On January 25, community members who make a difference and inspire others will be recognized at the annual Australian of the Year Awards.
Prior to the announcement, the Australian of the Year Awards will have selections and nominations at state and territory level.
After four winners are selected from each state and territory, the 32 nominees will continue as nominees for the national award.
Nominees for NSW Australian of the Year 2026
- Professor Nadia Badawi AM – pioneering neonatologist (Warrawee)
- Dr. Jennifer Matthews – marine biologist (Manly Vale)
- Nicholas Stewart – advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights (Waterloo)
- Dr. Alison Thompson OAM – global humanitarian (Sutherland Shire)
Nominees for NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2026
- Professor Henry Brodaty AO – pioneer in the treatment of dementia (Double Bay)
- Bob Holder – professional cowboy (Cootamundra)
- Sue Mann – home care nurse (Wamberal, Central Coast)
- Peter Watson – founder, Men’s Kitchen (Forestville)
2026 Young Australian of the Year for NSW
- Nedd Brockmann – ultramarathon runner for homelessness (Randwick)
- Jack Brown – co-founder, Talk2MeBro (Wollongong)
- Ruby Riethmuller – Girls Wellbeing Champion (Sydney)
- Dr. Rand Younes – dental health advocate (Sydney)
2026 Local Hero for NSW
- Andrew Clark and Lyndell Clark – robotics mentors (Wollongong)
- Kate Cleary – restoring lives (Galong)
- Aneika Kapeen – Indigenous Youth Advocate (Clarence Valley)
- Theresa Mitchell – caregiver for the homeless (Banora Point)
The NSW Prize winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, on Monday and can also be viewed online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
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