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Each March, the Minns Labor Government recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions women make to our community with the NSW Women of the Year Awards, inspiring and empowering future generations to achieve great things.

The Awards are also a culmination of NSW Women’s Week – when we encourage women to take part in a week of exciting activities and events across the state that aim to uplift, as well as advance gender equality.

Nominations open

Nominations for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open.

The awards program, now in its 14th year, aims to recognise and celebrate incredible women who improve the lives of people in New South Wales. 

The Awards are seeking nomination of women and girls excelling in the following categories:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Young Woman of the Year (aged 16-30)
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Young girls aged 7-15 who show acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help support those around them can also be nominated in the Ones-to-Watch award category by parents, carers and teachers. 

The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.

To nominate an exceptional woman in your life or community, visit the NSW Women of the Year Awards web page. Nominations close Tuesday 9 September.

Apply for Women’s Week Grants now

Grant applications of up to $50,000 for organisations to host NSW Women’s Week events in March 2026 are now open.

NSW Women’s Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions women make to our community.

Events must be held within NSW Women’s Week, which begins Monday 2 March and ends on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March. They must also align with the objectives of the NSW Women’s Strategy (2023-2026), including:

• increasing opportunities and providing career pathways for women in the workplace
• improving women’s health and wellbeing, and safety in the community
• challenging gendered expectations and supporting women’s participation in society.

Organisations interested in hosting events that encourage women and girls to participate, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Successful EOIs will be invited to complete a full grant application.

To view the guidelines and submit an EOI, please visit the 2026 NSW Women’s Week web page. EOI applications for the NSW Women Week grants close on Tuesday 19 August.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We all know extraordinary women and girls in our lives and our communities. They’re from all walks of life, doing their best to make the world a better place. They might be ground-breaking thinkers, social reformers, innovative role models or just everyday heroes. Help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a NSW Women of the Year Award.

“The NSW Government is keen to work with local organisations to develop events and activities for NSW Women’s Week to help celebrate, connect and honour the women and girls in our lives. This annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women across our state is a chance to highlight the incredible creativity and diversity of the fantastic women in New South Wales.

“I encourage organisations to put your heads together and share your ideas with us to help make our 2026 Women’s Week the best yet.”

The Minns Labor Government is leading its Closing the Gap commitments through a $4 million targeted program delivering job and training opportunities for Aboriginal people across the state.

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant is named in honour of the first Aboriginal woman to secure a pilot’s licence and one of the original founders of several critical Aboriginal institutions such as the Aboriginal Medical and Legal services.

Last year, the grant created more than 300 positions, with 219 of these being school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

The grant gives employers the extra support needed to hire new staff, keep them in work, and help them build skills. It also helps cover wages and training costs for Aboriginal employees in government, local councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Funding is available for a range of roles, including school-based traineeships, full-time jobs, and support for people finishing school or taking on adult apprenticeships. There’s also funding to help upskill current Aboriginal staff or support part-time study.

The program is already changing lives. Korey Omeragic, who started a school-based traineeship in animal care, is now working as a Trainee Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

With support from the grant, Korey has gained practical skills and is working toward his goal of a long-term career in wildlife care.

As part of its ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap and strengthening Aboriginal employment outcomes, the Minns Labor Government continues to invest in targeted initiatives such as the Barranggirra Mentoring Program.

This initiative provides culturally appropriate wraparound support to Aboriginal learners in vocational training, and Opportunity Hubs, connecting Aboriginal students with tailored education, training, and employment pathways from school to work.

Applications are now open for the 2025/26 Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant. To find out more or apply by 30 September 2025, visit here.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“We know that when people are supported into work or training early, it sets them up for the future, and this program plays a big part in making that possible.

“We want a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities, and this grant helps deliver that by supporting more Aboriginal people into good, secure employment.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to working to continue to close the gap for Aboriginal people in NSW.

“Programs like this are an opportunity to bolster the employment of Aboriginal people and assist them in building new skills for their future.

“NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity.”

Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant recipient Korey Omeragic said:

“My goal is to keep building a career at Taronga Zoo, both as a zookeeper and by working in community programs.

“I’ve been able to take on more responsibility in the Australian Birds Department and continue learning through my traineeship thanks to the Elsa Dixon Grant.”

More than 28,600 NSW high school students will be taken from the classroom to crash scenes at Australia’s largest road safety event, bstreetsmart.

Now in its 21st year, the event continues to help educate young people about the responsibilities and potential risks of being a passenger and getting behind the wheel through an engaging, eye-opening experience focusing on awareness and choices.

The students aged from 16 to 18 years old, from 221 schools, will observe first-hand the consequences of a road crash, as they participate in the captivating education event at Sydney Olympic Park, from 5 to 7 August.

Founded in 2004, bstreetsmart is the brainchild of Westmead Hospital trauma nurses Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson. Their events have become well-known and respected for its real-life simulated crash scenarios and personal testimonials, which aim to help educate the next generation of drivers in NSW.

In 2024, young adults aged between 17–25 years old represented just 13 percent of all licence holders but accounted for 20 percent of all drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes.

In its inaugural year, bstreetsmart hosted 10 schools and was attended by 464 students.

Approximately 300,000 NSW high school students have attended bstreetsmart during its history, helping educate them to make safer choices on the road.

Transport for NSW has supported the event since 2015 and is contributing $310,000 to this year’s program.

For more information, visit www.bstreetsmart.org

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I am incredibly proud of this program created in Western Sydney that has been educating our young people on road safety for more than two decades.

“bstreetsmart truly is a one-of-a-kind road safety program for our teens and will have a lasting impact in helping to reduce the overrepresentation of young drivers in traumatic road accidents.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:

“Tragically, this year we have seen more than 200 people lose their lives on NSW roads.

“That’s more than 200 individuals taken too soon, countless families destroyed and communities impacted forever. If we want to see a change in these numbers, then it’s driver behaviour that must change.

“This program teaches students early that they have a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and everyone else on the road every time they get behind the wheel.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“bstreetsmart is a great program to remind and encourage young people to make safe decisions on our roads so everyone can return home safely.

“Learning to drive is an exciting time for young people, but driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities and can have devastating consequences.”

the Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“With road crashes being a leading cause of death and serious injury among young people, bstreetsmart aims to educate and empower them to make safer choices.”

Westmead Hospital Trauma Nurse, Julie Seggie:

“As a nurse I am passionate about wanting to keep our youth out of our trauma units and this program empowers students to make safer choices as drivers and passengers.

“bstreetsmart uses interactive experiences, real-life crash survivor stories, and engaging content to deliver a powerful learning experience—building a safer future for everyone.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Our frontline teams, the NSW Ambulance clinicians working on the road and in the air – along with our dedicated control centre staff experience firsthand the devastating impact of motor vehicle crashes far too often.

“NSW Ambulance is proud to support bstreetsmart, an essential program empowering young people to reduce the tragic toll of road trauma in our communities.”

The Sheep and Goat eID Tag Discount Program has been extended to December 31, with an additional $4 million allocated to the program as part of the Minns Government’s plan to support producers in the implementation of mandatory electronic identification tags.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity plans designed to protect and secure the State’s $20 billion primary industry sector from invasive pests and diseases.

The eID program is essential in strengthening the integrity of the state’s livestock traceability system and represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry.

It also helps the NSW Government to respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the NSW agricultural industry.

The use of eID tags became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date. The additional funding ensures producers will now receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) for NLIS accredited white 2025 devices up until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

The program extension comes following a strong uptake of eID tags, with approximately 9.8 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 800,500 eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 so far and approximately 15.5% of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

Since January 1, NSW saleyards have been required to scan electronic identification devices in sheep and goats and producers have to use eID devices for movements of sheep and goats born from this date.

Processors, saleyards, agents and producers have benefited from a diverse range of support activities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development eID implementation team.

Since January 2024, extension staff have attended 895 industry events across 204 locations across the state, launched online and in-person training workshops, and developed stories showcasing the real-world application of eID on NSW farms.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The eID Roll out is an important plank in the Government’s biosecurity plans.

It is about protecting our export markets, about protecting against exotic disease and it is about protecting the livelihood of famers and their families.

“We are really pleased to see such strong uptake and support for the program since January 1 and this additional funding will ensure more producers are supported during the implementation process.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

The states first dedicated NSW Office for Youth will be launched today as part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to build a fairer New South Wales, where young people are directly involved in the government decision-making process.

This comes as the NSW Government’s 2024 Youth Summit Report shows 76% of young people feel unheard in government decision-making.

The agency will be officially launched this evening at an event in NSW Parliament, alongside the young people who helped build it – including advocates, content creators, and MPs.

For more than a decade, young people in New South Wales have lacked a central point of engagement within government. The former Liberal-National government abolished the youth portfolio in 2011, silencing the voice of young people in executive government.

The new NSW Office for Youth will change that.

Young people made their expectations clear through 12 months of consultation and at the 2024 NSW Youth Summit: consultation without follow-through is no longer acceptable. They called for genuine influence in shaping policy. The Minns Labor Government has listened and is taking action.

The Office for Youth will:

• Engage young people on their terms – in urban and regional areas, online, and through community-based initiatives.
• Embed youth perspectives across government policies and programs from the outset, not as an afterthought.
• Cut through red tape and duplication that currently exists

From climate and housing to justice, mental health, and equity, young people in NSW have consistently shown leadership. The NSW Office for Youth will ensure that leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government.

The NSW Government is committed to building a future where young people are not only heard but are active contributors to the decisions that shape their lives.

Also released today key findings of the 2024 Youth Summit Report show:

• 76% of young people say government doesn’t listen.
• Cost of living is the top issue, followed by mental health and vaping.
• 1 in 10 have experienced homelessness.
• 85% voted in 2023 but still feel shut out.

The report can be found here.

Chair of Youth Advisory Council:

“I’m excited to see how the Minster for Youth along with the Advocate, will work together to ensure all that all young people across the state, feel supported, valued and listened to.”

Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson:

“The decisions we make as a government today, will affect generations to come so it is absolutely imperative that they are a part of the conversation. That’s what this is about.

“Young people have been ignored for way too long. Former NSW Liberal/National Government’s have cut the youth portfolio entirely- we’re putting it back, front and centre where it belongs.

“This new Office isn’t just a nameplate on a door- it’s a proper, central place where young people are heard, respected, and actually help steer the ship.

“We’re not here to tick boxes or run another round of pointless consultation. This is about real change. Young people told us what they want and we’re getting on with it.”

Zoë Robinson Advocate for Children and Young People:
“The Office for Youth brings together expertise from across government to continue to engage with and ensure young people’s voices are not just heard but will inform policy and decisions that will impact them today and, in the future.”

Milly Bannister Founder & CEO of ALLKND:

“Young people aren’t just the future, they’re here, now, shaping communities and tackling challenges head‑on. The launch of the Office for Youth is an opportunity to put their voices where they belong – at the heart of decision‑making.

“At ALLKND, we see every day how powerful it is when young people are trusted to co‑design solutions that affect their mental health and wellbeing. This initiative signals a genuine commitment to listening to and learning from the lived experiences of young people across New South Wales, and I’m proud to stand behind it.”

This National Homelessness Week, the Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

This week, a new modular build refuge in Revesby was assembled onsite.

By adopting this innovative construction method, the new refuge is set to be completed before the end of the year and will be one of the first Core and Cluster refuges to use modular construction. This method of building homes is much faster and more cost-efficient than traditional construction projects.

The NSW Government has invested $2.29 million in this Core and Cluster refuge to be delivered by Women’s Community Shelters. It will comprise four self-contained studio units, a refurbished house containing a two-bedroom unit and a central hub where domestic and family violence support services will be delivered.

The four studio units have been built offsite in a controlled environment, and will be progressively assembled onsite to complete the cluster of accommodation.

Modular construction can improve build quality through factory controlled settings and eliminate delays caused by unexpected events such as extreme weather. It also reduces disruption for neighbours and the community.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides victim-survivors with safe and secure accommodation and easy access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support. Once completed, a total of 49 refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 women and children across the state each year.

Additionally, the NSW Government will deliver an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

Providing safe housing for victim-survivors continues to be a critical part of the work the NSW Government is doing to address domestic and family violence in the state. It is also part of a wider effort that includes boosting and supporting our frontline services, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention, and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“It’s so exciting that construction is underway for one of the first modular projects as part of the Core and Cluster program.

“The NSW Government supports innovative solutions to building more homes faster for people who need it the most.

“Because of the efficiency of modular construction, women and children escaping domestic and family violence in Revesby will very soon have a safe place to stay, and get the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government understands the urgent need for emergency housing for women and children fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships across the state.

“We want to get families into safe and secure housing as soon as possible so they can begin healing and recovering from the trauma of violence and abuse.

“I’m excited that, for the first time, a Core and Cluster refuge is going to be built using modular construction, which has proven to be far more efficient than traditional building methods. This will allow Women’s Community Shelters to begin delivering crucial support to women and children much sooner.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP said:

“Having been involved in the early establishment of Biyani House, I’ve seen firsthand how vital this kind of support is. I’m thankful for this Core and Cluster expansion in our local area. It means more women and families in our community will have access to the support and secure accommodation they need to rebuild their lives.

“Too often, women escaping domestic violence are left with nowhere to go, facing the choice between staying in danger or becoming homeless.

“The NSW Government’s increased focus on domestic violence has brought vital attention and resources to this issue. Building on recent Core and Cluster announcements in our community, this innovative modular construction is another significant step forward.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO of Women’s Community Shelters said:

“At Women’s Community Shelters we see an ever-increasing number of women seeking safety every night in Sydney as the impacts of the dual crises of homelessness and domestic violence pushes demand for safe beds way beyond capacity.

“The theme of Homelessness Week 2025 is ‘action now’ and that is exactly what we are witnessing today as modular units are lifted by crane into our existing Biyani House crisis shelter to become urgently needed safe havens for women and children.

“Modular units are time-efficient to build, mobilise and make into homes. We applaud the NSW Government for funding this smart and innovative solution, and thank our dedicated community partners Housing All Australians, Shape Builders, DAS Studio, DT Infrastructure and Revesby Workers Club who have gone above and beyond to make this possible.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

After a decade of neglect, the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are building better communities in Western Sydney with design work set to begin on the now funded $1 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney’s growing south-west.

The Government has awarded a contract for concept design to WSP, a major step forward in this precinct shaping project, which will be an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport precinct.

The Government can also share with the community for the first time the proposed scope of the long-awaited upgrade. Key features of the design will be:

• A four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction
• New active transport connections and pedestrian paths
• New signalised intersections, including one at Second Avenue, with dedicated turning lanes making it safer for locals
• A land reservation for future expansion, including for a dedicated bus transitway to support future rapid bus services from Liverpool to the Bradfield City Centre and new airport

Concept images, a fly-through video and renders can be viewed here.

The land reservation and future rezoning will ensure that new buildings can no longer be built in the future corridor of this arterial route, after the previous Liberal State and Federal Governments failed to protect the corridor needed for this upgrade, nor allocate any funding for its design and delivery.

Transport for NSW will also begin the process of engaging with property owners about land needed for the upgrade and future expansion.

Whilst there is still some way to go on the design, these discussions are starting early to help provide a level of certainty for affected property owners and ensure the project can be delivered as rapidly as possible.

To ensure construction can commence as soon as possible, the Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will be delivered in a number of stages. Stage one will be completed in three sections, the first involving duplication between Second Avenue and Cowpasture Road, ahead of works moving onto the second section between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

The third section of stage one will involve duplication between Fourth Avenue and Devonshire Road, while future stages will include the full connection through to the Bradfield City Centre and Aerotropolis precinct, and delivery of the dedicated bus transitway.

This staged approach will help to ensure the fastest and most cost effective delivery of this long overdue upgrade.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced a $1 billion injection to expedite this project earlier this year. The NSW Government has expedited the design and planning processes so the project can go to construction tender in 2026, ahead of major construction commencing in 2027.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is an important announcement that indicates the path forward for this essential project.

“We know the local community is experiencing congestion and delays along Fifteenth Avenue and the surrounding roads, with typical average speeds in the peak times around 30 kilometres per hour. This is why we are starting works early and phasing our delivery to focus on the worst pinch points first.

“Traffic counts in 2023 show around 22,000 vehicles use this section of road every day. That number is projected to almost double to 42,000 vehicles by 2036 especially as Bradfield and Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport develop.

“I am pleased that a land reservation included for public transport so that as our area grows, the transport facilities are planned for within the corridor. This is good planning unlike the previous government that failed to protect the corridor to enable road widening.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said:

“The Albanese Government recognises the importance of investing in South West Sydney. Projects like Fifteenth Avenue, Westlink M7, and the Western Sydney International Airport, will support growth and jobs in Western Sydney.

“These early works mark the beginning of the upgrade. We expect to see major construction work begin in 2027.

“Over the coming months, consultation with the community will inform planning and design before exhibition in 2026.”

State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“This is welcome news for our community.

“Fifteenth Avenue is a vital corridor for South West Sydney—especially with the new airport and Bradfield City Centre on the way. This announcement gives locals much-needed certainty about what’s next.

“Once complete, the upgrade will ease congestion, improve travel times and reliability for cars, trucks and buses, and make it safer for people walking or using public transport.

“Once complete the upgrade will reduce congestion for cars, trucks and buses, improve journey times and journey time reliability, as well as improving safety for people walking, catching public transport and riding bikes.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver more connected communities, with the opening of the Falcon Street shared user bridge over the Warringah Freeway.

Built as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, the new Falcon Street shared user bridge replaces an older crossing and improves user experience with a wider deck, a shade canopy decorated with Indigenous artwork and improved sight lines.

The 4.8 metre-wide, 187 metre-long bridge gives users more room, reducing conflicts between those on foot and those cycling across the bridge.

The bridge will connect 800 users every single day, crossing over the Warringah Freeway from Falcon Street at North Sydney to Merlin Street at Neutral Bay, providing continuous east-west connectivity across the Warringah Freeway, separated from traffic.

Construction was timed to take advantage of school holidays and to reduce night work closures on the freeway, reducing traffic impacts and night-time noise for the community.

While sections of the old bridge can still be seen, these will be progressively removed over the coming months, which can now be done without impacting users of the new bridge.

For more information about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project, visit the Warringah Freeway Upgrade website.

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads, said:

“This is the latest milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade on which we see real progress happening from week to week.

“The new bridge will be wider and safer for the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians expected to use it each day, with better sight lines and a wider deck. It helps to get Sydneysiders moving and active while giving them a safe passage across the freeway.

“It’s exciting to see elements of this critical infrastructure project open up as we motor towards Sydney’s future, and to see cyclists and pedestrians making use of this wonderful new asset.”

Labor Duty MLC for Willoughby, Courtney Houssos said:

“The new Falcon Street Shared user bridge is a fantastic addition for this community, making it safer and easier for locals to walk or cycle between Cammeray, Neutral Bay and North Sydney.

“Projects like this show how investment in infrastructure can deliver real benefits for people every day, improving safety, connectivity and the overall liveability of the local area.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr. Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in active transport infrastructure like this new shared user bridge.

“By creating safer, more accessible connections for walkers and cyclists, we’re helping people choose healthier, more sustainable ways to get around while easing congestion on our roads.”