On 25 January, community members who make a difference and inspire others will be recognised at the annual Australian of the Year Awards.
Ahead of the announcement, the Australian of the Year Awards have state and territory-level selections and nominations.
The process of selecting national award nominees begins with identifying four outstanding individuals from every state and territory. These 32 exceptional candidates are then put forward as contenders for the prestigious national recognition.
2026 NSW Australian of the Year nominees
- Professor Nadia Badawi AM — pioneering neonatologist (Warrawee)
- Dr Jennifer Matthews — marine biologist (Manly Vale)
- Nicholas Stewart — LGBTIQ+ rights advocate (Waterloo)
- Dr Alison Thompson OAM — global humanitarian (Sutherland Shire)
2026 NSW Senior Australian of the Year nominees
- Professor Henry Brodaty AO — dementia treatment pioneer (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 — carer for the homeless (Banora Point)
The NSW award recipients will be announced on Monday at a ceremony held at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, and will also be available to watch online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
