Category: NSW News

Two incredible women leaders in the construction industry have each been awarded a National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarship to further their careers.

This NSW Women’s Week, the Minns Labor Government is boosting women’s advancement, with the sponsorship of two National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded at NAWIC NSW International Women’s Day lunch on Friday 6 March to:

• Isabel Duffy, Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop who received the inaugural $15,000 Emerging Women’s Leader Scholarship.
• Nishmin Hallam, Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW) Engineers who received the $30,000 Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship

Created to recognise women who have made a significant impact on the construction industry and demonstrate potential as future leaders, the scholarships were funded by the NSW Government’s $20.2 million Women in Construction program.

These game-changing scholarships have the potential to change the career trajectory of the recipient and reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to attracting and retaining women in building industry.

The program provides funding for executive-level further education to equip senior women in the construction sector with the leadership skills to drive industry change.

Isabel is already an outstanding leader in Northrop, growing the organisation’s largest business units, as well as leading the charge for 30 per cent representation of women across all management levels by 2030. She also co-founded Tomorrow’s Women in Construction to build a sustainable pipeline of women entering the industry. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Graduate Certificate of Social Impact and the Accelerated Leadership Program at UNSW’s Australian Graduate School of Management.

Nishmin has had a 20-year career with TTW and is the firm’s first and only female director in a technical role. She’s committed to mentoring talent, particularly women, advocacy and advancing gender diversity within the profession. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Advanced Management Program at Melbourne Business School to elevate her leadership capability and strategic influence.

Previous Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship recipients include 2025 winner Nicole Waterman, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke, 2024 winner Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment at UTS, and 2023 winner Talia Keyes, General Manager for Design with Scentre Group.

To find out more about the Women in Construction program visit:  Women in Construction | NSW Government and NAWIC NSW Scholarships.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is proud to sponsor the NAWIC scholarships as part of our ongoing work to empower and create opportunities for women in the building and construction industry.

“Through our Women in Construction program, we are working towards creating a more diverse and robust sector. Part of that is attracting and retaining women in the industry, as well as making sure they have pathways to leadership, which is what these scholarships are all about.

“Congratulations to Nishmin and Isabel. You’re both an inspiration to up-and-coming women in the industry – and I look forward to seeing where these scholarships can take you in your career.”

Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive, Tom Gellibrand said:

“Congratulations to Nishmin Hallam, recipient of the 2026 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and Isabel Duffy, recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Both accomplished women exemplify the leadership, capability and commitment these scholarships are designed to support, at different but equally important stages of their careers.

“Nishmin’s progression from cadet to Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting, alongside her long‑standing commitment to mentoring and industry leadership, and Isabel’s work as a Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop and co‑founder of Tomorrow’s Women in Construction, demonstrate the impact women are having across the sector.

Through the NSW Women in Construction program, we are proud to partner with NAWIC to support initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways and build a more diverse, inclusive and future ready construction industry.”

NAWIC NSW Co-President, Taleah Stofka said:

“NAWIC NSW is committed to collaboratively driving gender equity through culture change and we are proud to offer two scholarships this year to support women in leadership roles to strengthen their capability, influence, and industry impact.

“The Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and the inaugural Emerging Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship enable further study for two amazing leaders who are already making a significant difference in the construction sector with strong ongoing support from their employers.

“Congratulations to our 2026 recipients Nishmin Hallam and Isabel Duffy, we look forward to seeing your careers develop further through your studies funded with these scholarships. Having women represented at decision-making levels helps to create inclusive, productive, and high-performing workplaces and we thank the NSW Government for their support.”

The first steps to prepare the site for the $630 million Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment have commenced, bringing the much-anticipated hospital upgrade another step closer.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $550 million to deliver the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with a further $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government to expand the hospital’s Emergency Department.

This first stage of works includes the expansion of existing car parking areas, which is due to be completed in mid-2026. Mettle Constructions has been appointed to deliver the first stage of early works, following a competitive tender process.

Plans for a new 460-space multi-storey car park were also released this week. The multi storey car park along with an expansion of existing spaces will increase campus car parking capacity by approximately 500 spaces on completion of the redevelopment.

The Fairfield community and hospital staff are encouraged to attend a series of drop-in information sessions to learn more about the planning application for the multi-storey car park:

• Tuesday, 10 March 10:00am to midday, Fairfield Hospital foyer
• Saturday, 14 March 11:00am to 2:00pm, Fairfield City Central shopping centre, 1/29 Court Road, Fairfield

The Review of Environmental Factors and technical documents is currently on exhibition until  11:59pm on Thursday, 2 April 2026 and feedback can be provided online: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-hospital-redevelopment                                             

Delivering both the current parking works and the proposed multi-storey car park upfront will help minimise parking impacts throughout the redevelopment project. Planning and design are continuing to progress for a new clinical services building, which is proposed to include:

• A new and expanded Emergency Department
• Intensive Care Unit
• Medical Imaging
• Operating theatres
• Inpatient wards.

Some existing departments will also be relocated or refurbished as part of the project. The final design for the redevelopment will be confirmed as planning for the project progresses. 

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential health services in western Sydney, with the most recent 2025-26 NSW Budget delivering $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities and services across the region.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Today we are one step closer to delivering the redeveloped Fairfield Hospital, with works now underway to prepare the hospital campus for the biggest upgrade in almost 40 years.

“This is an essential first step in delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital campus that will provide contemporary health facilities to better support our staff, and strengthen health care for Sydney’s south-west, now and into the future.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba

“These early works will ensure our growing community has access to modern, high-quality healthcare close to home.”

“These additional spaces will make a real difference for people visiting the hospital and working on the site every day. It means patients, visitors and staff will continue to have access to parking while the hospital upgrade moves ahead.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:

“There has been significant staff and community input into this much-anticipated project, with more than 900 people engaged throughout the planning and early design process during 2025, helping to shape the project to date.

“I encourage our community to learn more about this next stage of works, including the planned multi-storey car park, by visiting the website or attending one of the information sessions where they can meet the project team and ask questions.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:

“The commencement of early works at Fairfield Hospital is a major step forward for local health care, setting the foundation for a modern contemporary hospital that will better meet the needs of our growing community.”

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Sonia Marshall:

“We’ve reached the exciting first phase of the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment where we see careful clinical planning and building designs start to transform into reality.

“The start of early works construction means we are a step closer to realising our detailed designs for a new clinical services building and upgraded health facilities and services. This plan is the result of commitment from staff, patients and the public to ensure the redevelopment reflects the health related needs of the growing Fairfield community in coming years and beyond.”

Construction has begun on a new housing development in Woy Woy that will deliver 21 much-needed social and affordable homes for the Central Coast.

It’s all part of the Minns Labor Government’s record-breaking $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver 8,400 new social homes and upgrades to 30,000 existing ones.  

The project will revitalise vacant and underused land to deliver high-quality a high-quality, modern mix of 12 social and nine affordable units and villas, featuring communal areas and shared gardens for approximately 21 residents.  

The NSW Government has invested $4.8 million into the project, partnering with Housing Australia and Pacific Link Housing, as part of a coordinated effort with the Commonwealth to increase housing supply.

Designed to meet the needs of its future community, the new homes will be just two kilometres from the CBD and within walking distance of parks, schools, childcare, and public transport, providing convenient access to everyday essentials and services.  

Construction is expected to be complete by August-2027.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 82 public homes on the Central Coast since April 2023, with a further 19 set for completion in the next six months.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:  

“Addressing the housing crisis requires all levels of government to work together, and this Woy Woy project shows exactly what can be achieved when we partner to deliver more homes where they are needed most.

“These 21 new social and affordable homes will provide safe, modern and secure housing for Central Coast residents while ensuring the area remains a vibrant and inclusive community where locals, key workers and seniors can find a home that suits their needs.

“We cannot solve homelessness without more homes and that’s why we are on a mission to transform underutilised land into places people in need can call home and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Woy Woy.”

Minister for Central Coast David Harris said:

“This another win for Woy Woy, transforming under-utilised land into high-quality, modern homes for our growing community.

“I know the Central Coast needs more social homes for people in our community doing it tough and our government is delivering. These new homes are just the latest example of how we are investing in putting a roof over the heads of people who really need it, but they won’t be the last.”

Member Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Under the former Liberal National Government, social housing was neglected and sold off. I am proud the NSW Labor Government is investing a record-breaking amount in social and affordable housing here on the Central Coast.

“This boost to the social and affordable housing stock is a welcome addition, with well-built, well-located social and affordable homes being delivered in the heart of Woy Woy.”

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said:

“Delivering more homes for Australians requires strong and sustained collaboration across government, community housing and the private sector. This project at Woy Woy demonstrates the impact that coordinated investment can have in accelerating new supply where it’s needed most.” 

A major safety transformation on one of the most important highways in regional NSW is now complete, thanks to a $15.7 million upgrade funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

Motorists are set to benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through Sidling Hill on the New England Highway at Kentucky, after a critical 4km stretch of the highway was upgraded south of Uralla.

The project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments under the Road Safety Program.

The works mark the completion of the second stage of the Sidling Hill upgrades, building on earlier improvements delivered to the north and south and creating a consistent, higher safety standard through this challenging section of highway.

The first stage of works strengthened the corridor with improved road alignment, upgraded barriers and enhanced line marking to reduce the risk of serious crashes through the steep and winding terrain. Stage 2 has delivered:

• Wider road shoulders to improve recovery space
• New rumble strips to prevent run-off-road crashes
• Extended southbound overtaking lanes to reduce driver frustration and unsafe manoeuvres
• Additional safety barriers to better protect motorists.

Around 4,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway every day, including approximately 650 heavy vehicles, making this a vital freight and commuter link connecting communities across regional NSW.

Transport crews will carry out minor finishing work including line marking in coming weeks, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“Investing in safer roads in regional Australia means fewer serious crashes and more Australians getting home safely to their loved ones.

“This is one of the largest and most complex safety upgrades delivered in this part of the state, and it will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists and hundreds of heavy vehicles that use this route every day.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Minns Labor Government to deliver major safety upgrades on key regional highways like the New England Highway.”

Federal Senator for NSW, Tim Ayres:

“This upgrade is about delivering the critical infrastructure regional communities rely on every day for easier journeys, safer roads and more reliable freight routes.

“This is one of the most important highways in regional NSW – and the Albanese Labor Government’s investment delivers important safety upgrades for the 4,000 motorists who use this stretch of the New England Highway every day.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are delivering real safety upgrades on regional highways because people in the bush deserve the same high safety standards as motorists anywhere else in NSW.

“Sidling Hill is a challenging section of road. By widening shoulders, extending overtaking lanes and installing additional safety barriers, we’re reducing the risk of serious crashes and helping more people get home safely.

“This project is part of a broader program of improvements along the New England Highway – strengthening this critical corridor for local families, freight operators and visitors alike.”

NSW Duty MLC for the Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:  

“As the Duty MLC for this region, I know how important the New England Highway is for local communities, freight operators and the many people who travel through the Northern Tablelands every day.

“These upgrades at Sidling Hill will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who rely on this road, delivering a safer and more reliable journey through what has long been a challenging section of highway.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in safer regional roads so communities like Kentucky, Uralla and the wider New England area stay well connected and people can travel with greater confidence.”

The Minns Labor Government has sought a technical review of feral pig and deer management to build on the historic levels of success that have seen almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across NSW in the past three years.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty has announced following the Government’s record $40 million investment in the program, the appointment of a feral pig coordinator and implementation of the Biosecurity Action Plan, the Government is doing even more to support farmers across NSW.

The success of the program, which has seen some 240,000 feral pigs controlled over the past three years, has been built on increased aerial culling, a huge free bait program, and the promotion of landholders working together to address the common problem.

Responding to feral pigs and pests is a key part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity program designed to protect the State’s $25 billion primary industries sectors.

The Government will continue to work with landholders who have responsibility to manage feral pests on their properties.

To ensure the Government can continue to build on the success of its pest control program, Minister Moriarty has tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Minister Moriarty will be requesting the Independent Commissioner to consider and recommend actions that will:

• Examine the best available tools and techniques for controlling feral pigs and deer at a regional scale, including new and emerging technologies.
• Work through the challenges of delivering feral pest programs across different landscapes and land tenures
• Increase landholder participation in regional programs, to ensure landholders deliver on their biosecurity duty and improve the success of on-ground management efforts including trapping and baiting.

Preliminary advice will be delivered to the NSW Government in June 2026 and a final report will be delivered in October 2026.

The review comes in the wake of another highly successful aerial shooting operation which removed 2,276 feral pigs over five days in the Mungery and Dandaloo area, near the Bogan River, an hour west of Dubbo.

The Government’s Local Land Services carried out the shoot across more than 149,000 hectares of land, including private farmland and publicly managed travelling stock reserves and State Forest.

Since 2023, coordinated aerial shooting, trapping and baiting programs in this area has seen more than two tonnes of baited grain provided to landholders and undertaken three aerial shooting programs.

Over the next two months, Local Land Services is planning to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

Aerial shooting is a key component of coordinated control programs, that follows months of work being undertaken with primary control measures such as baiting and trapping.

These primary control methods are currently the most effective at reducing large feral pig numbers, with aerial shooting used in combination to address any remaining pigs.

Local Land Services helps facilitate broadscale, cross-tenure pest animal control programs across NSW in line with Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans, working closely with landholders to coordinate control efforts.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The NSW Government’s feral pig and pest program is culling more pigs than ever before but there is still more work to be done.

“The recent arial shoot west of Dubbo demonstrates that feral pigs will continue to be a problem particularly when conditions are favorable and numbers are increasing.

“We are supporting landowners to carry out coordinated ground control before and after the aerial shoot, to deliver best practice pest animal management.

“Dr Katherine Clift’s review into our feral pig program is an important next step in making sure we are getting the most out of the program.

“The findings will help refine how public and private land managers work together, ensuring control programs are consistent, practical and responsive to local needs.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering $36 million in road safety improvements on the Snowy Mountains Highway, with the next stage of works commencing this week.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments under the Road Safety Program, the suite of safety upgrades stretches for almost the full 330-kilometre length of the Snowy Mountains Highway.

The latest work includes the installation of new safety barriers, a widened centreline and audio tactile line marking, also known as rumble strips, on various sections of the highway between Adaminaby and the intersection with the Princes Highway near Bega.

Work will be carried out on weekdays, between 6am and 6pm, for up to three months, weather permitting.

Upgrades currently underway at the intersection with Black Creek Road near Adelong, as well as safety barrier installation between Yarrongobilly and the Hume Highway, are progressing well, with work expected to be completed by May 2026.

Transport for NSW is also preparing to install 150 kilometres of rumble strips at various sections on the highway and this work will be carried out in stages until the end of the project.  

Single lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.  

Some night work may be required during the delivery of this work. The community will be notified in advance.  

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, allow five minutes of additional travel time and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.  

The delivery of the entire $36 million in road safety upgrades is expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain MP:

“The Snowy Mountains Highway is an important freight and tourism link, connecting regional NSW with the South Coast, and the local timber industry with the Hume Highway and ports of Sydney and Melbourne.  

“This $36 million investment shows our commitment reducing road trauma because we want everyone to reach their destination safely and without incident.

“I know these improvements will be welcomed by everyone in the community.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“Safety is our number one priority.  

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to roll out practical, lifesaving upgrades right along the Snowy Mountains Highway.

“Since announcing this package in April last year, we have already delivered 40 kilometres of new safety barrier and 144 kilometres of widened centreline marking, with more on the way.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan MP:

“As an arterial route for freight, tourism, and health, locals know how important the Snowy Mountains Highway is, and these upgrades will make a real difference to safety for everyone who relies on it

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in practical improvements and tangible support for our regional communities, and I welcome this announcement.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another major school upgrade for regional NSW, with work underway to relocate Lennox Head Public School to a new, expanded site.

The project will triple the number of permanent classrooms, increasing the count from eight to 24 permanent classrooms. The new, modern campus will also feature a new library, canteen, school hall, and a games court with a covered outdoor learning area.

Construction at the new site – located at the corner of Montwood and Snapper Drive – is expected to be complete in 2027. Once finished, the school will have capacity for more than 550 students, future-proofing the area for one of the state’s fastest growing communities.

For more than a decade, the previous Coalition Government neglected public schools in regional NSW. Despite record  enrolment growth, a lack of investment forced students into demountables and eroded valuable playspace.

The Liberals and Nationals promised to relocate and upgrade Lennox Head Public School but failed to deliver.

In a major win for local families, the  the new site will host a co-located public preschool capable of accommodating up to 120 children per week. This is a central pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the largest expansion of early learning in the state’s history.

The Lennox Head redevelopment is part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure by the Minns Labor Government, including $2.1 billion for regional NSW.

This is the largest investment in school infrastructure in the state’s history, representing $400 million more than the funding levels under the previous government, and ensuring children have access to world-class education where they live.

This investment is backed by a rebuilt teaching workforce, with vacancies dropping to a 12-year low following Labor’s historic wage rise and additional policies to reduce teacher workload.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional school communities have access to high-quality classrooms and facilities.

“Relocating Lennox Head Public School and tripling its capacity represents a major investment in the North Coast’s future.

“This is a long-awaited milestone for local families, ensuring students from preschool to Year 6 have access to the very best learning environment close to home.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome the start of construction on the new Lennox Head Public School and public preschool.”

“We aren’t just building classrooms; we are building the infrastructure a growing North Coast community actually needs. This project ensures our kids aren’t left behind in demountables, but instead have world-class facilities to learn and grow in.

“This is what happens when you have a government that prioritises regional education and follows through on its commitments to the people of Lennox Head.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP said:

“The school will provide a modern environment for our children to learn in for many years to come.

“I want to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we bring this important project to life.”

Lennox Head Public School Principal Deborah Langfield said:

“We’re incredibly excited to see construction begin on our new school. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, staff, and community.

“We are grateful for the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved and can’t wait to watch our new school take shape.”

Four exceptional women and an organisation founded by women have been named as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026.

The awards recognise extraordinary women for their leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across New South Wales.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 recipients are:

• Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM (Lane Cove LGA) – NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

Tracey is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer. Now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Tracey works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all.

• Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner (Port Stephens LGA) – NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

Nicole is a proud Kamilaroi woman with over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal health. She is CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across New South Wales.

• The Founders of Gidget Foundation Australia (Metro Sydney regions) – NSW Community Hero

For 24 years, these seven incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in New South Wales. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety with accessible, timely and specialist care. The foundation has established 39 Gidget Houses and delivered a total of 108,704 appointments to support 12,705 families.

• Jo Marshall (Upper Lachlan Shire LGA) – NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Jo is a visionary leader and advocate for rural communities. As the driving force behind the Australian Agricultural Centre, including their Women in AG program, Jo inspires and equips the next generation of agricultural leaders through immersive education, hands-on training and innovative programs.

• Milli Weaver (Randwick LGA) – NSW Young Woman of the Year

Milli is the founder and Chief Executive of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation, a volunteer-run charity she established at the age of 24 in 2023 to address the gap in peer-led support and advocacy for young people with endometriosis.

The Awards also showcased 10 inspirational girls aged 7 to 15 who were awarded in the Ones to Watch category for their acts of courage, strength and kindness to help and support those around them.

The Ones to Watch recipients (7–15 years) for 2026 are:

• Imali Bamji (Hunters Hill LGA)
• Piper Clarke (Shoalhaven LGA)
• Hafsa Faizan (Liverpool LGA)
• Emma Hoskins (Blacktown LGA)
• Amalia Carolyn Howard (Dubbo LGA)
• Elly Ings (Northern Beaches LGA)
• Hannah Orr (Goulburn Mulwaree LGA)
• Ruvi Pooliyadde (Blacktown LGA)
• Shanvi Govinda Raju (Penrith LGA)
• Ivy Walker (Hornsby LGA)

At the same time, Local Members of Parliament were able to recognise their Local Woman of the Year for their contribution to their local community. The Local Women of the Year 2026 honour roll is available at Local Women of the Year Award 2026 | NSW Government

The Women of the Year Awards ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning. It is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026 which runs from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

Since 2012, the NSW Women of the Year Awards have celebrated women and girls whose determination, leadership and advocacy are shaping a stronger, more inclusive New South Wales.

More information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program, including the full recipient and finalist biographies, is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.

Deputy Premier New South Wales Prue Car said:

“These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose.

“Each of these remarkable women represent the very best of our state, and I commend them for their extraordinary contributions.

“To every award winner recognised today, thank you for the powerful impact you have made in your fields and communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Each year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards shines the light on women and girls who are driving meaningful change across our state.

“This year’s recipients and finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities, but they share a common commitment to lifting others up and creating a fairer future. Their stories remind us of the power of leadership grounded in service and empathy.

“Congratulations to the NSW Women of the Year, the Ones to Watch and our Local Women of the Year. Thank you for your contributions to our communities, and being the leaders that others can aspire to.”

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence 2026 recipient, Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM said:

“I’m humbled and deeply grateful to be recognised alongside women making a difference across NSW. After more than 25 years in the public health system in frontline cancer care, I have seen tremendous progress, but the impact of cancer on individuals, families, communities and our economy remains profound and is increasing. Healthcare is always a team effort and I am grateful to the clinical teams, researchers and communities that I have had the privilege to serve with.

“When we celebrate women who challenge inequality and create impact, we expand the horizon for the next generation and signal leadership comes in many forms, across every community in NSW.”

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner said:

“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.”

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

NSW Community Hero 2026 recipient, Jacqueline Cotton on behalf of the founders, Gidget Foundation Australia said:

“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.  Never in a million years did I expect this to be recognised in such a way for doing what we do.”

“As a founding committee, we have been fortunate to receive unwavering support over the years – from talented health professionals to event attendees, corporate and government partners, and the broader community. Their commitment has helped transform our early dreams into a powerful reality.”

NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Jo Marshall said:

“I feel proud – not just personally, but on behalf of the regional communities, women and young people I work alongside every day. It’s a reminder that the work we do in regional Australia matters, that investing in education, skills and community resilience has real impact, and that regional voices are being seen and heard.”

“I also feel grateful. This recognition reflects the collective effort of so many people who believe in the future of agriculture, in opportunity for regional youth, and in supporting women to lead, innovate and create change where they live.”

NSW Young Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Milli Weaver said:

“Being named Young Woman of the Year feels incredibly humbling.  I started the Australian Endometriosis Foundation (then, an Instagram page called Endo Articles) from a hospital bed at the age of 21.  I never imagined that sharing my story would grow into a national community supporting thousands of young Australians.”

“I hope this platform helps continue the conversation around menstrual health, chronic illness and fertility so that the next generation doesn’t have to fight so hard to be heard.”

The first flood buyback auction of the year saw a packed house in Lismore overnight, as 60 attendees watched 10 homes go under the hammer for prices ranging from $5000 to $42,000.

Since December 2024, 140 buyback properties have been offered for sale across the Northern Rivers, sparking interest from across the country.

Last night’s event at the Lismore Workers Sports Cub, conducted by Wal Murray Lismore, attracted 34 registered bidders – including four joining by phone – resulting in 100% clearance rate and a total value of $266,100.

Auction highlights:

• 141 Dawson Street, Lismore: $27,000
• 157 Dawson Street, Lismore: $29,500
• 35 Ewing Street, Lismore: $42,000
• 25 Junction Street, East Lismore: $32,000
• 25 Charles Street, South Lismore: $40,000
• 3 Webster Street, South Lismore: $17,000
• 4 Crown Lane, South Lismore: $5000
• 38 Ostrom Street, South Lismore: $23,000
• 15 Second Avenue, East Lismore: $18,500
• 9 Barnes Avenue, South Lismore: $32,100.

The auction drew a diverse crowd of builders and young families, along with a new wave of buyers seeking to transplant these homes into ‘nature-filled’ rural setting.

With previous sales ranging from a nominal $1 to $200,000 the program has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing opportunities, drawing a national spotlight to the region’s recovery efforts.

All homes under auction have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

To participate, buyers must prove they have secured flood-free land for relocation before the end of 2026.

All NSW proceeds from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

First National Real Estate will conduct the next flood auction at the Murwillumbah Services Club on March 17.

For more details on the upcoming auction visit:  https://www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“It brings me great joy to see these homes from our community repurposed for young families and first-home buyers, giving them the keys to a safer future on higher ground.

“These homes are part of mine and the wider community’s shared history, and this program has always been about people. Those who received a buyback, those giving those homes a second life.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“This year is about delivery: rebuilding, relocating and renewing communities so the Northern Rivers is safer, stronger and more resilient for the future.

“Around a thousand homes will be bought back by the end of 2026, and we’re making a final push for 600 more households to strengthen their homes through Resilient Measures grants by mid-2027. 

“As a result of these goals, we’re calling on builders and construction experts to join one of the biggest home resilience and relocation efforts ever undertaken in Australia on the back of these successful auctions.”