State honour for Raymond Terrace health star

ADJUNCT Professor Nicole Turner has been named the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year for 2026.

The Raymond Terrace resident was recognised last Thursday at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

Professor Turner is Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC), the peak body representing more than 50 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across NSW.

She said she was “deeply honoured” to receive the award.

“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,” she said.

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

In total, four exceptional women and an organisation founded by women were named as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards for 2026.

The awards recognise extraordinary women for their leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across the state.

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.

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.

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.”