

Originally from Japan and having worked across both Bourke and Dubbo, Ms Hiraoka’s demonstrated tireless efforts to connect people not just through transport, but through compassion and inclusion.

Her Dubbo-based initiative, See You In Dubbo, welcomed newcomers to the town through social events, helping to combat isolation and build friendships across cultures.

Tsukasa Hiraoka from Bourke was recognised for her commitment to the community in the 2024 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Also recognised in 2024 was Izabelle Kelly, then a nine-year-old student from Dubbo, named in the “Ones to Watch” category.

Known affectionately as “Izzy,” her story is one of kindness in action.

From sewing over 150 joey pouches for wildlife affected by the Black Summer bushfires to making more than 250 handmade cards for elderly residents during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Izzy is a young

person her community can be proud of.

“Even if you’re young, you can still make a difference,” Izabelle said.

“I dedicate my time to volunteering because I strongly believe in helping those who are less fortunate than me.

"Seeing the positive impact I can make in someone else’s life, fills me with joy.”

In 2022, Izabelle organised a donation campaign through her school, assembling 74 pencil cases filled with stationery and encouraging notes for flood-affected children in Lismore.

Her generosity earned her recognition not only through the NSW Government program, but also locally through the Dubbo Day Awards.

Young Izzy Kelly, at only nine years old, commits much of her time to helping those in need - even kangaroos!

Last year's winner of the NSW Women of the Year was Kirsty Evans.

When severe flooding hit Molong in 2022, Ms Evans took action.

A dedicated legal professional, she volunteered over 250 hours of pro bono legal support to help 12 local business owners navigate denied insurance claims, services valued at more than $100,000.

She is a perfect example of the award where categories honour women and girls whose stories reflect the strength, spirit, and service that build better communities — from the bush to the suburbs,

classrooms to councils.

Why not nominate someone you know?

Award categories

The 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards include:

• • 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

• • The One to Watch (for girls aged 7–15)

Nominations close 11:59pm, Tuesday 9 September, 2025.

To nominate or find more information, visit the website.