Local CEO named a finalist in Women Of The Year Awards

RAYMOND Terrace resident Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner, has been named a finalist in the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

It recognises her decades-long commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

A proud Kamilaroi woman who lives on Worimi land, the 55-year-old leader said the nomination carries deep personal and cultural significance.

“I’m incredibly honoured by the nomination and see this as an opportunity to showcase the amazing work of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector that I’ve been privileged to work alongside,” Professor Turner said.

“This nomination is not something I would have received without the legacy of those who came before me and our Elders who carried our culture and knowledge across generations.

“They fought for Aboriginal leadership to be at the forefront of decision making.

“It reminds me of that legacy and the responsibility to continue this work for future generations.”

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.

Throughout her career, she has worked closely with Aboriginal Medical Services, families, universities and governments, to ensure programs are designed and delivered in genuine partnership with the community.

Her leadership has helped shape initiatives including the Many Rivers Diabetes Prevention Program and the Go4Fun healthy lifestyle program, aimed at improving long-term health outcomes through prevention and education.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, she also advocated strongly to ensure Aboriginal communities received timely, culturally appropriate support.

“Being CEO of the AH&MRC is a privilege and a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” she said.

“Our work is about improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities by advocating for health system reform so it better serves our people.

“Our members do remarkable work across metro, regional, rural and remote communities to ensure our people have real control over their health and wellbeing.

“My role is fundamentally about amplifying Aboriginal voices and leadership, just as my mentors and Elders have done for me. As CEO, it’s important to use the platform I’ve been given to create opportunities for our young people and ensure the next generation of Aboriginal leaders have the space and confidence to lead.”

Professor Turner began her career as an Aboriginal Health Worker and Enrolled Nurse, later becoming a qualified nutritionist.

“Working in both mainstream and community-controlled settings, I saw the difference culturally safe and community-led care can make,” she said.

“As a mother and grandmother, I want my children and grandbabies to feel empowered in their choices.

“The work I do is driven by that same desire — to create opportunities and build confidence.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington congratulated Professor Turner on the achievement.

“Nicole Turner’s recognition as a finalist for NSW Woman of the Year is incredibly well deserved,” Ms Washington said.

“Port Stephens is very proud of Nicole and the difference she’s made to countless people’s lives through her decades of dedication to Aboriginal health and wellbeing across the state.”

The NSW Women of the Year Awards will be announced on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre in Sydney as part of NSW Women’s Week 2026.

The ceremony will be livestreamed.

By Jacie WHITFIELD