Port Stephens Aboriginal health chief Nicole Turner named NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Aboriginal health leader Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner has been named the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year at the NSW Women of the Year Awards in Sydney.

Turner, a proud Kamilaroi woman with more than 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal health, is chief executive of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council and works with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across NSW.

“I feel deeply honoured to be the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. I see this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a tribute to the Elders, mentors and communities who paved the way for myself and for Aboriginal leadership,” Turner said.

“For women and girls, particularly Aboriginal women and girls, seeing diverse role models celebrated helps build confidence and a sense of possibility.”

The awards were presented at a ceremony at the International Convention Centre on Thursday morning, recognising “extraordinary women” for leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the recipients “represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose”.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the recipients and finalists came from “diverse backgrounds and communities”, sharing “a common commitment to lifting others up and creating a fairer future”.

Also recognised was Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM, of Lane Cove, named NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence for her work as a cancer clinician, researcher and advocate, including in her role as NSW Chief Cancer Officer.

The NSW Community Hero award went to the founders of Gidget Foundation Australia, with Jacqueline Cotton saying, “We started the foundation to make a change after losing my sister, so every parent could find access to the right support and care they needed.”

Upper Lachlan Shire’s Jo Marshall was named NSW Regional Woman of the Year for her work through the Australian Agricultural Centre, including its Women in AG program, while Randwick’s Milli Weaver was named NSW Young Woman of the Year as founder and chief executive of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation.

Ten girls aged seven to 15 were also recognised in the Ones to Watch category, and local MPs named Local Women of the Year across the state as part of NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 8 March, culminating in International Women’s Day.