Port Stephens health leader Nicole Turner named NSW Women of the Year Awards finalist

newy.com.au – Port Stephens health leader Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner has been named a finalist in the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year category for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Turner is one of 31 women and girls recognised across five award categories as the NSW Government’s annual program enters its 14th year, with winners to be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday 5 March.

The Port Stephens resident, a proud Kamilaroi woman, is the chief executive officer of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) and was shortlisted in the category recognising role models who promote economic, cultural and social opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW.

The government said Turner has helped deliver community-led programs including the Many Rivers Diabetes Prevention Program and the Go4Fun healthy lifestyle initiative.

Her work has included collaboration with Aboriginal Medical Services, families, universities and governments to support culturally strong outcomes, including advocacy for critical support during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

Turner is a long-standing chair of Indigenous Allied Health Australia and has been recognised for commitments to Aboriginal training, employment and mentoring, with the government describing her as a cultural leader and advocate who puts people, family and Country first.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said Turner’s nomination was “incredibly well deserved”, adding: “Port Stephens is very proud of Nicole and the difference she’s made to countless people’s lives through her decades of dedication to Aboriginal health and wellbeing across the state.”

Premier Chris Minns said every finalist represented “the strength and diversity that defines New South Wales”, and said: “These women are changing the lives of those around them – not for recognition, but because they believe in lifting up their communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the 2026 finalists reflected work across health, community services, business, culture, education and advocacy, adding the program had received an “incredible number of nominations” this year.

The awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre will be the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026, running from Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March, International Women’s Day.